5 Ways To Get Out Of Paying Your Auto Repair Bill

Our recent article regarding Mechanic Pet Peeves got a lot of feedback, much of which had to do with customers who try to get out of paying their repair bills at the same time they showed off brand new boats, handguns, or expensive jewelry. This shows us that there is a need for a guide on how to get out of paying auto repair bills. Here are some tips:

1) Leave the car - A great way to get out of making payment for automotive repairs is to leave the car with the mechanic indefinitely. This is a bit tricky, but will absolutely work. If you never come back to pick up the car, the mechanic won't have a chance to put the bill in your hand. Unfortunately, you will need to borrow someone else's car to get around, or buy a new one, defeating the purpose of the entire exercise. 

2) IOU's - If you've seen the movie Dumb and Dumber, you know how effective IOU's can be when it comes to spending money. Simply get as much work done to your vehicle as possible, and when it comes time to pay your bill, hand the mechanic or receptionist a piece of paper with the amount of the bill, and the letters I.O.U. written on them and your signature. The mechanic will be thrilled to have documentation, it's almost as good as cash! 

3) Drive away - This is one of the riskier and more difficult methods for getting out of paying your auto repair bill. First, you will need to convince the mechanic to let you drive your car to make sure "the repairs were done correctly." You will need to make sure that he or she doesn't get in the car with you. As you exit the parking lot of the shop, simply drive home, and don't ever return. The trouble with this approach is that it is immoral, and illegal. You will likely be arrested, which means you will have to pay bail and fines. However, at least for that day, you will get out of paying your auto repair bill. 

4) Barter - Before money became the preferred method of exchange, people would barter for their services. When you get your repair bill, offer to provide the mechanic with services that you are able to perform. This can be anything from plumbing, to marketing, to cutting the mechanic's hair. Bartering is one of the earliest forms of commerce between human beings. The risk you run by choosing this method is that the mechanic may not want to barter with you, either because they prefer money, or because your skills don't happen to be something that they're looking for. 

5) Play dumb - This is a very simple method as anyone with children knows how it works. You get work done on your car, then when the repair bill comes, you just act like you have no idea what's happening. What repair work? What car? How did I even end up here? The two positive outcomes may be that the mechanic will feel bad for you and let you go on your way, or they will just not want to deal with your nonsense, and will kick you out. Of course, they may also call the police, or keep your car, but it's worth a shot when you really, really don't want to pay that repair bill.