I had a wreck in my 93 Honda Civic earlier this year. The front end was damaged but the car was still drivable. I removed the bumper, hood and fenders to make it legal to drive in the state of Ohio. The car was street legal during the day time and I drove it all summer while I saved up the money to have it fixed. After visiting several local shops in town a few of them referred me to a local body shop.

I took the car out and was told it would be ready next week. I gave them the new hood, bumpers, lights and fenders. 3 weeks went by with no word. I was finally able to borrow a car and go out since they would not answer the phone. When I arrive the owner is being rude to me about not coming and getting the car sooner. I then find out the car will not start after they worked on it. I have had the owner say in front of 5 people, 2 who are mechanics from another local shop that I paid to go out and fix the car that they pulled the car up on the rack and did the work and after that it wouldn't start. The other mechanics said that over half of the fuse box is not getting power. I was also told most likely it would have to be rewired and could run 600-800 dollars depending on how much needed done.

I sent a mechanic out to repair the wires at my cost. The mechanic went out and waited over an hour for the lift to be free which the owner of the shop said it would be available that day. They were told they would have to wait 2-3 hours which would have been closing time to use the rack. Since its cold in Ohio this time of year the mechanic was unable to wait that long.

I tried to get the car moved to another repair shop the one that did the damage refuses to fix it. However they will not let me leave with the car until I pay them for the work they completed. I told them you broke the car, you didn't put the bumper, fenders, or lights on but you still want the full amount? I told them that isn't going to happen.

So my car is sitting outside of this guys shop. The battery is now dead, the tire is now flat (brand new tire), and there is body damage done to the car that wasn't originally there. Its also sitting under a tree where sticks are falling on the new carbon fiber hood. Yet this guy will not release the car and its getting damaged by the day. The car has been garage kept since 1996 and has had a B18C from Japan engine swap. Now there are rust spots forming on the car where they did not put the parts back on and its sitting out in the elements.

I have a phone call in to the attorney general but no word from that office yet. So while I am waiting on them to call be back regarding the issue I thought I would ask on here.

Is the shop liable for the damage done to the car? I have 5 statements from people with a notary signature saying that the owner admitted driving the car onto the rack and that it would not start after they did their work. I drove it all summer and plenty of people can testify to that, because I drove it while I saved money. Now I am without a car and have been for over a month. Which has caused me to lose a job.

Is the body damage covered? The car has a custom paint job and yes it was in a wreck but photos show the doors, body kit, and rear were untouched. Now these areas have paint removed and several large deep scratches. Plus its sitting under a tree so the $500 dollar hood is getting hit with branches from the tree, even after I asked the owner to move the car. The one scratch is clear down to the fiberglass on the side skirts. So even after I get my parts on the car is going to need repainted to make it ready for car shows again.

I asked the attorney general if I could remove the car and take it to a repair shop to get fixed without paying the body shop anything. Since they did not complete the work and they broke the car I don't see how they are entitled to any monetary compensation. I should be able to remove the car to prevent more damage from occurring and to have it properly fixed since they refuse to fix their mistake.

So, if you were in my shoes, what would be your course of action? Thank you in advance for any advice.

If I was you, I would have paid them at the first time, with credit card, moved the car, then when bill came, contest the payment.

But now, your waiting has caused additional damages that the shop owner may not be liable for now.

Also, the shop owner can start charging you storage fees, if you do not pick the car up and also put a lien on the car.

Most tow shops will not go onto the mechanics property and get the car, if the mechanic refuses to release it.

If the lot is open, you could try, getting it towed at night, but even that is a risk,

You really will need to pay for the work, then sue them for the damages.