Helpful Advice

Why is Approved Garages different?

Approved Garages is not a faceless chain. Instead, we are a national network of independent local garages. By using an Approved Garages’ member you are supporting a local business at the heart of your community, and one you know you can trust. Every Approved Garages’ member is supported by GROUPAUTO, a leading part distributor with over 6000 locations worldwide.

How do I know I’ll get a good service from my local Approved Garages’ member?

Simple. Every Approved Garages’ technician has access to state of the art training. GROUPAUTO — Approved Garages’ parent company — is one of the largest suppliers of training to garage professionals in the UK.

How do I know I’ll be treated fairly, and charged a competitive price?

When joining Approved Garages every one of our members commits to our code of conduct. That means they commit to fair and transparent pricing, complete honesty, and to never starting work on your vehicle without discussing it with you first.

But don’t just take our word for it. Our garages have a 99% customer approval rating, higher than any other independent garage network and well ahead of the franchised main dealers. You can see the latest garage reviews on our homepage and unlike some companies we promise to publish every review we receive, good, bad or indifferent.

But my car is in warranty. Don’t I have to take it to a main dealer for repairs and servicing to keep the warranty valid?

No, this is a common myth. Because Approved Garages guarantees to only use original equipment or matched quality parts, the law states that you can use any of our members and your car’s warranty won’t be affected. And of course, you also have the peace of mind that comes with knowing we only install high spec, guaranteed parts.

It’s also true that repairs or servicing carried out by one of our independent garage members often works out cheaper than identical work carried out by a franchised main dealer.

What if I have a complaint about an Approved Garages’ member?

Firstly, we are confident that you’ll be happy with the service you receive from any of our members.

In the unlikely event that you do have a complaint, Approved Garages is a member of the National Conciliation Service (NCS) — the NCS is an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR); The ADR can act as the mediation to help consumer and trader come to a mutually acceptable outcome.

That’s great. Is there an Approved Garages’ member near me?

With over 650 members across the UK, and more garages joining every week, there’s bound to be an Approved Garage near you. Enter your postcode in the search box above to find your trusted independent garage.