Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in Pennsylvania

I left a friend use my vehicle and they went and took it to a garage to have it repaired, I knew nothing about it and did not give them permission. The garage did put the bill in that persons name, but they will not pay it and the garage says they will impound my vehicle if the bill is not paid. Can they legally do this because I did not contract with them to do the work and I am not listed on the bill and the person responsible for payment ?


Asked on 5/10/12, 8:04 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Rachel Hunter

The mechanic repaired your car - you are getting the benefit of the work. I think you should pay and then go after your friends for reimbursement.

I don't understand this whole situation. While I can understand allowing the friend to borrow a car, why did the car need repairs? Why did the friend not consult you first? This whole idea was idiotic to begin with. I suspect that your friend damaged the car and tried to get it fixed so you would not know and when they got the bill, they balked. Since this is not their car, they have nothing to lose.

Mechanics have liens on cars and if payment is not made they can and will sell your car to recover the repair costs. I don't know what the car is worth or what the repair costs were but if the car is worth more than the repair costs I would arrange to get the car back and then deal separately witth your soon-to-be-ex friends. Friends don't screw over friends.

Let this be a lesson to other - don't loan out your car like this.

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Answered on 5/10/12, 10:21 am


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