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Shiplake Motors – Terms & Conditions of Business

Effective from: 12 January 2018

 

1. Introduction

These Terms of Service govern all services provided by Shiplake Motors, located at Northfield Road, Shiplake, RG9 3PA. By booking a service, MOT, or repair, or by leaving your vehicle on our premises, you agree to abide by these terms.

 

2. Estimates & Quotes

• Estimates are provided in good faith based on initial inspection and are not binding.

• Should additional faults be discovered, we will seek your approval before continuing.

• All quotes are valid for 30 days unless otherwise stated.

 

3. Bookings & Cancellations

• Bookings must be cancelled or rescheduled with at least 24 hours’ notice.

• Missed appointments may incur a charge of £30.00.

• We reserve the right to reschedule any appointment due to unforeseen circumstances.

 

4. Work Authorisation

• By bringing your vehicle to Shiplake Motors, you authorise us to inspect, diagnose, or carry out agreed services.

• Verbal, written, or digital communication (email, text) confirming work constitutes binding authorisation.

• Vehicles may be photographed before and after service for protection and quality control.

 

5. Parts & Labour

• We use OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) or equivalent quality parts unless otherwise agreed.

• Labour is charged at £60 per hour, plus VAT where applicable (at present time).

• All parts remain the property of Shiplake Motors until paid for in full.

 

6. Customer-Supplied Parts

• Customer-supplied parts are fitted entirely at the customer’s risk.

• We do not provide a warranty or accept liability for such parts.

• Fitting charges still apply.

 

7. Warranties

• We provide a 12-month or 10,000-mile warranty (whichever occurs first) on labour and parts we supply.

• This warranty excludes:

  • Normal wear-and-tear components,

  • Customer-supplied parts,

  • Misuse, neglect, or accident-related issues,

  • Repairs/modifications by third parties post-service.

 

8. Payment Terms

• Full payment is required before vehicle release.

• Accepted payment methods: cash, debit/credit card, or bank transfer.

• Overdue payments may incur interest at 8% above the Bank of England base rate, plus compensation per the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998.

 

9. MOT Services

• MOT testing is carried out strictly by appointment only.

• MOT charges are in line with standard DVSA rates applicable at the time of booking.

• If your vehicle fails its MOT, we will advise you of required repairs and provide a quote for approval.

• A partial re-test may be free or reduced, depending on DVSA rules and timescales.

 

10. Vehicle Storage & Abandoned Vehicles

10.1 Vehicle Storage

Storage charges apply to:

• Vehicles not undergoing active repair,

• Vehicles left without repair authorisation,

• Vehicles awaiting collection after work is completed.

 

Storage Rates (weekends and bank holidays apply):

Duration

Daily Rate

First 30 days

£10/day

Days 31–90

£15/day

Beyond Days 90 

£18/day

all + VAT

​

• Charges begin three (3) working days after the repair is completed or after a quote is declined with no collection.

10.2 Abandoned Vehicles

A vehicle is considered abandoned if:

• It remains uncollected within 90 days, and

• No payment for storage has been made within the previous 90 days.

In such cases:

• We will notify the owner / registered keeper/customer in writing, at the address we have on file.

• Under the Torts (Interference with Goods) Act 1977, we reserve the right to dispose of the vehicle.

• Disposal may include sale, auction, scrappage, or salvage.

Financial Impact:

• Disposal costs are chargeable to the owner / registered keeper / customer 

• Revenue from vehicle sale will be applied to storage and/or disposal charges.

• Any surplus may be refunded to the owner / registered keeper / customer.

• If sale proceeds do not cover the storage charges, the outstanding balance is the owner / registered keeper / customer responsibility.

 

11. Delivery and Collection

• Delivery or collection of a vehicle is available for a flat fee of £140, covering a radius of seven (7) miles from our premises.

• Longer distances will incur an additional charge, quoted at the time of callout / booking.

• This service is by prior arrangement only and subject to availability.

 

12. Vehicle Recovery

• Vehicle recovery is available during working hours:
  Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

• Recovery charges start at £140, which covers up to seven (7) miles.

• Additional mileage is charged at £4.50 per mile.

• Recovery must be pre-booked and confirmed before dispatch.

 

13. Insurance, Road Testing & Vehicle Security

• Vehicles may be test-driven by insured staff to diagnose or confirm repairs.

• While our premises are secure, we are not responsible for:

  • Personal items left inside the vehicle,

  • Damage or loss caused by fire, theft, vandalism, or adverse weather.

 

14. Customer Responsibilities

Customers are responsible for:

• Removing personal belongings from the vehicle,

• Providing accurate and current contact details,

• Collecting the vehicle promptly after work is completed.

Failure to collect in a timely manner will incur storage charges (see Section 10).

 

15. Liability

We take reasonable care when handling your vehicle. However, we are not liable for:

• Indirect losses (e.g., missed appointments, lost earnings),

• Pre-existing faults,

• Modifications not disclosed prior to service.

 

16. Complaints & Dispute Resolution

If you have a concern:

• Please contact the garage manager at by email.

• We aim to resolve complaints promptly and professionally.

• If a resolution is not reached, you may contact:

  • The Motor Ombudsman, or

  • Citizens Advice.

 

17. Data Protection

• We process your personal data in accordance with the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018.

• Your data will never be sold or shared without your permission, except where required by law.

 

18. Force Majeure

We are not responsible for delays caused by circumstances beyond our control, including natural disasters, pandemics, labour disputes, or supply chain issues.

 

19. Governing Law

These terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes will be settled in the courts of England and Wales.

 

20. Acceptance of Terms

By using our services or leaving your vehicle with Shiplake Motors, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms of Service.