Getting help from a motor trade association
If you’ve got a problem with your car, for example a fault or a bad repair, the first step is to speak to the garage or dealership responsible. If you can’t get it sorted out with them directly, a trade association could help as long as the garage or dealership is a member.
A trade association will have both:
- a code of practice that the garage or dealership has to stick to, or they’ll cancel their membership
- a conciliation or arbitration service - these act as a go-between to help you and the garage or dealership to sort the problem out
Find out if your garage or dealership is a member of a trade association
To find out you could:
- ask them directly
- see if they have a trade association logo on their paperwork or in an office window
- contact the trade associations and ask them if the garage or dealership is a member - most will have a search facility on their website
Trade associations’ contact details
Motor Ombudsman
Website: https://www.themotorombudsman.org/
Telephone: 0345 241 3008 (option 1)
Open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday excluding bank holidays.
Retail Motor Industry Federation
Website: https://www.rmif.co.uk/en/membership/find-a-member/
Telephone: 0845 305 4230
Email: [email protected]
Motor Cycle Industry Association
Website: https://mcia.co.uk/
Telephone: 02476 408000
Email: [email protected]
Scotland Motor Trade Association
Website: https://www.smta.co.uk/find-your-local-smta-member/
Telephone: 0131 331 5510
If they’re a member
If the garage or dealership is a member, contact the trade association and explain your situation. They should be able to explain their code of practice and what you can do about your problem.