£80m cost of 'rogue' garages

One million London motorists claim to have been swindled by "cowboy" garages in the past year, research shows today.

The cost of rogue repairs and unnecessary servicing is put at £80million in the capital. Nationally, the figure is £430million a year.

Research by Norwich Union shows that UK motorists spend £9billion a year on car servicing but feel at the mercy of unscrupulous tradesmen.

The insurer's survey of 632 drivers reveals that female motorists feel they are cheated out of £100 a year, while men believe they overpay £85. As a result, more than a third of all female car owners ask a man to take their car to the garage.

But one quarter of men also admit to nervousness about unscrupulous tradesmen and unfamiliar terminology. The insurer advises people to get written estimates and agree on a timescale and payment method.

Peter Stratton, from the Trading Standards Institute, said: "This study provides additional evidence of the need for action to protect the customer against unacceptable practices in the motor trade industry."

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