1. Service Authorization
Before work begins, the customer will be informed of the service being performed and, when reasonably possible, the expected cost.
By authorizing work, the customer acknowledges that automotive repairs can involve unforeseen conditions, additional problems, and variables that may not be visible until testing, inspection, or disassembly is performed.
Authorization may be provided verbally, electronically, by text message, or in writing.
2. Diagnostic Services
Diagnostic fees cover the technician's time, equipment, testing, inspection, and expertise required to identify or narrow down the cause of a vehicle problem.
A diagnostic service does not guarantee that a specific repair will be required or that the recommended repair will resolve every symptom.
Modern vehicles can have multiple problems producing similar symptoms. Additional testing or repairs may be necessary.
Once a diagnostic service has been performed, the diagnostic fee is generally non-refundable.
If a customer chooses not to authorize the recommended repair, the diagnostic charge remains due.
3. Payment
Payment is due upon completion of the authorized service unless another payment arrangement has been agreed upon in advance.
Tate Automotive may require a deposit or payment before beginning certain repairs, ordering special parts, or performing extensive work.
Customers are responsible for payment for all authorized labor, diagnostic services, parts, fees, and other approved services.
4. Refund Policy
Payments for completed automotive services are generally non-refundable.
Refunds will not be issued solely because a customer is dissatisfied with the completed work, changes their mind, no longer wants the repair, or expected a different result.
Examples of situations that generally do not qualify for a refund include:
- Customer is dissatisfied with completed work despite the authorized service being performed.
- Customer changes their mind after work has been completed.
- Customer decides they no longer want or need the repair.
- The vehicle has additional problems unrelated to the original repair.
- A pre-existing condition becomes apparent after the repair.
- A diagnostic service identifies a problem but the customer declines the recommended repair.
- Another component fails after the original repair.
- The original repair does not resolve a symptom because the actual cause is a different problem.
- Customer-supplied parts are defective, incorrect, incompatible, or fail prematurely.
- The vehicle is modified, altered, disassembled, or repaired by another person or business after Tate Automotive's service.
- The vehicle is operated in a manner that causes or contributes to additional damage.
- Recommended testing, repairs, or maintenance are declined by the customer.
This policy does not waive or limit any rights or remedies that cannot legally be waived under applicable law.
5. Additional Repairs
If additional problems are discovered during a repair, Tate Automotive will communicate the findings to the customer when reasonably possible.
Additional work that was not included in the original authorization may require additional charges and customer approval before the work is performed.
If the customer declines necessary additional work, Tate Automotive is not responsible for problems resulting from the declined repair.
6. Customer-Supplied Parts
Tate Automotive may, at its discretion, install parts supplied by the customer.
The customer is responsible for ensuring that customer-supplied parts are correct and compatible with the vehicle.
Tate Automotive is not responsible for:
- Incorrect parts
- Defective parts
- Incorrect fitment
- Premature part failure
- Parts damaged before installation
- Parts that cause damage to other components
- Delays caused by incorrect or defective parts
Customer-supplied parts may also limit or eliminate any parts warranty or workmanship coverage that would otherwise apply.
7. Pre-Existing Conditions
Vehicles may have existing mechanical, electrical, structural, cosmetic, or other problems that are unrelated to the service being performed.
Tate Automotive is not responsible for pre-existing conditions or failures of components that were not part of the original repair.
Older and high-mileage vehicles may contain worn, damaged, corroded, brittle, or previously repaired components that can fail during normal repair procedures.
8. Older, Modified, or Neglected Vehicles
Tate Automotive reserves the right to refuse or discontinue work on a vehicle when its condition creates an unreasonable risk of damage, injury, or inability to properly complete the requested repair.
This may include vehicles that are:
- Severely rusted or corroded
- Heavily modified
- Previously improperly repaired
- Missing required components
- Severely neglected
- Damaged from an accident
- Unsafe to work on
- Contaminated by hazardous materials or fluids
- Structurally compromised
- Subject to conditions that make proper repair impractical
If work cannot reasonably be completed because of the vehicle's condition, the customer remains responsible for authorized diagnostic, inspection, labor, and parts charges already incurred.
9. Unsafe Vehicles
Tate Automotive may refuse to operate, test-drive, or continue working on a vehicle that is determined to be unsafe.
Examples may include:
- Unsafe brakes
- Severe steering or suspension problems
- Severely damaged tires or wheels
- Major fluid leaks
- Structural damage
- Exposed electrical wiring
- Fuel system leaks
- Severe overheating
- Other conditions that could create a safety hazard
If a vehicle cannot safely be driven after service, the customer may be advised to arrange towing or other transportation.
Tate Automotive is not responsible for consequences resulting from a customer choosing to operate a vehicle after being advised that it may be unsafe.
10. Mobile Service
Because Tate Automotive provides mobile automotive services, the condition and location of the vehicle may affect the ability to perform certain repairs.
The customer is responsible for providing a reasonably safe and accessible work area whenever possible.
Tate Automotive may refuse service or require the vehicle to be transported to another location when a repair cannot safely or properly be performed at the vehicle's location.
Weather, parking restrictions, access, environmental conditions, lack of lighting, or other circumstances may affect mobile service.
11. Vehicle Testing and Test Drives
Some repairs and diagnostics require the vehicle to be started, operated, moved, or test-driven.
By authorizing such work, the customer authorizes Tate Automotive to operate the vehicle as reasonably necessary to perform the requested service.
If a vehicle has known safety concerns, those concerns should be disclosed before service begins.
12. Vehicle Condition and Existing Damage
Customers should disclose known problems, previous repairs, modifications, warning lights, symptoms, and relevant vehicle history before service.
Tate Automotive is not responsible for damage that existed before service.
If a vehicle is found to have loose, broken, deteriorated, improperly installed, or previously damaged components, additional work may be necessary.
13. Repairs Performed by Others After Tate Automotive Service
If another person, shop, technician, or business performs work on the vehicle after Tate Automotive completes a repair, Tate Automotive may be unable to determine whether a subsequent problem is related to the original service.
Any warranty or workmanship claim may be affected by subsequent repairs, modifications, adjustments, or disassembly performed by others.
14. Workmanship Concerns
If a customer believes there is a workmanship-related problem, Tate Automotive asks that the customer contact us as soon as reasonably possible.
Tate Automotive will make reasonable efforts to inspect and address legitimate workmanship concerns.
If an issue is determined to be related to our workmanship, Tate Automotive will work with the customer toward an appropriate resolution based on the circumstances and applicable warranty terms.
15. No Guarantee of Complete Vehicle Reliability
Repairing one component does not guarantee that other components will not fail.
Automobiles contain many interconnected mechanical, electrical, computer, and electronic systems. Repairing one problem does not eliminate the possibility of another component failing.
Tate Automotive does not guarantee that a vehicle will remain free from future breakdowns after a repair.
16. Declined Repairs
If Tate Automotive recommends additional repairs, maintenance, testing, or safety-related work and the customer declines that recommendation, the customer acknowledges that the vehicle may continue to experience the reported problem or develop additional problems.
Tate Automotive is not responsible for damage or failures resulting from repairs or recommendations that the customer knowingly declined.
17. Customer Communication
Customers are responsible for providing accurate contact information and remaining reasonably available when authorization or decisions are required.
If additional work is needed, Tate Automotive will make reasonable efforts to contact the customer before proceeding when additional authorization is required.
Delays caused by difficulty contacting the customer, obtaining authorization, or obtaining parts may extend the expected completion time.
18. Parts Availability and Delays
Repair times and completion dates are estimates and are not guaranteed.
Delays may occur because of:
- Parts availability
- Incorrect or delayed parts
- Shipping delays
- Additional problems discovered during repair
- Supplier issues
- Weather
- Vehicle condition
- Diagnostic complications
- Customer authorization delays
Tate Automotive is not responsible for delays outside of its reasonable control.
19. Customer Responsibility
By authorizing service, the customer acknowledges that:
- They have had an opportunity to ask questions about the service.
- They understand that additional problems may be discovered.
- They understand that automotive repairs cannot guarantee elimination of every vehicle symptom.
- They have provided accurate information about the vehicle to the best of their knowledge.
- They understand that pre-existing conditions may affect the repair.
- They agree to pay for authorized services, labor, diagnostics, and parts.
- They understand that customer-supplied parts may limit warranty coverage.
- They understand that declining recommended repairs may affect vehicle operation and future repairs.
20. Policy Changes
Tate Automotive reserves the right to update these policies and procedures as necessary. The policies in effect at the time of service authorization will generally apply to that service.
Questions or Concerns
If you have questions about these policies or concerns regarding a service performed by Tate Automotive, please contact us so we can review the situation.
Tate Automotive is committed to treating customers fairly while providing professional automotive repair and diagnostic services.
Nothing in these policies is intended to waive or limit any rights or remedies that cannot legally be waived under applicable law.