The AutoPlace Promise
Anyone can list a car shop. We only put our tick on shops that treat drivers fairly, prove it on every job, and keep proving it. If something goes wrong, we step in.
A written quote first
You see the price in writing before any work starts, checked against the local average.
Nothing extra without your OK
If the shop finds more work, you get the details, photos and price in My garage, and you decide.
A stamped service log
Every job is recorded in your car's history, which helps with warranty claims and resale.
We step in
If a shop can't put something right, AutoPlace takes it up with the job record in hand.
How a shop earns the tick
- Apply
The shop sends its business details, insurance, certifications and trade memberships.
- Site visit
We visit in person to check the workshop, equipment, health and safety, and how quotes and approvals are handled.
- Probation
New shops are watched closely for their first jobs, with every quote, approval and service log checked.
- Every job counts
The scorecard updates from real jobs: written quotes, approvals asked first, logs stamped, concerns resolved and reply times.
- Yearly re-approval
Shops are re-checked every year. Shops that fall below the standard are reviewed and can lose their tick.
If something goes wrong
For jobs booked with an AutoPlace Approved shop. It's free, and your rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act always apply.
- Raise a concern in My garage
Open the booking and tap Raise a concern. Say what's wrong and add photos. The written quote, your approvals and the shop's notes are attached automatically.
- The shop replies within 2 working days
With an offer: a free re-check, putting it right free, a part refund, or an explanation.
- Accept it, or ask us to step in
If the offer doesn't feel fair, AutoPlace reads the quote, your OK and the work ticked off, and suggests a fair outcome within 5 working days.
- Next steps if needed
If it still isn't settled, we point you to MTA mediation for member shops, or the Disputes Tribunal. The job record goes with you.
Read more: what to do when a repair goes wrong.
Questions
Does it cost anything to raise a concern?
No. Raising a concern is free, and your rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act always apply.
What if the shop isn't AutoPlace Approved?
We can only step in for jobs booked with approved shops. For other shops, the steps in our guide to repairs gone wrong still apply, and MTA offers mediation for its members.
Can a shop pay to be approved?
No. Approval can't be bought: shops have to meet the standard and keep their scorecard up to stay approved. We never take commission on your job and never add a fee to your bill.
Find an approved shop near you
Look for the green tick.