Dealer or Independent Garage for Servicing?

What the competition rules do and do not say

The UK's motor vehicle block exemption framework, and the CMA guidance that accompanies it, are competition-law instruments. Their purpose is to keep the aftermarket open: independent repairers should be able to compete for servicing and repair work, and to obtain spare parts and technical information.

The GOV.UK block exemptions list currently shows the motor vehicle vertical agreements exemption running to 31 May 2029. That is a competition-law expiry date, not a warranty rule.

This framework does not mean any independent service is automatically acceptable under any warranty. It means manufacturers cannot simply require dealer-only servicing as a condition of competition in the aftermarket. Your own contract still governs what you must do.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Read your warranty or service-plan terms, and take advice from Citizens Advice or a solicitor if a claim is disputed.

Servicing at an independent while under warranty

If your car is under a manufacturer warranty or a service plan, the practical protection is evidence. Make sure the work follows the manufacturer schedule, that parts and lubricants meet the specification the manufacturer requires, and that everything is documented in a form the manufacturer will accept.

• Ask the garage to service explicitly to the manufacturer schedule for your VIN
• Confirm the oil meets the manufacturer specification, quoting the approval code
• Ask for OE or OE-equivalent parts and keep the part numbers on the invoice
• Check whether your manufacturer requires entries in a digital service record and whether the garage can make them
• Keep invoices as well as stamps - a stamp alone shows little about what was done

No one can promise every warranty claim will be honoured after any independent service. Following the schedule with correct-specification parts and complete records is the strongest position you can be in.

Where a franchised dealer has the edge

• Outstanding recalls and safety campaigns, which are carried out by franchised dealers
• Manufacturer software and firmware updates
• Model-specific diagnostic equipment and factory technical bulletins
• Goodwill contributions on out-of-warranty failures, which manufacturers usually assess through their own network
• Very new, complex, hybrid or high-voltage vehicles where the technician training is manufacturer-specific

Where a good independent has the edge

• Labour rates are frequently lower than franchised rates
• You often speak directly to the person working on the car
• More flexibility on parts choice for older vehicles out of warranty
• Many independents specialise in particular makes and hold the relevant tooling and data

Consumer codes are a useful shortlist filter. The Motor Ombudsman's Service and Repair Code sets standards for accredited businesses, and Citizens Advice explains what an approved-garage scheme does and does not mean.

A simple way to decide

• Under warranty or on a service plan - read the terms first, then choose either route with full documentation
• Recall outstanding - book the dealer for the recall regardless of who services the car
• Out of warranty, straightforward vehicle - a competent independent is usually the pragmatic choice
• Complex, high-voltage or very new vehicle - check the independent's training and equipment before booking