UNPACKING THE MAINE MECHANIC'S LIEN

There are two types of a mechanics lien. Common law (Artisan’s lien) and Statutory Lien. The Maine Attorney General's website advises consumers that:

"If you refuse to pay a repair bill you dispute, you may be in for a mighty bumpy ride. The shop owner has both a common law and statutory mechanic’s lien on your car and may refuse to deliver it to you until you pay. The lien is only for the amount that was authorized to be done, but since that is what is in dispute, your car will still be kept from you until your bill is paid. The lien is, in effect, a claim to partial ownership of the car. You will not have a clear title to your car until you pay the bill or until the claim is settled in court, assuming it is settled in your favor."

Furthermore, according to the Attorney General, if you simply leave the car and refuse to pay, you run the risk that the car can be found to be “abandoned” and the repair shop named the owner.

Learn all of the ins and outs of the Maine Mechanics Lien by downloading the guide.