In Virginia, a mechanic’s or storage lien (MSL) is a way for automotive repair or body shops, car parking lots or storage facilities, and towing services to recover the costs of vehicle repair or storage when a customer fails to pay.
What is a mechanics lien?
According to the Virginia Code, mechanics who alter or repair a customer’s vehicle and who do not receive payment for any alterations or repairs have a mechanic’s or storage lien on the vehicle for their just and reasonable charges up to $1,000 if there is an existing lien on the vehicle or up to the value of the vehicle if there isn’t one.
What is a storage lien?
Under Virginia law, anyone who keeps or stores vehicles, including self-storage facilities and towing companies, can have mechanic’s or storage liens on such vehicles for the amount due to them for towing, storage, and recovery. If there is an existing lien on the vehicle, MSL liens for storage are capped at $500. If there is no lien, then the maximum lien for storage is the value of the vehicle.
Who is eligible for a mechanics or storage lien (MSL)?
Any mechanic who alters or repairs a vehicle and any keepers of vehicles, including garages, parking lots, self-storage facilities, towing businesses, and even auto repair or body shops who hold on to customer vehicles after they have been repaired, are eligible for mechanics and storage liens (MSL).
How can I get a mechanics’ or storage lien (MSL)?
The mechanics and storage lien (MSL) process in Virginia is carefully regulated by law, and certain steps must be followed to ensure your lien is valid. ClarifyDMV can help you process your mechanics and storage lien (MSL).
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