Is this auto shop responsible?
 

Hi all, didn't really know where to post this, but here seems like a good idea. Here's the deal, I recently got my car back from an auto shop because of an accident I got in a while back. Now, the car looks great, it looks brand new like nothing ever happened to it.

The problem I have, however, is that I had a school parking decal on my rear window that I need to park on campus. When I got my car back, it was not there. I didn't notice this until after I got home from picking it up and by then it was too late to call or head back to the place. So, I'm wondering if that is something that this shop should be responsible for?

I don't know why it was taken off unless they replaced my rear window, but I don't think they should have had to because there was no damage to it and I can't find that listed anywhere in the long list of repairs made to the car. Normally I'd say no big deal and just get another one but they are like $70 or $80 dollar permits which is a lot for a poor college student!

So, any input about this situation would be very very appreciated. Thanks!

Your car's liscence plate should have been registered when you got the parking tag... ask the office that issues the tag for another one that goes with your liscence plate. Just explain that some body work was done on the car... since the tags are the same, I wouldnt imagine you being charged twice.

Hi, thanks for the reply. I checked that out and you can get a replacement if its stolen for $20 but you need a police report. Otherwise you have to buy a new one :(

Go back to the auto shop and ask them what's up.

I think you're SOL though.

Yea, I am going to call Monday as soon as they open. I was just wondering what you all thought. If I call them up asking about this are they gonna be like "Wtf thats not our problem" type of attitude or something?

Anyway thanks for the replies. Please contribute any other thoughts you may have!

Even if they did that, which they shouldn't, but even if they did, you can just hang up on them. Don't worry about offending people. It's not worth it.

Just call them up, ask them if they know what happened, if they don't, oh well. It doesn't hurt to ask. If they turn into assholes about it, you can tell them that you won't be needing their services in the future and you'll be sure to tell all your friends not to use them for any body work they may need.

Don't start out offending though... You can catch a lot more flies with honey than youc an with vinegar... When you call - be polite, be respectful and ask nicely.

Ask them if the rear window was replaced... sounds like it was only they didn't charge you for it... Maybe it was broken by accident on their part...

You should be able to show the accident report to the school and get a new one for $20. There is no way you deserve to be punished by your school for this. I don't think the problem lies with the auto shop at all. I think it lies entirely with the DMV-mentality of your school's staff. I had similar issues at my school and I skipped straight from the desk clerk to the head of the traffic services department. I had a new sticker and an apology in about 20 minutes. Be sure to have the accident report and repair shop bill with you.

Yeah, you should *not* accept anything less than a new sticker for either free or at the replacement cost. It's not your fault you don't have the sticker- therefore you should *not* accept being walked on or treated like it is your fault. Stand up for yourself, be polite, and don't walk out of that office without speaking to every higher up you can get your hands on. Good luck!

Hi again all! Well I called the autoshop and asked if they knew what happened. Turned out the pressure cleaner they used to clean my car before I picked it up took the sticker right off. They were able to find it thankfully because I think if I read my school's parking rules correctly I should be able to trade in the old one for a new one for $5. Thanks for all the input!

haha this damn school sounds like it charges for EVERYTHING! $5 just to give you a new one? I mean yeesh.. Glad you found it, though. :)

yeah, the schools out of control with charges...

is there a 1 dollar fee to walk into the door.

another 1 dollar fee to ask the question concerning the replacement sticker.

It's two dollars if you want an answer, three if you want the answer to require thought, and 10 if you want a correct answer.

Haha...its true they are so bad at charging for the stupidest stuff here. I just hope they are actually putting the money towards a decent purpose like building more garages. Parking here is hell... =[