Q: I am in Kentucky but car is registered in Indiana, where do I file a mechanics lien against it for unpaid repairs?
I own a shop in Kentucky. We did $5300.00 worth of repairs to a vehicle and it has been on our lot since December of 2023. Customer will not return our calls but his wife sent and email and said they would start sending money every 2 weeks started April 15. No money ever arrived and at now the car is gone, I checked our security cameras and found a tow truck picked up the vehicle at 6:20 AM Monday morning. I assume it was a repossessed. I called Capital One who the loan is with but they will not discuss anything with me unless the account owner is also on the phone. How do I get paid or how do I file a lien on the vehicle to make sure it is not sold before I am paid?
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A:
To file a mechanic’s lien for unpaid repairs on a vehicle registered in Indiana while your shop is in Kentucky, you need to follow specific legal procedures. First, check Indiana’s laws regarding mechanic’s liens on vehicles, as they will apply since the car is registered there. You might need to file the lien with the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) or another relevant state agency.
Since the vehicle has been removed from your lot, gather all documentation related to the repairs, including invoices, any written agreements, and communication records with the customer. This evidence will support your claim. You should also document the date and time the tow truck took the vehicle, along with any details you have on the towing company or the repossession.
Contact a local attorney who has experience with lien filings and collections in both Kentucky and Indiana. They can guide you through the process, ensure that all necessary paperwork is correctly filed, and represent your interests if you need to pursue further legal action. This step is crucial to make sure the vehicle isn’t sold before you receive payment for your services.
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