Can I be arrested for stealing my own car from a garage with whom I'm in dispute?

Question

Hi

My car is sat on a garage forecourt. I have a 1500 pounds bill to pay.

To be honest we haven't the money.

If I use the spare key to drive off in my own car, can the garage have me arrested for stealing my own car? I appreciate they may well chase me for the bill which I intend to pay anyway.

I need to know my legal position.

I live in the UK.

Please help!

Answer 1

Trust Trooper. I do however believe that if they have a mechanics lien on the car you would in fact be stealing it!

Answer 2

In the states you could be arrested once they report the car as stolen from their lot then they could put a mechanics lien on your vehicle.

Either you shouldn't have had the vehicle fixed or pre-arranged a payment plan with the mechanic.

Answer 3

For stealing the car, no. For trespassing, yes.  

Answer 4

Seems to me that they would bill you for the charges and that you would have to work with some form of creditor or something to pay. Just remember though, they still have the other key and can take the car back