shopguide

About

An independent guide, on your side of the table.

Overcharged, bad work, or they won't release your car. This site covers your rights against repair shops — estimates, authorizations, liens, and how to fight back.

What this site is

Shop Guide is an independent, plain-English resource for car owners in disputes with repair shops..

Why does this site exist? Because the people on the other side of these disputes have lawyers and playbooks, and you have a search box at midnight. This site evens that out.

Who writes it

Will Tygart is the founder of Tygart Media. He writes plain-English guides for people facing the disputes nobody explains — the questions people actually ask, answered straight, with no industry talking points.

How it's kept honest

  • No industry talking points. Nothing here is reviewed or approved by the other side.
  • No sales pitch. There is nothing for sale on this site.
  • Reviewed regularly. Every page carries a last-reviewed date.
  • Corrections welcome. If something's wrong or out of date, it gets fixed — visibly.

The fine print

Informational only.

Rules vary by state and by contract. Check your own documents and your state's agencies, or talk to a licensed professional, before acting.

What you'll find here

Guide topics
AreaQuestions answered
The one thing to know firstSee the guides
Start with your situationSee the guides
How this site worksSee the guides
The shop-fight playbookSee the guides
Key facts, at a glanceSee the guides