The UK's Block Exemption Rules explained — your right to choose an independent garage without losing your warranty.
When you buy a new car, it is easy to assume that you must return to the manufacturer's main dealer for every service until the warranty expires.
The dealership may encourage you to do exactly that. You may also worry that using a local independent garage could invalidate your warranty.
However, this is not generally the case.
UK competition rules are designed to prevent car manufacturers from unfairly locking drivers into their authorised servicing networks. In simple terms, you can usually have your car serviced by a suitable independent garage without automatically losing the benefit of the manufacturer's warranty.
There are some important conditions and practical points to understand.
What is block exemption?
"Block exemption" is an informal term commonly used when discussing the rules governing car servicing and repairs.
The current UK rules are set out in the Motor Vehicle Agreements Block Exemption Order 2023, often shortened to MVBEO. These rules replaced a similar set of regulations inherited from the European Union after Brexit.
The purpose is to protect competition in the automotive aftermarket: the market for servicing, repairs, replacement parts, diagnostic work and maintenance after a vehicle has been sold.
Without these rules, manufacturers could potentially make it difficult for independent garages to compete. Drivers might feel forced to use a main dealer for routine work, even where a local garage could provide a suitable service for less money.
Can I service a new car at an independent garage?
In most cases, yes.
A manufacturer should not make your warranty conditional on having routine servicing or maintenance carried out exclusively within its authorised dealer network.
For example, imagine that your car is due its annual service. The work is not a warranty repair; it is routine maintenance that you are paying for yourself.
You can normally choose a competent independent garage rather than booking the car into a franchised dealership.
This can give you more choice and may save money, particularly where the independent garage has lower labour rates.
Does using an independent garage automatically protect every warranty claim?
No.
The rules do not mean that a manufacturer must pay for every fault, regardless of how the vehicle has been maintained.
A manufacturer or warranty provider may still reject a claim where the fault was caused by poor workmanship or by a failed third-party component.
For example, if an unsuitable oil is used during a service and this damages the engine, the manufacturer may have a legitimate reason to reject a related warranty claim.
Similarly, if a low-quality replacement part fails and causes further damage, that particular repair may not be covered.
The key question is whether there is a genuine link between the servicing work or replacement part and the fault being claimed for.
How can I protect my warranty when using an independent garage?
Choose a reputable garage and make it clear that the car is still within its manufacturer warranty period.
Ask the garage to service the vehicle in line with the manufacturer's recommended schedule and specification. This includes using the correct fluids, completing the required checks and using suitable replacement parts.
Keep a clear record of the work carried out. You should retain:
• The itemised invoice
• The date of the service
• The vehicle mileage
• Details of the oil and fluids used
• Details of any replacement parts
• A stamped service book or updated digital service record, where applicable
Good paperwork is important. If a warranty issue arises later, it helps demonstrate that the vehicle has been maintained properly.
Do independent garages have to use manufacturer-branded parts?
Not always.
There is a difference between a manufacturer-branded part and a part of appropriate or matching quality.
A manufacturer-branded component may come in packaging carrying the vehicle maker's logo. However, some components are produced by the same suppliers that manufacture parts for car makers and may be available without the manufacturer branding.
Other aftermarket parts can also be suitable, provided their quality is appropriate for the vehicle.
For routine servicing, an independent garage does not necessarily need to use parts carrying the car manufacturer's logo. However, it should use reputable components that meet the required standard.
Where a vehicle is still under warranty, choosing a garage that can clearly identify and document the parts used is sensible.
What work may still need to go to a main dealer?
Block exemption does not mean there is no reason to visit a franchised dealership.
Warranty repairs are usually carried out through the manufacturer's authorised network because the manufacturer is paying for the work.
Safety recalls and manufacturer campaigns are also normally completed by authorised dealers, often free of charge.
Some vehicles may also require specialist software updates, coding, calibration or diagnostic work. Independent garages increasingly have access to the information, equipment and training needed for this work, but not every garage will have the same capabilities.
This is particularly relevant for modern cars with advanced driver-assistance systems, connected features and complex electronics.
Does block exemption apply to electric cars?
The principles are relevant to electric cars as well as petrol and diesel vehicles.
Electric vehicles generally have fewer routine mechanical servicing requirements than combustion-engine cars, but they still need maintenance. Checks may include the brakes, tyres, suspension, steering, air-conditioning system, cabin filter and high-voltage components.
Modern repair information can also include software, diagnostic data and information relating to battery-management systems.
For EV owners, the most important point is to choose a garage with the correct training and equipment. A general independent garage may be suitable for basic maintenance, but high-voltage work should be carried out by technicians with the appropriate qualifications.
Is a main dealer still worth considering?
Sometimes.
A franchised dealer may offer benefits such as manufacturer-trained technicians, access to the latest technical updates, specialist diagnostic equipment and familiarity with common faults affecting a particular model.
A full main-dealer service history can also be attractive to some used-car buyers, particularly for newer, premium or specialist vehicles.
However, an experienced independent garage can be an excellent choice, especially once you find one that you trust. Some independents specialise in particular brands and may have extensive knowledge of your vehicle.
The right option depends on the car, the type of work required, the garage's expertise and the price difference.
What about service plans and extended warranties?
This is where it is worth reading the small print carefully.
A prepaid servicing plan may require the work to be completed at a particular dealership or within a specific network because the service itself is included as part of the package.
An extended warranty may also have its own terms and conditions, particularly if it was purchased separately later in the car's life.
Do not assume that every service plan, used-car warranty or insurance-backed warranty works in exactly the same way as the original manufacturer warranty.
Check the agreement before booking the car in.
The simple answer
You do not normally need to use a main dealer for routine servicing simply because your car is still under its manufacturer warranty.
A reputable independent garage can usually service the vehicle without automatically invalidating that warranty.
However, the garage should follow the manufacturer's servicing requirements, use suitable parts and keep a clear record of the work carried out.
For warranty repairs, recalls and highly specialist work, the manufacturer's authorised network may still be the right place to go.
Please note: This article is a general guide and is not legal advice. Warranty terms, service plans and individual circumstances can vary. Check your warranty documents and speak to the warranty provider where you are unsure.
