Authorized vs. Independent Workshops: Where Is It Best to Service Your Car?

The question of where to service your car often arises for vehicle owners, especially once the warranty period expires. Choosing between an authorized service center – directly affiliated with the vehicle’s brand – and an independent garage comes with its own pros and cons. The decision often depends on various factors such as the age and value of the vehicle, as well as the personal preferences of the owner.

May 16, 2025

Authorized vs. Independent Workshops: Where Is It Best to Service Your Car?

If you own a relatively new and more expensive car, servicing it at an authorized workshop during the first few years definitely has advantages. One major benefit lies in potential damage claims after a traffic accident. Damage assessments often take into account the labor rates of authorized service centers, which are typically 20–30% higher than those of independent workshops. This means that if your vehicle is regularly serviced at an authorized center, in the event of an accident, you could potentially claim 20–30% more in compensation. In other words, the extra investment in higher-priced regular services during the early years may pay off if an accident occurs. Of course, no one wants such a scenario, but it’s important to be aware of this financial advantage.

However, after a few years, the question arises whether it still makes financial sense to service the car exclusively at an authorized workshop. Service costs can sometimes approach half the value of the car itself. Still, some owners continue using authorized service centers for the prestige or the desire to maintain their vehicle under the highest standards, using original parts and trained professionals specialized in their car brand.

On the other hand, many owners switch to independent garages after the warranty period ends. Sometimes it’s a friend’s garage, or a trusted independent workshop recommended by others. These places often offer more competitive prices on labor and parts, which can significantly reduce maintenance costs, especially for older cars. Learn how to choose the right repair shop after an accident HERE.

It’s important to understand that authorized service centers, as part of the manufacturer’s network, often charge higher prices. Therefore, one should carefully consider how long it remains financially justifiable to stick exclusively to them. At a certain point, the cost savings offered by independent workshops may outweigh the benefits of using authorized ones in damage claims.

Some car owners also stick with authorized service centers in the hope of achieving a better resale price later. The argument is that a vehicle with a clean service history from an authorized center will fetch a higher price on the used car market. However, this is not guaranteed. The sale price depends on many factors: your sales skills, urgency, any vehicle damage, the car’s age, and sometimes pure luck in finding the right buyer. No one can promise a better sale price solely because the car was serviced at an authorized center.

What matters more is how you drove the car, how regularly it was serviced (regardless of where), the quality of the replacement parts and oil used, and the overall condition of the vehicle. That’s why it’s always a good idea to consult with an experienced car expert or damage assessor like Asim Mrković, who can provide you with an objective opinion.

Note: In accordance with our data protection policy, no names or personal data of clients were used in this text. All details are drawn from real-life experience but have been adjusted to ensure anonymity and comply with legal standards.