The Independent Garage Association (IGA), the trade association representing the independent garage sector across the UK, is to launch its own ‘Car Repair Plan’ to help consumers spread the cost of repair work to their vehicles.

The plan will allow consumers to regularly put money into a fund which can be used for car repairs, services or MOTs.

The ‘Car Repair Plan’ will be the largest of its kind within the independent garage sector with over 3,000 garages already eligible to sign up. All the garages will be members of the Independent Garage Association (IGA) and Trust My Garage approved.

IGA director Stuart James commented: “This simple and easy to use system is a great way for consumers to shield themselves from unexpected motoring costs while ensuring they receive the best possible service through a Trust My Garage member.

“Consumers will be able to use the plan at any IGA member listed on the Trust My Garage website. Therefore if they are away from home and need to find a garage, they are safe in the knowledge that there will be an independent garage somewhere near and they have access to funds to pay for unexpected repairs.

“This new scheme, along with the professionalism and dedication to the highest standards of skill and personal service that all IGA members meet, provides further evidence that an independent garage should be the first choice for consumers.”

The ‘Car Repair Plan’ will go live in the early part of 2014.