Independent garages strengthen customer relationships through, honesty, integrity and transparency  

Independent garages have long built trusted relationships with their customers by delivering honest advice and high-quality service. To build on this foundation, the Independent Garage Association (IGA) is encouraging garages to make the most of their Trust My Garage (TMG) membership offering increased visibility, national recognition, and an extra layer of reassurance for customers.

Through everyday conversations around maintenance good practice, including tyre condition, brake wear and MOT advisories, independent garages help motorists make informed decisions that improve safety and reduce long-term costs. Being part of the TMG network further supports this by giving customers a clear, visible sign that they’re in safe, professional hands.

Jonathan Douglass, Director of the IGA, says, “Consumers using independent garages can expect good, clear communication, with transparency on which issues are urgent and which can be monitored and addressed when necessary. TMG members are committed to helping drivers make informed, safe, and cost-effective choices about their vehicles.”

With the cost of vehicle ownership on the rise, many motorists are seeking value, reliability, and honesty, qualities that local independent garages consistently deliver. Local, community-based garages play a crucial role in offering trusted, reliable service at competitive rates, ensuring customers receive high-quality care without unnecessary expenses.

Being part of TMG, these garages also gain a powerful endorsement that reassures customers they are choosing a trusted, vetted, and high-quality service provider.

The benefits of being part of TMG are twofold:

· For garages, it builds credibility and increases customer trust by aligning with a recognised national consumer code of practice. It also offers increased visibility, and the strength of being part of a wider, respected network.

· For consumers, choosing a TMG garage offers peace of mind that they’ll receive fair pricing, qualified technicians, and transparent advice, without the pressure of unnecessary upselling or confusing technical jargon.

Douglass concludes, “By delivering proactive advice on routine maintenance and fostering trust through consistent communication, independent garages, especially those under the Trust My Garage banner, play a vital role in helping motorists maintain roadworthy, reliable vehicles while reducing unexpected repair costs.”

The IGA remains committed to supporting its members by championing high standards across the independent sector, and helping garages build long-term relationships within their communities based on trust, transparency, and technical excellence.