Terms of Service

1. Introduction & Acceptance

These Terms of Service ("Terms") constitute a legally binding agreement between you ("Customer", "you", or "your") and Zooch Automotive ("we", "us", or "our"). By booking, using, or receiving any of our automotive services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms.

If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use our services. These Terms apply to all customers, whether services are provided at our workshop or as a mobile service at your location.

2. Services Provided

Zooch Automotive provides the following professional automotive services:

• Precision Laser Wheel Alignment: 2-wheel and 4-wheel laser alignment services
• ADAS Calibration: Camera and sensor calibration following windscreen replacement, collision repair, or component replacement
• Vehicle Diagnostics & Coding: Fault code reading, diagnosis, and vehicle programming
• Mobile Service: Selected services available at customer locations within our service area

Service Area: We primarily serve Stafford, Staffordshire and surrounding areas within approximately 30 miles, including Stone, Cannock, Rugeley, Uttoxeter, and other locations in postcodes ST15-ST21, WS11-WS15, and surrounding areas.

3. Booking & Appointments

• How to Book: Services can be booked by telephoning 07898 072822. We will confirm your appointment details, including date, time, and location.
• Workshop Appointments: Fixed appointment times will be provided. Please arrive promptly at your scheduled time.
• Mobile Service Appointments: We will provide an estimated arrival window. Actual arrival times may vary due to traffic, previous appointments, or unforeseen circumstances.
• Appointment Confirmation: You will receive verbal or written confirmation of your booking. Please contact us if you do not receive confirmation.
• Right to Refuse Service: We reserve the right to refuse or discontinue service if we deem a vehicle unsafe to work on, if customer behaviour is inappropriate, or if working conditions are unsuitable.

4. Payment Terms

• Payment Methods: We accept cash, card payments, and bank transfer.
• Payment Due: Payment is due in full upon completion of work unless alternative arrangements have been agreed in advance.
• Pricing: Prices will be quoted prior to work commencing. Quoted prices remain valid for 30 days from the date of quotation.
• Additional Work: If additional work is discovered during service, we will contact you for authorisation before proceeding. Additional charges will apply with your prior consent.
• Invoices: An itemised invoice will be provided upon completion of work.
• Late Payment: We reserve the right to charge interest on overdue payments at 8% per annum above the Bank of England base rate.

5. Cancellation & Refund Policy

Customer Cancellations:

• You may cancel or reschedule your appointment by providing at least 24 hours' notice by telephone.
• Cancellations with less than 24 hours' notice may incur a call-out or cancellation fee of up to £50 for mobile services, or the full quoted price if work has commenced.
• No-shows without prior notification will be charged the full quoted price.

Our Cancellations:

• We reserve the right to cancel or reschedule appointments due to adverse weather conditions (particularly for mobile ADAS calibration), equipment failure, staff illness, or other circumstances beyond our reasonable control.
• We will provide as much notice as possible and offer to reschedule at your convenience.
• We will not charge cancellation fees for appointments cancelled by us.

Refunds:

• Refunds for prepaid services cancelled by us will be processed within 7 working days.
• If work is found to be defective or not completed to a satisfactory standard, we will rectify the issue at no additional cost or provide a refund as appropriate.

6. Vehicle Condition & Customer Responsibilities

Customers agree to the following:

• Accurate Information: Provide accurate details about the vehicle, including make, model, year, and any known issues or previous repairs.
• Vehicle Safety: Ensure the vehicle is in a safe, roadworthy condition. We reserve the right to refuse work on vehicles deemed unsafe.
• Remove Valuables: Remove all personal belongings and valuables from the vehicle. We are not liable for items left in vehicles.
• Disclose Known Issues: Inform us of any known mechanical or structural problems that may affect our work.
• Vehicle Access: For mobile services, ensure the vehicle is accessible, on level ground where possible, and in a safe location for our technician to work.
• Keys & Access: Provide keys and any necessary security codes or access information required for the work.
• Vehicle Condition Documentation: You agree to our inspection and documentation of your vehicle's condition before work begins.

7. Work Authorisation & Estimates

• Written Estimates: We will provide a clear estimate of costs before commencing work.
• Customer Approval: We will not undertake additional work beyond the agreed scope without your express authorisation.
• Additional Findings: If diagnostic work reveals additional issues, we will contact you to discuss options and obtain authorisation before proceeding.
• Work Scope: Our work is limited to the services specifically requested and authorised. We are not responsible for identifying unrelated issues unless diagnostic services have been requested.
• Inspection Rights: You have the right to inspect completed work before making payment. Any concerns should be raised immediately.
• Itemised Invoices: You will receive a detailed, itemised invoice showing all work completed and parts supplied.

8. Warranty & Service Guarantee

Workmanship Warranty:

• We provide a 12-month workmanship guarantee on wheel alignment services from the date of service.
• We guarantee ADAS calibration accuracy to manufacturer specifications at the time of service.
• Diagnostic work is warranted to be conducted to professional standards using appropriate equipment.

Parts Warranty:

• Any parts supplied are covered by the manufacturer's warranty. Terms vary by manufacturer.
• We will assist with warranty claims for parts we have supplied and fitted.

Warranty Exclusions:

Our warranty does not cover:

• Normal wear and tear
• Damage caused by collision, misuse, or negligence
• Modifications or repairs carried out by third parties after our service
• Failure to follow our recommendations or maintenance advice
• Issues arising from pre-existing damage or wear that was disclosed to you
• Track day use, racing, or off-road use unless specifically agreed

Re-alignment Guarantee:

• If your wheel alignment is affected by impact damage (e.g., pothole, kerb strike) within 30 days of service, we offer a complimentary re-check and adjustment if required.
• This guarantee is subject to the vehicle's suspension components remaining undamaged and serviceable.

9. Liability & Disclaimers

• Professional Indemnity: We maintain appropriate professional indemnity insurance for our business activities.
• Liability for Negligence: We accept liability for death, personal injury, or damage to property caused by our negligence or wilful misconduct.
• Pre-existing Damage: We are not liable for pre-existing damage, wear, or defects to your vehicle. We will document the vehicle's condition before work begins.
• Consequential Losses: To the fullest extent permitted by law, we are not liable for indirect or consequential losses including loss of earnings, business interruption, or inconvenience.
• Maximum Liability: Our maximum aggregate liability for any claim arising from our services is limited to the amount paid by you for the specific service giving rise to the claim.
• Third-Party Actions: We are not responsible for defects or damage caused by previous repairs or modifications carried out by others.
• Vehicle Condition Sign-Off: Customers will be asked to acknowledge the documented condition of their vehicle before work commences.

Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits our liability for fraud, fraudulent misrepresentation, death, or personal injury caused by our negligence, or any other liability that cannot be excluded or limited under English law.

10. ADAS Calibration Specific Terms

• Post-Calibration Test Drive: We strongly recommend a test drive following ADAS calibration to verify system functionality. This is included in our service where practical.
• Manufacturer Specifications: All ADAS calibrations are performed to manufacturer specifications using certified equipment.
• Calibration Equipment: We use professionally certified ADAS calibration equipment and follow industry best practices.
• System Limitations: We will inform you of any limitations identified during calibration and advise on any further action required.
• Software Updates: Some vehicles may require software updates from the vehicle manufacturer or main dealer separately. We will advise if this is necessary but cannot perform manufacturer-proprietary software updates.
• Component Condition: ADAS calibration assumes that all relevant sensors, cameras, and components are functioning correctly. Faulty components may prevent successful calibration.
• Warning Lights: If ADAS warning lights remain illuminated after calibration, further diagnostic work may be required to identify underlying issues.

11. Data Protection & Privacy

• Personal Data: We collect and process your personal and vehicle data in accordance with UK GDPR and data protection laws.
• Service Records: We maintain service records for quality assurance, warranty purposes, and legal obligations.
• Data Usage: Your data will only be used to provide services, process payments, fulfil legal obligations, and communicate with you about your vehicle.
• Privacy Policy: Please refer to our Privacy Policy for full details on how we handle your data.
• Data Retention: We retain service records for a minimum of 6 years to comply with legal and insurance requirements.
• Your Rights: You have the right to access, correct, or request deletion of your personal data. Please contact us to exercise these rights.

12. Intellectual Property

• Website Content: All content on our website, including text, images, logos, and graphics, is the property of Zooch Automotive or our licensors.
• Trademarks: "Zooch Automotive" and associated branding are our trademarks. Unauthorised use is prohibited.
• Restrictions: You may not reproduce, distribute, modify, or create derivative works from our website content without our express written permission.

13. Dispute Resolution

• Informal Resolution: We are committed to resolving any concerns or disputes informally. Please contact us by telephone on 07898 072822 to discuss any issues.
• Written Complaints: If informal resolution is not successful, please submit a written complaint. We will acknowledge receipt within 48 hours and aim to provide a substantive response within 14 days.
• Mediation: If we cannot resolve a dispute directly, we are willing to participate in mediation through an independent mediator.
• Legal Action: Any legal disputes will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.
• Consumer Rights: Nothing in these Terms affects your statutory rights as a consumer under UK law.

14. Force Majeure

We shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performing our obligations due to events beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to:

• Extreme weather conditions (heavy snow, flooding, storms)
• Acts of God
• Equipment failure or breakdown
• Supplier or parts availability issues
• Industrial action or labour disputes
• Pandemics or public health emergencies
• Government restrictions or regulations

In such circumstances, we will notify you as soon as reasonably practicable and make reasonable efforts to reschedule or complete the service when conditions permit.

15. Changes to Terms

• Right to Update: We reserve the right to update these Terms from time to time to reflect changes in our services, legal requirements, or business practices.
• Notification: Changes will be posted on our website with an updated "Last updated" date. Significant changes will be communicated to existing customers where practicable.
• Acceptance: Continued use of our services after changes have been posted constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.
• Existing Bookings: Changes to Terms will not affect bookings already confirmed at the time of the change.

16. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect. The invalid provision shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it valid and enforceable.

17. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and Zooch Automotive regarding the use of our services and supersede any prior agreements or understandings, whether written or oral.

18. Contact Information

If you have any questions about these Terms of Service, require clarification, or wish to discuss your booking, please contact us: