What is a pre-authorisation?

A pre-authorisation is a pending charge on the account linked to your registered payment card. The pre-authorised amount does not leave your account until the booking is charged, although the funds may not be accessible while the authorisation is outstanding. It will usually show in the ‘pending transactions’ section on your payment card statement.

When a pre-authorisation is cancelled (or released), it may appear as a refund on your statement or may disappear entirely. In this event, the time taken for the funds to become available again varies. For specific advice, please contact your payment card provider.

A pre-authorisation is made by the independent mechanic before each booking to ensure card details are valid and funds are available to cover the booking cost. This pre-authorisation will be made either 24 hours prior to the day of your booking, or at the time your booking request is confirmed with an independent mechanic if the booking is for the same day. If the funds are not available the day before (maybe you've booked in for pay day!) then we will try again first thing in the morning of your booking so make sure the funds are available by 5am on the day of your booking.

The charge will only be completed once your independent mechanic has indicated they have finished the work. If the final price of the booking is lower than the authorisation amount then the correct final price will be charged.

If your booking is cancelled, any associated authorisations will also be cancelled and your funds will be shown in your available balance usually within 5 working days, depending on your payment provider's processing speeds (subject to any applicable fees outlined in our Booking Policies).

Each pre-authorisation is held with the individual mechanic and not the booking. If an appointment is cancelled and a new mechanic is assigned to the booking, a new pre-authorisation will be required and the initial pre-authorisation will be cancelled and reversed to your nominated payment card.