Code of Conduct & Member Standards

By joining Mechanics Alliance — at any tier — you commit to the standards below. The membership-review process exists to handle situations where standards aren't met. Most issues are resolved between members directly; Mechanics Alliance only steps in when genuinely needed.

1 · Honest service & pricing

Members commit to honest dealing with customers:

→Provide written estimates before work begins, where the situation reasonably allows
→Final invoices are itemized — labor, parts, fees
→No work performed beyond the estimate without customer approval (verbal or written)
→Diagnostic findings are documented and shared with the customer
→Workmanship warranty is clearly stated at the time of service

2 · Licensing & insurance compliance

Members commit to maintaining the licenses and coverage their state and locality require for mobile automotive service. At minimum:

→Current state and local business licensing where required
→General liability insurance appropriate to the work performed
→Garage keepers liability where the member retains customer vehicles
→Commercial auto coverage for service vehicles
→Workers' compensation where required by state for any employees

Mechanics Alliance does not verify licensing or insurance status independently. Members self-attest. The Licensing Guide and Insurance Guide document state-by-state requirements.

3 · Customer communication & vehicle handling

→Reasonable response times to customer inquiries (typically within 1–2 business days)
→Clear scheduling expectations — confirmed appointment time, ETA updates if delayed
→Customer data — phone, address, vehicle info — is treated as confidential and used only for service-related purposes
→Vehicle keys, garage codes, and property access are handled with care and returned/secured at job completion
→Photographs of customer vehicles or property are not posted publicly without consent

4 · Use of Mechanics Alliance branding & member status

Current members may identify themselves as "Mechanics Alliance Member" or "Mechanics Alliance Pro Member" on websites, business cards, vehicle wraps, and customer-facing materials, subject to:

→Member status is current (not lapsed, suspended, or terminated)
→The Mechanics Alliance logo is used unmodified — colors, proportions, and minimum-size guidelines per the Media Kit
→No claim of Mechanics Alliance endorsement of specific products, services, or political candidates beyond the Alliance's published positions
→No claim of Mechanics Alliance certification or credentialing — Mechanics Alliance does not currently issue professional certifications

When membership ends (cancellation, lapse, or termination), the member updates customer-facing materials within 60 days to remove Mechanics Alliance branding and member-status claims.

5 · Peer behavior

In member-only spaces (community forums, chapter meetups, member events) and in public when wearing the Mechanics Alliance name:

→Treat other members with respect; disagreement is fine, contempt is not
→No public disparagement of other members by name in customer-facing channels
→No harassment, discrimination, or hostile behavior — period
→Member-to-member referrals are encouraged and not subject to required splits or kickbacks

6 · Resolving disputes

Member-to-member. Members are encouraged to resolve disputes directly first. If that fails, either party can request Mechanics Alliance mediation by contacting the association directly.

Customer-to-member complaints. When a customer files a complaint against a Mechanics Alliance member, Mechanics Alliance acknowledges within 5 business days, contacts the member for response, and reviews the complaint against this Code. Outcomes range from no action (complaint not substantiated), to private guidance, to membership review.

Membership review. Material or repeated violations of this Code may trigger a membership review. The reviewed member receives a written summary of the concern, an opportunity to respond, and — if review proceeds to suspension or termination — a written appeal right with response within 30 days. Refund of unused dues is prorated to the action date.

7 · Grounds for membership review

Membership review may be initiated for, but is not limited to:

→Pattern of substantiated customer complaints involving dishonest dealing
→Operating without required licenses or insurance
→Misrepresentation of Mechanics Alliance membership status or fabricated certification claims
→Use of Mechanics Alliance branding after membership has ended (after 60-day grace)
→Harassment of other members or Mechanics Alliance staff

the Alliance's interest is keeping the association's name meaningful — not policing every interaction. Most issues never escalate; this section exists for when they do.

Code of Conduct