A lost garage invoice always happens at the worst possible time. Right before selling the car, or worse, when the garage asks for the history to process a warranty claim. Here is how to get out of this situation and prevent it from happening again.
How to recover a lost invoice
First step: contact the garage that did the work. Garages are legally required to keep a copy of all their invoices for 10 years. Give them the approximate date, the vehicle model, and your name, and they can find the invoice in their system. If the garage has closed, contact the chain (e.g., Norauto, Feu Vert, Speedy) or the dealership, which may have access to the centralised history. For a used car you bought, contact the previous owner, who may have kept copies.
Why this matters
Maintenance invoices are essential proof. They show the work was carried out properly, which is crucial for the manufacturer warranty. They reassure a potential buyer about the quality of the upkeep. And they allow you to track your spending over time.
The solution to never lose an invoice again
Digitise your invoices as soon as you receive them. With AutoKarnet, take a photo of the invoice the moment the garage hands it to you, and attach it to the corresponding service record. The invoice is time-stamped, stored in your history, and accessible from any device. Never lose an invoice again. And when you sell your car, the entire history is already ready to be shared.