This post will focus on mechanic and storage liens.  My goal is to provide clarity to those who aren't too clear about what a mechanic or storage lien is.  Accordingly, I will address what a mechanic or storage lien is and what a mechanic or storage lien is not.  

A mechanic or storage lien is a legal process in which a lien is levied upon a vehicle for services that were rendered but weren't paid for. Generally, a mechanic or storage lien can't be filed until the vehicle has been in the repair, tow, recovery or storage company's possession for at least 10 days (varies by state) Those who can file for mechanic or storage liens are vehicle repair, tow, storage and recovery companies.  Accordingly, the  sole purpose of a mechanic or storage lien is to allow the company filing who hasn't received compensation for the service/s rendered to sell the vehicle at an auction or to obtain the title to the vehicle; so that any it can offset any financial lost regarding the repair or storage of the vehicle.  The following shows which type of companies can file for which type of lien: