How to Read a Quote
Labour hours, book time, parts markup, VAT — what every item on a UK repair quote actually means, and what to look for.
Why quotes look the way they do
Repair quotes have a standard structure once you know what to look for — and most of the confusion comes from not knowing what "2.5 hrs @ £85/hr" actually represents. Once you can read each component, you can spot where a quote looks unusual and ask the right questions before you agree.
The anatomy of a repair quote
Labour
The largest cost on most repair quotes. Charged as hours × hourly rate. The hours are not how long the mechanic actually takes — they are "book time", a published estimate of how long the job should take on that vehicle type. A mechanic who does the job in 1.5 hours still charges 2.0 hours if that is the book time. This is standard practice, not overcharging — but it means the hours on your quote are worth scrutinising.
Parts
Listed individually on a good itemised quote with part name, part number (optional), quantity, and cost. The cost is the price to you — not what the garage paid. Garages buy parts at trade price and charge retail, which is a legitimate margin. What is worth questioning is a mark-up significantly above standard retail price, or parts listed at main dealer prices when aftermarket equivalents are available.
Consumables & sundries
Oils, fluids, coolant, cleaning materials used during the repair. Usually a small line item. A large "sundries" charge with no explanation is worth querying.
VAT
Standard rate 20%. All VAT-registered businesses must charge it. If your quote does not show VAT separately, ask for clarification — either it is included in the total (which should be stated) or the garage is not VAT registered (legitimate for small operators but worth noting).
Parts quality tiers
Garages source parts at three broad quality levels. The tier affects both cost and longevity — and you are entitled to ask which your garage is using.
OEM
Original Equipment Manufacturer
Branded parts made by or for the car manufacturer. Highest quality and cost.
OEM-equivalent aftermarket
Reputable brands (Bosch, Febi, LUK)
Made to the same specification as OEM parts. Typically 20–40% cheaper.
Budget aftermarket
Lowest cost, variable quality
Appropriate for some repairs but not others. Ask your garage what brand they are using.
Good quote vs. vague quote
Itemised (good)
Vague total only
This may be perfectly fair — or it may include inflated labour hours and a large parts markup. Without the breakdown, there is no way to know.
Questions to ask before you agree
- "Can you break down the labour and parts separately?"
- "What brand of parts are you using — OEM or aftermarket?"
- "Is this a fixed quote or an estimate? What happens if it changes?"
- "Will you contact me before doing any additional work?"
- "Can I have my old parts back once the job is done?"
Got a quote? Now check the numbers.
Kwoute compares the labour hours and parts costs against typical ranges for that repair on your vehicle.
Check My Quote FreeFrequently asked questions
What is book time?
Book time is a published labour time estimate used to calculate labour charges. It represents how long a job should take on a specific vehicle type — not how long your mechanic actually takes. A mechanic who finishes early still charges book time; that is standard practice.
Can a garage charge more than the book time?
Yes, though it is unusual and worth querying. If a job takes significantly longer than book time due to complications, a reputable garage will tell you before exceeding the estimate.
Is a parts markup normal?
Yes. Garages buy parts at trade price and charge retail — that margin is a legitimate part of their income. A large markup significantly above standard retail price is worth questioning.
What if my quote doesn't have a breakdown?
Ask for one. You are entitled to understand what you are being charged for. A reputable garage will provide an itemised breakdown on request.
Related guides & resources
Benchmarks referenced in this guide are based on UK industry data. Actual labour rates and parts prices vary by region, garage, and vehicle. Kwoute is an independent tool with no commercial relationship with any garage.