Know Your Rights
What you're entitled to before, during, and after a car repair — and what to do if the bill doesn't match the quote.
Before you hand over your car
You have more rights before work starts than after. The single most important thing you can do is ask for a written, itemised estimate before agreeing to anything.
Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, if a trader provides a quote (a fixed price), they are bound by it. If they provide an estimate (an expected price), they must still charge a reasonable amount — but what counts as "reasonable" is where disputes begin.
What to always ask for:
- A written quote or estimate before work begins
- An itemised breakdown — labour hours, hourly rate, and individual parts costs listed separately
- Authorisation to contact you before proceeding if they discover additional work is needed
Note: If a garage refuses to provide a written estimate, that is a warning sign. You are not legally required to proceed.
While the work is being done
Once you have agreed to a written quote, the garage cannot charge more without your explicit permission. If they discover additional issues mid-repair, they must contact you, explain what they found, and get your approval before proceeding.
If they do additional work without contacting you, you are generally not obligated to pay for that work — though you may need to settle the original agreed amount before retrieving your vehicle.
Your rights mid-repair:
- Garage must seek approval for any work beyond the original scope
- You can ask for replaced parts to be returned (useful for verifying the work was needed)
- You can ask for the work to stop at any point, though you may owe for work already completed
When the bill arrives
If the final bill is significantly higher than the estimate with no explanation or prior approval, you have grounds to dispute it. "Significantly higher" is not defined in law but courts have generally interpreted it as more than 10–15% above a written estimate without prior communication.
Steps to take:
- 1Request a full itemised invoice — you are entitled to understand every charge
- 2Ask the garage to explain any variance from the original quote
- 3If the explanation is unsatisfactory, raise a formal written complaint with the garage
- 4If unresolved, escalate to the Motor Ombudsman (for registered garages) or Citizens Advice
The quick version
Have a quote you're not sure about?
Upload it to Kwoute and see how it compares to typical pricing for that repair in your area.
Check My Quote FreeFrequently asked questions
Can a garage keep my car if I refuse to pay?
Yes, under a mechanic's lien, a garage may be entitled to retain your vehicle until the bill is settled. Do not withhold payment without taking advice first — seek guidance from Citizens Advice before refusing.
What if the garage did work I didn't authorise?
You may not be obligated to pay for unauthorised work. However, take advice before refusing payment, as the situation depends on what you agreed to and what the garage can demonstrate was necessary.
Do I have to accept the cheapest quote?
No. You are not obligated to go with the cheapest quote. You choose who does the work. Price is one factor — but so is reputation, warranty on parts, and your confidence in the garage.
Can I ask for my old parts back?
Yes, in most cases you can request that replaced parts be returned to you. This lets you verify the work was actually done and the parts were genuinely worn or faulty.
What is the Motor Ombudsman?
The Motor Ombudsman is an independent dispute resolution service for the automotive industry. A garage must be registered with them to be covered by their scheme. You can check whether your garage is registered at themotorombudsman.org.
Related guides & resources
Legal disclaimer
This guide provides general information about UK consumer rights. It is not legal advice. Rights and remedies vary by situation. For specific advice, contact Citizens Advice or a qualified solicitor.