How To Get A Car Repair Estimate

If you're like most people, you view your car as a tool of freedom; with the power and ability to transport you to and from any destination you please. Whether a newer model or a polished classic, a car is and always has been one of man's true passions… until something goes wrong. When the dreaded day arrives when you must come to terms with the unexpected expense associated with a car repair, you should know that there are options available to you to help minimize your stress and lower the overall costs. In this article, we will provide a few tips to help you save money and get yourself back out on the road.

Step 1 – To begin, start asking around to friends and relatives in the area in hopes of obtaining a referral. There are quite a few ways to get scammed or overcharged by car repair shops, but by choosing to head somewhere with a solid reputation for quality work and fair prices, you can easily eliminate added stress and expenses caused by unnecessary repairs.

Step 2 – Find a car repair center that does not charge for estimates and ask for a list of problems with the vehicle. Once you have a good idea of what requires attention, you can use the information to compare prices with other shops in order to obtain the best possible price.

Step 3 – Once you have your estimate, find yourself at least three additional shops to compare costs. If each estimate is roughly the same, then there’s a good chance that the rates you are receiving are in the right ballpark. If the prices are a little more scattered, it might be worth your while to try out a few other places.

Step 4 – Get yourself a summarized estimate of the service expenses. This list should include any replacement parts, labor, miscellaneous items, flat fees and a complete summary of the charges. Labor costs are calculated by the amount on hours required to repair the vehicle multiplied by the hourly rate of the mechanic.

Step 5 – Get your estimate in writing. While an estimate is not a guarantee of where the charges will be once the project is completed, due to potential issues unforeseen prior, the end expense should be roughly around the same amount. If you find that the bill is looking much higher than the estimate amount, you can always plead your case with the shop manager in hopes of resolving the issue in a satisfactory manner.

Above all, it's important to keep in mind that the shop you end up choosing for your car repair work should be one which instills a feeling of confidence and honesty throughout the estimate process. Avoid letting yourself be pressured into a repair or situation which makes you feel uneasy or insecure. Go with your gut and take the time to find a mechanic who makes you feel genuinely confident in their abilities. Not only will you save yourself a bit of added stress and possibly some cash, but you will have someone to turn to the next time something goes wrong.