Mechanic Quote Template

A garage quote has to do two jobs at once: give the customer a firm price they can say yes to, and protect you when the car turns out to need more than it first seemed. This template sets the job out the way workshops price it, with the vehicle identified by registration and mileage, parts and labour on separate lines, and a clear note that nothing extra is done without the customer's say-so.

Price labour from the hours the job actually takes rather than a round guess. Many garages work from published repair times and multiply by their hourly rate, so the quote shows something like 2.5 hours at your labour rate. List parts individually, with part numbers or at least a clear description such as front pads and discs or a timing belt kit, and say whether they are genuine, OE-equivalent or budget parts, because that is the first thing a customer comparing quotes will ask about.

Keep the validity short, as parts prices and availability change week to week, and say what happens if you find something else once the car is on the ramp. A line such as "We will contact you for authorisation before carrying out any additional work" heads off most disputes over the final bill.

What to include in a mechanic quote

• Your business details, VAT number if registered, and your labour rate
• Customer name and the phone number you will call for authorisation
• Vehicle registration, make, model and mileage, plus the VIN if you need it for parts
• Quote number, date and a short validity period
• The fault the customer reported, or the work they asked for
• Parts listed individually, with genuine, OE-equivalent or budget noted
• Labour as hours at your hourly rate, or a fixed price for routine jobs
• Any diagnostic charge, and whether it comes off the repair if they go ahead
• A line saying additional work is only done with the customer's authorisation

Download the template

Mechanic quote FAQs

Should a mechanic quote labour by the hour or as a fixed price?

Both work, as long as the customer can see how you got there. Fixed prices suit routine jobs such as services and brake work, where you know the time. For diagnosis or anything where seized fixings may add time, quote the expected hours at your hourly rate, say the final figure may change, and agree any increase before you do the extra work.

Do I need to put the registration on a garage quote?

Yes. The registration, make, model and mileage tie the quote to one vehicle, help you order the right parts and stop arguments later about which car it was or what condition it arrived in. Recording the mileage on the quote and again on the invoice is good practice.

How long should a car repair quote be valid for?

Shorter than for building work. Fourteen days is common, because parts prices and availability move quickly. Put the date on the quote and say the price is subject to parts availability.

More mechanic templates

• Mechanic invoice template
• Mechanic estimate template

Quote templates for other motor trades

• Body shop quote template
• Car valeting quote template