What goes on an auto repair quote
- Vehicle: year, make and model, registration or VIN, and mileage.
- Customer concern: what the customer described, in their words.
- Diagnosis: what you found, and any diagnostic fee.
- Parts: each part with a part number or description, whether it is OEM, aftermarket or used, the quantity and the price.
- Labour: each job with the hours (book time from a labour guide keeps quotes consistent) multiplied by your hourly rate.
- Shop supplies, fluids and disposal as their own lines.
- Tax, total and validity: parts prices move, so 7 or 14 days is common.
- Authorization: a signature line, and a statement that no extra work will be done without the customer’s approval.
Sample car repair quotation (brake repair)
Prices are examples only. Add your local sales tax or VAT.
| Item | Qty | Rate | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front brake pads, ceramic | 1 set | $68.00 | $68.00 |
| Front brake rotors | 2 | $54.00 | $108.00 |
| Labor: replace front pads and rotors | 1.6 h | $120.00 | $192.00 |
| Brake fluid flush | 1 | $89.00 | $89.00 |
| Shop supplies and disposal | 1 | $15.00 | $15.00 |
| Subtotal before tax | $472.00 | ||
Written estimates and authorizing extra work
Getting the customer’s approval before work starts, and again before any extra work, protects the shop and the customer. In some places it is the law:
- California: repair dealers must give a written estimated price for parts and labour, and "no work shall be done and no charges shall accrue before authorization to proceed is obtained from the customer". Work beyond the estimate needs the customer’s consent (Business and Professions Code §9884.9; Bureau of Automotive Repair).
- UK: if a garage does extra work the customer didn’t ask for, Citizens Advice tells customers to insist on paying only for the work that was agreed (Citizens Advice). It also notes that an estimate is a best guess and is not a quote.
Last checked 7 October 2026. Rules vary by state and country; check yours. General information, not legal advice.
Authorization wording to copy
I authorize [shop name] to carry out the repairs listed on this estimate for a total of [amount] including tax. No additional work will be carried out without my approval. If further faults are found, the shop will contact me with a revised price before continuing.
Customer name: ____________________
Signature: ____________________ Date: ____________
Phone for approvals: ____________________
Panel beating and body repair quotation
Body shop quotes are usually split into strip and refit, panel repair, paint (preparation, primer, base and clear coat, blending into adjacent panels), paint materials and parts. Add the insurance claim number if there is one, and say that hidden damage found after strip-down will be quoted before repair.
How to price parts and labour
- Labour: hours × your hourly rate. Using book times from a labour guide keeps quotes consistent between technicians.
- Diagnostics: charge separately, and say whether the fee is credited if the customer goes ahead.
- Parts: state OEM, aftermarket or used, and the warranty on each.
- Supplies and disposal: show them as lines rather than hiding them in labour.
Send the estimate with a short email that states the total and asks for approval. Our quote email templates work for repair estimates too.