A good written quote lists each panel or part, the labour, the paint, any parts to be fitted and VAT, and says what happens if more damage is found. Ask for it in writing and agree in advance who approves any extra work.
A bodyshop quote is not just a number on a slip of paper. A clear one tells you what is being done to your car, what it is made of and what could change. This page walks through what to expect, so you can compare two quotes properly or spot something missing. It is general information, and no prices appear here because every repair is different.
What is the difference between a quote and an estimate?
The Motor Ombudsman, which deals with motor industry complaints, describes a quote as a fixed price agreed in advance, and an estimate as a rough cost that can change if further issues are found. Many garages say "quote" for both, so ask which one you are getting.
Either way, the Motor Ombudsman says additional work that raises the price should not be done without the customer's authorisation. That is a good rule to keep in mind when you read the paper.
What should be on a written quote?
Ask for the quote in writing, by email or a printed sheet. Here is what a typical one lists:
- The vehicle. Make, model and your contact details.
- The panels or parts. Which bumper, door, wing or sill is being repaired, repainted or replaced.
- Labour. The work to be done on each item, such as removal, repair, preparation and refitting.
- Paint and materials. The paint, lacquer and other materials, and whether blending into neighbouring panels is included.
- Parts. Any new or used parts to be fitted, and whether they are new, used or aftermarket.
- VAT. Whether the total includes it.
- Extras. Collection, delivery or a courtesy car, if offered.
- Timescale. When the car should be ready, and what could delay it.
- What happens if more damage is found.
Which? tells readers to make sure a quote covers parts, labour and VAT. Pembrokeshire County Council's consumer guidance says you can ask for a written fixed-price quotation, or a written estimate if a fixed price is not possible.
A simple table to check against
| Item | What to look for | Question to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Panels | Each panel named, with repair or replace stated | Is this repaired or replaced? |
| Labour | Work listed, not just one lump sum | What does the labour cover? |
| Paint | Colour match and blending noted | Is blending into the next panel included? |
| Parts | New, used or aftermarket stated | Where do the parts come from? |
| VAT | Included or added on | Is the total with VAT? |
| Extra damage | How it is handled | Will you ring me before doing more? |
Why can the price change during a repair?
A quote is based on what the shop can see. When a bumper comes off or a panel is stripped, there can be damage underneath: a bent bracket, a cracked support or hidden rust. Nobody can see those from the outside. So a fair quote says so, instead of promising a fixed figure for something nobody can inspect.
That is why our photo prices are for the visible job. If you send photos, we will tell you what we can see and what we cannot tell from a picture. Our page on how a body shop repair works shows where hidden damage tends to come to light.
How should extra work be handled?
Agree this before the car goes in. The Motor Ombudsman says to keep your evidence of what was approved, and that job cards, emails, texts and call notes can all count. Pembrokeshire County Council suggests you can set a spending limit so the trader must contact you for approval before going above it. Leave a phone number you will answer.
If extra work is found, ask for the new cost in writing, and ask for a photo of the damage. Councils and trading standards bodies say you can ask for photos or a video of the fault and the finished work.
What should the final invoice look like?
The Motor Ombudsman says that if an invoice is not itemised, you can ask the garage for a clearer breakdown. Compare it against the quote and any extra work you approved. Pembrokeshire's guidance adds that you can ask for old parts back if you tell the trader before the work starts. For a repaired bumper or panel this will not always apply, but it is fair to ask.
What about paint?
Paint is where two quotes can look very different. One may include blending, which means feathering the new colour into the next panel so the join cannot be seen. Another may not. Our guide to how paint colour matching works explains why it is done, and our respray page covers full panel and whole-car work.
Does the quote change if my insurer is paying?
Often the insurer will check the quote against its own figures. Ask your insurer and your repairer who deals with the extra damage if some turns up. We cover that decision in choosing your own repairer.
Getting a price from us
Send photos on WhatsApp 07724 146 809, ring 01342 649 362 or email info@ericraft.co.uk and we will give you a free written quote with no obligation. We are in Smallfield, near Horley and Gatwick, and repair bumpers, panels and accident damage. See our contact page.
Questions people ask
Should I get more than one quote?
It helps, as long as you compare like with like. Check that each one names the same panels, paint work and parts, and says whether VAT is included.
Is a quote the same as an estimate?
No. The Motor Ombudsman describes a quote as a fixed price agreed in advance and an estimate as a rough cost that can change. Ask the shop which one you are being given.
Can the price go up after the car is in?
It can, if hidden damage turns up. The Motor Ombudsman says extra work that raises the price should not be done without your authorisation, so agree in advance how you will be contacted.
Why is VAT sometimes shown separately?
Some quotes show a price before VAT and add it on at the end. Which? advises checking that your quote covers parts, labour and VAT, so you know the final figure.
Can I ask for photos of the damage?
Yes. Consumer guidance from trading standards bodies says you can ask for photos or video of the problem and the finished work.
Sources and further reading
- Can you dispute a car repair bill?, The Motor Ombudsman
- Vehicle repairs and servicing: your rights, Pembrokeshire County Council
- How to find a good car garage, Which?
This page gives general information, not legal or insurance advice. Check your own policy and the official pages above.