Feb 09, 2026 Dewald Ranft, Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI).
MIWA comment: Quote or estimate from your mechanic – know the difference
As household budgets remain under pressure in 2026, many motorists are holding on to their vehicles for longer and postponing maintenance where possible. However, delaying essential repairs can often lead to bigger and more expensive problems down the line. Understanding the difference between a quote and an estimate is one simple way car owners can protect themselves from unexpected costs and avoid unnecessary disputes with their workshop.
“Vehicle repairs can be costly, which is why motorists should always be clear on what they are agreeing to before any work begins,” says Dewald Ranft, Chairman of the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA). “Unfortunately, confusion between a quote and an estimate is still one of the most common causes of misunderstanding between motorists and repairers.”
Ranft explains that a quote is a fixed price for specific, clearly defined work. “Once a quotation is issued and accepted, the workshop is legally bound to that amount. Any additional work related to the repair is deemed to be included, unless the customer has formally authorised extra repairs.”
An estimate, on the other hand, is an informed projection of possible costs where unknown or hidden factors exist. “This is common in situations where internal components or underlying faults cannot be fully assessed upfront. An estimate should always be followed by a final quote once the full extent of the work is known,” says Ranft.
In many cases, it is simply not possible for a technician to identify all faults during an initial inspection. “For example, when a non-starting vehicle is towed into a workshop, the first step is to diagnose why it is not starting. Only once the vehicle is running can additional faults - such as misfires or failed ignition components - be identified. These issues cannot reasonably be included in the initial quote and must be treated as additional work, subject to customer approval.”
Ranft adds that diagnostic work itself often requires specialised equipment and skilled labour. “These ‘quote-to-quote’ situations arise when further diagnosis depends on work being authorised. Even if a customer ultimately decides not to proceed with repairs, they are still liable for legitimate diagnostic costs.”
Clear communication, he says, is key to preventing disputes. “Workshops must take the time to explain the scope of the quote, highlight any potential ‘what if’ scenarios, and ensure the customer fully understands what is included and what is not.”
MIWA strongly advises that all quotations be signed by both parties before any repair work begins. “If additional repairs become necessary, the workshop should contact the customer, record the discussion, and obtain authorisation - whether written or telephonic - with proper internal verification.”
“For motorists, the advice is simple: ask questions, insist on clarity, and never feel pressured into approving repairs you do not understand,” Ranft concludes. “If in doubt, seek a second opinion from a reputable, MIWA-accredited workshop that adheres to high ethical and professional standards.”
MIWA is a proud association of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI).
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