What’s on the auto repair estimate template
Extra fields on this template: Vehicle, VIN, Mileage.
| Item | Qty | Rate | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labor: front brake pads and rotorsBook time 1.6 h at $140/h | 1.6 | $140.00 | $224.00 |
| Brake pads, ceramic (new)Part no. [D1293] | 1 | $72.00 | $72.00 |
| Brake rotors (new)Part no. [31539], pair | 2 | $89.00 | $178.00 |
| Brake fluid flush | 1 | $110.00 | $110.00 |
| Shop supplies | 1 | $18.00 | $18.00 |
| Estimated total | $602.00 | ||
Example prices in US dollars. Replace them with your own; in the generator, any currency works.
What a repair estimate should include
- The vehicle: year, make, model, VIN and mileage.
- The customer’s complaint and what diagnosis found.
- Labor by job, at book time or a flat price, with your hourly rate.
- Each part with its number, and whether it’s new, used or rebuilt.
- Shop supplies and fees on their own lines.
- The customer’s written authorization and how changes will be approved.
State rules on repair estimates
Several states require a written estimate before auto repair work and limit how far the final bill can exceed it without the customer’s consent. California, for example, requires a written estimate and the customer’s authorization, and any additional work needs further approval, recorded with the date, time and name of the person who gave it. Check your state’s rules and keep the signed estimate with the repair order.
From estimate to invoice
When the work is done, the invoice should match the approved estimate line by line, plus any extra work the customer approved. Use the mechanic invoice template, which adds warranty terms, or the body shop template for collision work.
Frequently asked questions
Is a mechanic’s estimate binding?
Not fully, but in many states the shop can’t charge much more than the written estimate without the customer’s consent. Get approval for anything extra before doing it.
Can I charge for diagnosis?
Yes. Put diagnostic time on the estimate as its own line, and tell the customer up front, before you start.
How long should an auto repair estimate be valid?
A week or two. Parts prices and availability change, and the car’s condition can too.