Insurance Tips
Do you trust your garage?
What 2,000 UK drivers really think about car quotes and repairs
Ryan Barham
Last updated: 23/07/2026
Ryan Barham
Last updated: 23/07/2026
Do you trust your garage? It’s a simple question but one that causes drivers all over the country headaches - especially those who need to find a new place for car maintenance, servicing, MOTs and repairs.
However, as reported in Motor Trade News, Tempcover research confirms the majority of drivers do have faith in their garage - with 83% trusting their repair recommendations.
This survey of 2,000 UK drivers also reveals what factors and affects driver confidence, and why electric vehicle owners face different challenges when it comes to trusting car garages.
History, transparency and honesty play a major part in garage trust:
Many drivers will also base their garage of choice on reputation, with 34% citing strong local standing or positive online reviews as a reason for their trust. Meanwhile, 28% say the garage simply confirms their suspicions about what was wrong, which reinforced their confidence.
Of the 5% of motorists who had doubts over a repair diagnosis:
This shows that customers appreciate plain language and upfront numbers when it comes to dealing with their car.
The quotes do tend to match the final bill with 78% of drivers saying their most recent quote matched the final invoice, and 89% being satisfied with the repair work overall.
Some drivers do still have surprises, with 25% saying they have experienced unexpected costs at a garage visit and 8% claiming their most recent bill came in higher than quoted - with an average of a 12.2% higher cost.
To retain and attract new customers, garages could focus on offering consistent quotes and invoices. Making things as simple as possible is likely to keep customers coming back, no matter how small their problem is.
Whether you drive a petrol or electric car, there are some habits that can help if you’re unsure about the garage you’re taking your car to:
Our survey found that EV drivers are less likely to trust their garage’s recommendations than petrol drivers, with only 77% believing their latest recommended repairs were genuinely necessary. Because the technology is newer, drivers naturally take a more cautious approach.
The results found that EV drivers tend to place their confidence in garages that can prove they are equipped for the job, rather than loyalty to a particular place like petrol drivers.
Another note of interest is that EV owners are four times more likely to be tied to a specific garage network through a finance, PCP, or warranty agreement (17%) than petrol drivers (4%). They also tend to value experience over cost (21%), a contrast to the 13% of petrol drivers who look for the lowest price.
If your car needs to stay in the garage for a few days, you don't have to stay off the road. Temporary car insurance lets you borrow a friend or family member's car for as long as you need it, from an hour to 28 days, so a repair doesn’t mean being stuck at home.
This online survey of 2,000 UK drivers was commissioned by RVU on behalf of Tempcover and conducted by market research company OnePoll, in accordance with the Market Research Society's code of conduct. Data was collected between 31st March and 7th April 2026. Unless otherwise specified, all insights are drawn directly from this survey's results.
To ensure a garage is legitimate, check for UK industry accreditations like The Motor Ombudsman or Trust My Garage. These show the garage meets certain standards. Look for transparent pricing and clear communication. Check their premises are organised and they provide detailed invoices. Positive word-of-mouth recommendations can also indicate reliability. Always do your research to avoid potential scams or poor service.
To assess your mechanic's honesty, consider these indicators: they will show you the problem directly or with photos, explain issues clearly, and offer repair options prioritising safety. Accurate estimates matching final costs are another good sign. Importantly, you should feel informed and not pressured into decisions. Trustworthy mechanics focus on transparency and customer understanding, enhancing your confidence in their service.
If your car isn't fixed, whether you have to pay the garage depends on your agreement and the situation. If the garage performed the agreed repairs and the parts were functional, you might need to pay, even if the problem persists. However, you don't have to pay for unsatisfactory repairs or unauthorised work. Check your contract and rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
If a garage overcharges you, pay the bill "under protest" by writing this on the invoice to retrieve your car. Next, file a formal written complaint requesting a detailed breakdown. If the issue remains unresolved, contact the Motor Ombudsman or Trading Standards. You can also consider legal action through the small claims process with Citizens Advice.
Yes, some garages can be trusted. To find a reliable garage, use the RAC's network of approved garages by entering your location. This ensures your chosen garage meets certain standards. Alternatively, you can visit a council-run MOT test centre for unbiased service. Always check reviews and ask for recommendations to ensure you're making an informed choice.
To complain about a garage in the UK, start by sending them a formal written complaint. Give them up to 8 weeks to resolve it. If you're not satisfied, escalate your complaint to their Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) provider, like The Motor Ombudsman. You can also seek guidance from Citizens Advice. Keep all relevant documents, such as invoices, quotes, and emails, for your records.
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