The Repair Quote Checklist

Five questions to ask before you approve a repair — at the counter, on the phone, or on a service call at your home. Print this page and keep it in the glove box or the kitchen drawer. It follows the U.S. Federal Trade Commission's consumer guidance on auto repair; Many of these questions are useful for appliance and home service estimates too, although the applicable rules and safety considerations may differ.

Before you say yes, ask:

1 · Can I get it in writing, itemized?
"Please give me a written estimate with parts and labor listed separately." A single-line total cannot be compared, questioned, or checked later.
2 · What is the diagnostic fee — and is it covered?
"What do I owe for the diagnosis itself, and is that amount included in the repair price if I approve the work?" Diagnosis is real work; just make sure you know whether you are paying for it once or twice.
3 · What warranty do I get — on parts AND on labor?
"How long are the parts covered, how long is the labor covered, and what exactly voids it?" Two otherwise identical quotes can be very different deals once this is answered.
4 · How urgent is this, honestly?
"Is this safety-critical today, or can it safely wait a week?" If the vehicle or equipment may be unsafe, do not continue using it until a qualified professional advises that it is safe. Arrange safe transportation or other alternatives as needed. If it can wait, you have time to decide well.
5 · Can I compare one more written quote?
For any job large enough to hurt, a second written estimate may help you compare the diagnosis, proposed work, parts, labor, and warranty. Ask whether another diagnostic fee will apply. Shops that are confident in their pricing expect the question.

The one-line rule: for any significant repair, request enough written detail to understand the work, expected charges, and authorization terms. Applicable legal requirements vary by state and service type.

Prepared by The Costly Mistake Files (thecostlymistakefiles — Know Before You Pay). Educational only; not financial or legal advice. Source guidance: U.S. Federal Trade Commission, Auto Repair Basics — consumer.ftc.gov.

See these questions in action on a fictional sample: The $1,200 Estimate, Uncovered · Run your own numbers: Repair vs. Replace Calculator.