Question 1

How reliable is the rate data?

Accepted Answer

Every rate in the index comes from a real invoice or a direct submission from a driver or garage. Rates are compared against the regional average for that postcode area — so you can see where a garage sits relative to others nearby. Submission volume varies by region: higher-density areas have more verified data points, and we show a confidence label alongside each result.

Question 2

Is it really free?

Accepted Answer

Yes — always free to search, always free to contribute. There is no trial period, no account required, and no limit on searches. GarageRates is a public resource. The index only gets more useful as more drivers contribute to it.

Question 3

Does a higher rate mean a garage is overcharging?

Accepted Answer

No. Labour rates vary for legitimate reasons — specialist equipment, manufacturer-approved training, city-centre location costs, the complexity of work the garage takes on. A higher rate is data, not a verdict. The data shows you what's typical so you can ask the right questions. You decide what it means.

Question 4

How do I add my garage's rate to the index?

Accepted Answer

If your last repair invoice shows a labour rate — or if you know what your regular garage charges — you can submit it in two minutes. Submissions are anonymised before they're published.

Question 5

What do the colour bands mean?

Accepted Answer

Each garage rate is compared to the regional average for its postcode area. Green = below the regional average. Amber = at or above the regional average. Red = significantly above the regional average (typically 25%+ over). White = rate not yet verified. The bands are purely comparative — they show position, not quality.

Question 6

What data is the index built from?

Accepted Answer

Rates come from three sources: driver-submitted invoices, direct submissions from garages, and regional rate surveys compiled from industry sources. We show a confidence label on each entry.

Question 7

What are my rights when getting a repair done?

Accepted Answer

Always review and agree a quote in writing before work starts. Once you accept the job, you are contractually obligated to pay the agreed price — but if a garage does more work than you authorised, you are generally not obligated to pay for the additional work.

Find out what garages near you charge per hour.

Two garages. One mile apart.
A £360 difference on the same job.

See what garages in your area charge per hour.

Three steps to understanding
your garage's rate.

Search your postcode

Understand your quote

Add your rate, help your area

What repairs typically cost

Most drivers find out the cost
when it's already too late to shop around.

Repair Estimate

Compare a Quote

Not sure what
the repair is?

Questions about the index

How reliable is the rate data?

Find out what garages
near you charge.
Everything else follows.

Find out what garages near you charge per hour.

Two garages. One mile apart.A £360 difference on the same job.

See what garages in your area charge per hour.

Three steps to understandingyour garage's rate.

Search your postcode

Understand your quote

Add your rate, help your area

What repairs typically cost

Most drivers find out the costwhen it's already too late to shop around.

Repair Estimate

Compare a Quote

Not sure whatthe repair is?

Questions about the index

How reliable is the rate data?

Find out what garagesnear you charge.Everything else follows.

Two garages. One mile apart.
A £360 difference on the same job.

Three steps to understanding
your garage's rate.

Most drivers find out the cost
when it's already too late to shop around.

Not sure what
the repair is?

Find out what garages
near you charge.
Everything else follows.