How To Get a Car Repair Estimate
- Some of the most common car repairs could cost you anywhere from $169 to $1,251, according to data from Kelley Blue Book.
- After filing a claim with your insurance, you can drop your car off at a local mechanic or auto body shop for a written estimate. These estimates are typically free and take about 30 minutes.
- If your estimate is too expensive, LendingTree expert Matt Schulz recommends negotiating with your mechanic or carefully selecting which repairs to make now.
How much do car repairs cost?
Kelley Blue Book provides typical cost ranges for common car repairs: from just over $150 for simple alignments to just over $1,250 for fuel injector replacements.
That said, you may need multiple repairs or have more extensive damage. If you need to replace your car’s transmission or engine, you’ll be looking at a much higher price tag (up to $6,000 for the transmission or $10,000 for the engine, according to the American Automobile Association).
Your car insurance (or the other party’s if they are at fault in an accident) may cover part or all of the repairs.
Car repairs and maintenance have risen dramatically in recent years, and were up 41.91% from December 2020 to December 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Where to get an estimate for car repair
If your car repair costs are covered by insurance, start by checking with your insurance company before calling repair shops. Many insurers work with preferred body shops or mechanics that have pre-negotiated repair rates, which can help keep claim costs — and your out-of-pocket expenses — lower.
You’re usually allowed to choose your own repair shop, but going outside your insurer’s network may mean higher costs. In that case, you’ll likely need to submit itemized receipts to your insurance company for reimbursement.
In some situations, repair costs can exceed your car’s value. If that happens, your insurance company may declare the vehicle a total loss and pay you the car’s actual cash value instead.
How to get a car repair estimate
Getting a car repair estimate is a straightforward process, but you’ll likely need to do a bit of research before you can get your vehicle fixed.
Compare trustworthy car repair shops
Google auto repairs near you and compare the results. Look for auto body shops with high ratings and a lot of reviews. Read customer reviews on sites like Google and Yelp.
Pay particular attention to trustworthiness, transparency, affordability and customer service, and when you’ve read enough, choose three reputable shops near you.
You don’t have to wait for the insurance adjuster to get repair estimates — especially if you plan to use your own shop. However, an adjuster will still need to review and approve the repairs before work begins. Starting repairs without insurer approval could leave you paying out of pocket for unreimbursed costs.
Ask around for at least three estimates
Track down estimates from at least three shops in your area to compare pricing, customer service and timelines.
Car estimate checklist
- Call your insurance company to file a claim (if you have insurance and if the your repairs are covered)
- Locate your car’s vehicle identification number (check the windshield and door jamb)
- Call one of the body shops you researched to explain the issues you’re having with your car
- Share your car’s VIN, make, model and year for a more accurate estimate
- Ask for estimates for the most likely repairs your car would need and write them down
- Call at least two more top-rated body shops near you to repeat the process
- Ask each body shop for estimates for the same repairs (and any additional repairs they may recommend)
Consider factors other than price
When it comes to shopping around for car repair estimates, be sure to consider factors other than the overall price tag. Do a line-by-line comparison of each estimate to see what kind of repairs the mechanic or body shop is proposing. In some cases, the shop may offer to do a more exhaustive repair than competitors, which can make it worth a slightly higher price tag.
It’s also a good idea to pay attention to the shop’s reputation, transparency and how they treat their customers. A trustworthy shop will be transparent about your repairs and avoid overcharging you with fixes you don’t actually need.
Move forward with your car repairs
Once you’ve landed on a shop, you’ll have to take your car there to get it fixed. If you can’t afford to pay the full amount in cash upfront, you can ask your mechanic if they offer an auto repair payment plan. If the shop doesn’t offer financing options or payment plans, you may have to find another way to cover repair costs.
“Yes, a mechanic may be willing to work with you when it comes to car repairs. The mechanic should provide a detailed estimate that includes labor, parts, fees and taxes. Use this to pick and choose what needs to be fixed immediately and whether the mechanic is charging a reasonable price on parts.”
— from Ask Questions, Save Money, Make More: How to Take Control of Your Financial Life by Matt Schulz, LendingTree chief consumer finance analyst
How to pay for car repairs
Cash is the cheapest way to cover car repairs since you get to avoid interest and fees. However, you might not always have the money to cover these costs. In that case, consider these financing options:
Take out a personal loan
After you get your estimate, you can apply for a personal loan and use the funds to cover the expense with a single lump sum. Personal loans are typically unsecured. They come with fixed interest rates and repayment terms so you’ll know exactly when you’ll be done paying it off.
Apply for a low-interest credit card
You could also use a credit card with a low interest rate to cover the repairs. A 0% intro APR credit card could be your cheapest option, since you can pay off your repairs interest-free during the card’s introductory period. If you don’t pay off the card before the end of the intro period, you’ll only pay interest on the remaining balance.
Not sure you’ll qualify for a 0% intro APR credit card? See the best low-interest credit cards.
Frequently asked questions
The cost of repairing a dent depends on its size. Small dents can cost just $50 to $125 to repair, but larger dents can cost as much as $2,500. Since repairing car body damage can add up quickly, you may have to finance the dent fix with a personal loan or credit card.
Car repair estimates typically take about 30 minutes, but yours could take longer if there is extensive damage.
In many cases, a car repair estimate is free, but you should check first. To get an estimate, you can call various body shops or mechanics, explain your problem and provide details like your VIN, make, model and year of your car. This can give them an idea of what services or parts you’ll need so they can estimate the cost.
When it comes down to it, a car repair estimate is just that: an estimate. In some cases, damage may be more or less extensive than initially believed which can impact the final price of your repairs. You’re likely to get a more accurate estimate if you bring your car into the shop.
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