Servicing and repairs

 What do you need to know about car servicing and repairs in Ireland?

As a car owner, you must ensure your vehicle is safe, roadworthy and properly maintained. There is strong competition among garages and mechanics, so it’s wise to shop around for quotes before agreeing to any work.

Whoever services or repairs your car is responsible for the quality of their work.

If you have an issue with a car repair service, you have consumer rights. See buying services and your rights to find out what you can do if something has gone wrong with your car repair.

How should you get a quote for car servicing or repairs?

When seeking a quote for car servicing or repairs, always request a detailed, written quote before any work begins. The total cost of servicing or repairs must be provided to you before you agree to have the work done.

If the total cost cannot be provided, then the repair service must tell you how they will calculate the total price before they begin work. The business must charge a reasonable price for a service, if the price has not been agreed or fixed before the service started or where you were not informed of the price. 

• The quote should clearly break down labour and parts costs, and include VAT.
• Make sure you receive a ‘quote’ (a fixed price) rather than an ‘estimate’ (a guess at the cost), as estimates can change after the work is done.
• Keep the written quote for reference in case of any dispute.
• Be clear with the garage about the work you want done and instruct them not to carry out any extra work without your permission.
• Ask questions if you’re unsure about spare parts or the need for replacements.

What are your rights when making insurance claims for car repairs?

If you need to make an insurance claim for repair work:

• Submit a written quote to your insurance company before the work is carried out.
• The insurer may appoint a loss adjuster to review the quote and negotiate the cost. The adjuster may decide that some repair work is unnecessary.
• Always check your policy terms and conditions.

Read more about making insurance claims for repairs.

How do you claim for windscreen repairs through your insurance?

If your windscreen needs to be repaired or replaced, always check the terms and conditions of your insurance policy first. Check that your insurance policy includes windscreen cover and take note of any requirements set out by your insurer.

Some insurance policies specify certain windscreen repair garages that you must use before they will pay a claim. If you use a garage or windscreen repair shop that is not named on your insurance policy, you may have to pay the costs yourself.

Some windscreen repair shops advertise “free windscreen repairs”, but always check with your insurer if you’re uncertain about what is covered by your policy.

Read more information about car insurance claims for windscreen damage.

What should you do if you have a complaint about car servicing or repairs?

If a business doesn’t meet its obligations to you, you have consumer rights. Your first step should be to contact the garage or mechanic directly to try to resolve the issue.

If the business can’t resolve the problem, you can consider other actions. You can read more about your rights when you have a problem with a service here - buying services and your rights.

Contaminated fuel

You can find out about what to do if you have an issue with contaminated fuel and damage to your car.

Next steps to resolve your consumer rights issue

• Contact the business informally first, explain the problem and try to work it out.
• Keep a record of all contact and communications in case you need to escalate your complaint later.
• If the problem is not resolved, make a formal written complaint to the business. You can use the CCPC complaint letter templates which outline your consumer rights to help you.
• If you paid by card, you may have the option to request a chargeback from your bank or financial services provider.
• If your claim is for €2,000 or less, you can use the small claims procedure.
• If the problem is not easily resolved, we encourage you to also report the business to the CCPC. Your report will inform our advocacy and enforcement activities.
• For more guidance, please visit our how to resolve an issue section.