How to read a repair estimate

Parts

This is what the shop pays for the part, plus the shop's markup. The line should say what part it is and whether it is new, used, rebuilt, or from the car maker (OEM) or another maker (aftermarket).

Ask: is this an OEM part or an aftermarket part? Is there a cheaper option that fits my car?

Labor

Labor is the hours times the shop's hourly rate. Most shops use a guide that lists the usual hours for a job, so the hours billed may be different from the time the work actually took. That is normal.

Ask: how many hours is this, and what is your hourly rate? Compare the rate to the typical labor rate in your area on our method page.

Fees

Shop supplies, disposal of old parts and fluids, and diagnostic fees are common. A shop fee is usually small. If it is more than about 10 percent of the total, ask what it covers.

Ask: is the diagnostic fee applied to the repair if I go ahead?

Overlapping labor

Some jobs share steps. If two repairs are done at the same time and both need the same part taken off, the labor should not be billed twice. A good estimate shows this.

Ask: if you do both jobs together, does the labor go down?

Before you say yes

Get the estimate in writing, with parts and labor listed separately. In Massachusetts, shops are required to get your written authorization before repairs. Ask for it, and do not approve extra work without a new written OK.

Updated 2026-10-28. Not a repair shop, estimates only.