Free shop templates
Free Auto Repair Estimate Template
By Mario Martell, former Nissan and Subaru technician and founder of Wrench Node. November 11, 2026.
A good estimate does two jobs. It tells the customer what the car needs in an order that makes sense, and it gets you a clear, signed yes or no on every line before you pick up a wrench. This template does both.
What makes this estimate different
- Priorities on every line. 1 is safety, do it now. 2 needs attention soon. 3 can wait. Customers approve more when they can see what's urgent.
- Approve or decline line by line. The customer initials each line. No arguing later about what was approved.
- Authorization limit. A printed line for how far over the estimate you can go before calling, in dollars or percent.
- Diagnosis-only box with a dollar cap, for cars that need testing before you can quote.
- Old parts and contact preference: return or dispose, and call, text or email for approvals.
- Valid-until date so an old quote doesn't come back to bite you.
Written estimate rules in a few states
These are examples, not a full list. Check your own state before you rely on any form.
California
The Bureau of Automotive Repair requires a written estimate of parts and labor before work begins, and the shop can't charge more than the estimate without the customer's authorization. Each extra authorization should be recorded with the date, how it was given and the amount. Customers can also ask for their replaced parts back when they drop the car off.
Florida
When the final bill will be over $150, the customer is entitled to a written estimate. They pick one of three options and sign: they want a written estimate, they don't want one as long as the cost stays under an amount they set, or they don't want one at all. A common way to print it:
I understand that, under state law, I am entitled to a written estimate if my final bill will exceed $150. ___ I request a written estimate. ___ I do not request a written estimate as long as the repair costs do not exceed $_____. ___ I do not request a written estimate.
Wrench Node includes ready-to-edit Florida and California disclaimer templates that print on your estimates and invoices, so you don't have to retype them.
How to write an estimate customers say yes to
- Write the concern in the customer's words first. It shows you listened.
- List the fix for their concern at the top, then everything else by priority.
- Give each job its total. Customers decide by job, not by part number.
- Explain priority 1 items with what you saw: "pads at 2 mm, rotors scored." A photo helps more than anything.
- Ask for a decision on every line, and write declined work down so you can follow up.
Customers approve more when they can see the problem. In Wrench Node the estimate goes out as a text with inspection photos, and the customer approves or declines each line on their phone and signs. Declined lines go on a follow-up list. Read how the approval workflow works.
Frequently asked questions
Is a written estimate required by law?
In some states, yes. California requires a written estimate of parts and labor before work begins, and Florida requires shops to offer one when the bill will be over $150. Many other states have similar rules. Check your state's motor vehicle repair law.
How long should an estimate be valid?
Most shops use 15 to 30 days. Parts prices move, so put a 'valid until' date on every estimate. The template has a box for it.
What if the repair costs more than the estimate?
Stop and call the customer before doing more work or going over the approved amount. Write down the date, time, how they approved and the new amount. Some states set a maximum overage without new approval.
Should I charge for diagnosis on the estimate?
Yes, list diagnosis as its own approved line with a dollar limit. The template has a 'diagnosis only, up to $___' box so the customer approves it before you start.
Is this estimate template free?
Yes. Download and print it. No email needed.
More free shop templates
- Auto Repair Invoice Template: Parts and labor lines, shop fees, tax, warranty, declined work and a signature line.
- Mechanic Invoice Template: A simpler invoice for mobile and solo mechanics: labor, parts, trip fee and payment.
- Repair Order Template: The drop-off form: concerns in the customer's words, vehicle condition, jobs and authorization.
- Auto Repair Work Order Template: The technician's copy with no prices: jobs, complaint, cause, correction, parts used and QC.
This template and the state examples are a general starting point, not legal advice. Laws change and vary by state; confirm the current rules for your state.
Estimates customers approve from their phone.
Photos, priorities and line-by-line approval with a signature. 14-day free trial.