Car repair confidence 2026: two in three drivers worry about repairs.

Two in three UK drivers worry about taking their car to the garage, according to the latest OnePoll research*.

The uncertainty around how much a repair might cost, if the work is necessary, and whether they know enough to make an informed decision has left many motorists feeling less confident about taking their vehicle to a garage.

In this article, we explore why so many drivers are concerned about car repairs, what unexpected repair costs can look like, and the practical steps motorists can take to feel more confident before visiting a garage.

Key facts at a glance:

• Two in three drivers worry about taking their car to a garage*.

• Unexpected repair costs are a worry for 80% of drivers**.

• Almost half of drivers are concerned about being overcharged**.

• 36% of drivers say they do not know enough about cars**.

• A lack of trust in mechanics affects 26% of drivers**.

Why are 2 in 3 drivers worried about repairs?

Drivers worry about car repairs because of uncertainty around costs, trust and their own knowledge of cars.

The OnePoll research shows:

• Cost: 80% worry about unexpected repair costs**.

• Trust: 49% worry about being overcharged, while 26% say they do not trust mechanics**.

• Knowledge: 36% say they do not know enough about cars**.

Drivers may know something is wrong, but not feel confident judging whether the diagnosis, timescale or price is reasonable.

For many motorists, uncertainty around car repairs often comes from not knowing what to expect. A warning light, an unusual noise or a failed MOT can quickly raise questions about what the issue might be, how urgent it is and how much it could cost to repair.

This uncertainty can be particularly concerning for used car owners. Once a vehicle is outside its manufacturer warranty period, the owner may be responsible for unexpected repair costs.

The concern is reflected in the wider OnePoll findings, with 72% of drivers saying that having a warranty included would make them feel more confident about buying a used car.**

How much do unexpected car repairs really cost?

There is no single typical car repair cost, as repair request values can vary significantly by vehicle type, make and model.

Warrantywise Reliability Index data shows that larger and more complex vehicles can carry higher than average repair request values, influenced by factors such as specialist parts, labour time and vehicle complexity.   

The examples, taken from our reliability index***, show how average repair request values can vary across a selection of popular used cars. 

For example:

While there is no single typical repair cost, the Reliability Index data can help motorists compare average repair request values and reliability trends across different models. 

For more information, click here for our article on the top 10 most reliable vehicles in 2026. 

Are car repairs becoming more expensive?

Evidence suggests that car repair costs are under increasing pressure. The Motor Ombudsman reported that 92% of repairers expect rising operational costs, taxes and bills to be their biggest obstacle in 2026. 

Its survey also found:

• 68% of repairers expect rising parts prices.

• 69% believe fewer consumers will be able to afford routine maintenance.

Warrantywise data also points to rising labour costs. Our 2026 Reliability Index notes that the average hourly labour rate quoted in Warrantywise repair requests increased by 7.87% over three years, from £104.11 in 2023 to £112.30 in 2025.

How does vehicle complexity affect repair costs?

Vehicle complexity can affect repair costs because modern cars may require specialist diagnostics, electronic components and more involved repair work.

Electrical systems appear frequently within Warrantywise repair request data, reflecting how much modern vehicles now rely on electronic components and control units. 

These factors can help explain why many motorists could feel anxious when needing repairs. When labour, parts, diagnostics and vehicle complexity all increase, the final cost can be difficult to budget for.

Why do drivers worry about being overcharged? 

Drivers may worry about being overcharged when they do not feel confident judging whether the recommended work or price is reasonable. When a garage says something needs replacing, many motorists rely on trust rather than technical knowledge. 

This can feel especially stressful when the repair is unexpected or the cost is more than anticipated. Before agreeing to the work, it can help to ask for a clear breakdown of the estimate, including the cost of parts, labour and any diagnostic checks.

How can I prepare for unexpected repair costs? 

Drivers can prepare for unexpected repair costs by combining regular maintenance with financial planning.

Regular servicing, MOTs and responding early to warning lights can reduce the risk of small issues becoming larger ones, while budgeting can help reduce the financial impact if something does go wrong.

What steps to take:

• Keep up with scheduled servicing as per your manufacturer’s plan and retain service history.

• Check your tyres, oil, coolant and lights regularly and top up where necessary.

• Do not ignore warning lights, unusual noises or changes in braking, steering or temperature.

• Check model-specific repair request trends before buying a used car.

Many motorists choose an extended warranty to help manage the cost of unexpected repairs. Find out if this is right for you on our website. 

Note: An extended warranty is not a replacement for regular servicing, maintenance or vehicle checks. 

How can I feel more confident when taking my car to a garage?

You can feel more confident at the garage by preparing a few questions in advance and asking for clear information before approving any work.

Before approving any work, ask for clear information about what needs to be done and how much it is expected to cost.

It can also help to make a note of the following before your visit:

• When the issue started.

• If it happens at certain speeds.

• Whether any warning lights appear.

• If the problem is constant or intermittent.

When you’re at the garage, talking to the mechanic can help you understand the work being recommended and make a more informed decision before giving your approval.

What does repair confidence look like in 2026?

Repair confidence is about feeling informed, prepared and more in control when something goes wrong.  

By understanding the potential repair risk of your vehicle, knowing what questions to ask at the garage and planning ahead for unexpected costs, you can make the repairs experience feel less overwhelming. 

For motorists outside their manufacturer warranty period, Warrantywise extended warranty plans can help with the cost of unexpected repairs and make it easier to plan for the unexpected.  

Explore the Warrantywise Reliability Index to learn more about repair request trends, or get a quote to see how an extended warranty could help support you and your vehicle. 

*Research conducted online by OnePoll on behalf of Warrantywise between 9 and 15 July 2026 among 2,000 UK used-car owners aged 18 and over. Respondents held a full driving licence and owned or leased a pre-owned car.  

**Statistics concerning reasons for garage anxiety are based on 1,350 respondents who said they felt anxious very often, often or sometimes. Respondents could select more than one reason for their anxiety and as a result, percentages do not total 100%. 

*** Taken from Warrantywise Reliability Index. The data includes vehicles aged three to fifteen years old, with a minimum of 250 vehicles on plan per model. Dataset contains over 1.6 million data points. Average repair request values reflect the data period analysed. Data taken from Jan 2023 to Jan 2026. Ongoing increases in labour and parts costs may affect future repair costs. All data is sourced from Warrantywise’s internal Reliability Index and is believed to be accurate at the time of publication. Warrantywise may update this information as new Index data becomes available.