Drivers `must shop around for car servicing'

- 22nd September 2009

New research has suggested that motorists in the UK could benefit from shopping around for their car servicing needs

The study by insurance firm Warranty Direct found that while garage labour rates have fallen 4.8 per cent in the past 12 months, there a significant regional differences in what drivers are being charged for work on their vehicle.

For example, it found that an average of £94.44 per hour is charged in London, compared to just £61.15 in Cornwall.

Duncan McClure of Warranty Direct said motorists should consider their options to ensure they get the best deal available.

He added: "The way some workshops were increasing their charges year after year couldn't continue."

MoneyWeek's Ruth Jackson recently claimed in a column that motorists must pay attention to the cost of their MOTs, as some garages may attempt to charge more than the government's fixed price of £54 by adding on charges for unnecessary repairs.