Women charged up to 30% more for car repair than men
ClickMechanic tested independent car garages around the country and found that, on average, women were quoted £45 more than men despite requesting identical jobs on identical cars.
The investigation took place across garages in 10 of the UK’s biggest cities, wit both male and female mystery shoppers asked to get quotes for a clutch replacement of a 2011 Ford Focus.
The largest variance was found in Birmingham where the average quote for male car owners was £445 whereas for female car owners it was £582, a difference of 31%. In Manchester where there was a 28% female premium and Glasgow followed this with a 20% premium. Edinburgh bucked the trend, with female participants being charged 18% less.
The study also revealed that both men and women were quoted £80 more than the recommended industry standard guidelines provided by car manufactures, parts providers and trade bodies.
Natalie Middleton
Natalie has worked as a fleet journalist for over 20 years, previously as assistant editor on the former Company Car magazine before joining Fleet World in 2006. Prior to this, she worked on a range of B2B titles, including Insurance Age and Insurance Day.
