Whether it’s an unexpected warning light, an unfamiliar noise or the prospect of an expensive repair bill, a trip to the garage has become a source of genuine anxiety for many UK motorists. New research from Warrantywise suggests millions of drivers are concerned not only about the cost of repairs, but also about trust, transparency and a lack of confidence, all of which contribute to growing unease when something goes wrong with their vehicle.
Warrantywise, a leading UK provider of extended used car warranties with over 25 years of experience, has found that more than two in three UK drivers (68 per cent) feel anxious about taking their vehicle to a garage at least some of the time, with almost one in three (31 per cent) admitting they feel this way often.
The poll of 2,000 UK drivers, conducted by OnePoll, suggests that for many motorists, the uncertainty begins long before any repair work takes place, with concerns around cost, trust and previous experiences all shaping how they approach a visit to the garage.
Repair costs sit at the heart of the anxiety. Among those who feel anxious, four in five (80 per cent) said the possibility of unforeseen repair costs worries them, making it the most common concern by some distance. If a warning light does appear, almost half of these drivers (49 per cent) fear they could be overcharged when their vehicle reaches the workshop.
Confidence is another major factor behind motorists’ concerns. More than a third of them (36 per cent) admitted they do not know enough about cars to feel confident discussing repairs. Together, the findings suggest many motorists arrive at the garage unsure whether recommended work is necessary, whether the price is fair or whether they have enough understanding to challenge the advice they receive. As vehicles become increasingly sophisticated, the knowledge gap only seems to become more pronounced.
The research also highlighted the role warranties can play in giving motorists greater confidence. Nearly three quarters (72 per cent) said having a warranty included would make them feel more confident about buying a used car, suggesting that greater certainty around potential repair costs could be an important consideration for motorists when choosing their next vehicle.
The findings come at a time when the automotive repair industry is facing mounting pressures of its own. Research from The Motor Ombudsman found that 92 per cent of repairers expect rising operating costs to be their biggest challenge during 20261, underlining the importance of open communication and transparency between garages and customers as costs continue to evolve.
Antony Diggins, Managing Director at Warrantywise, said: “Most drivers understand that running a car comes with costs, but an unexpected repair bill can be difficult to manage, particularly when household budgets are already under pressure. Our research shows that cost is at the heart of much of the anxiety motorists feel around repairs, alongside concerns about understanding what’s gone wrong and what the work should cost.
“That’s why it’s important to look at the overall cost of owning a car, not just the purchase price. Greater transparency, better understanding and planning ahead for unexpected costs can all help motorists feel more confident. That might mean setting money aside for repairs or, where appropriate, considering an extended warranty to help manage eligible repair costs.”
Warrantywise’s annual Reliability Index reinforces why so many motorists worry about unexpected repair bills. Drawing on thousands of real-world repair requests, the Index demonstrates how repair costs can vary considerably depending on the make, model and nature of the issue, helping drivers better understand the realities of vehicle ownership. Even among the highest-ranked vehicles in the 2026 Reliability Index, repair request values differed significantly. For example, the four Toyota models that featured in the Top Ten recorded repair request values ranging from £1,587.60 for the Aygo to £6,503.57 for the Hilux, illustrating that even some of the UK’s most reliable vehicles are not immune to costly potential issues.
Armed with real-world reliability data and more than 25 years of experience supporting motorists, Warrantywise aims to help reduce some of the uncertainty surrounding unexpected repairs. Alongside its annual Reliability Index, which helps motorists understand the likely reliability and repair costs of different vehicles, Warrantywise offers a range of discretionary extended warranty plans for used cars, based on vehicle age and mileage. Together, they help drivers make informed decisions before buying, prepare for the realities of ownership and approach unexpected repairs with greater confidence.
