Study Proves Women Pay More for Auto Repair — But You Don't Have To! #fairrepair
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post.
I love driving and my "mom mobile" unfortunately over the year, I was rear-ended, creamed a deer (to put it mildly) and rear-ended a car that stopped short. I have been in the body shop more then I would prefer. Luckily I do know things and can handle my own, before involving my husband.
Women are taken advantage of many times. I have too in the past. Even as much as cleaning a car. Don't tell me you detailed my car, I expect then my car to look like the day I drove it off the lot, and I get in to have feet prints and crumbs and snot stains from the dogs not he windows. You cleaned? AND charged me $300 for said cleaning job. Not happening, money returned.
I recently partnered with RepairPal (the auto repair estimator site) to share with you some of the real data behind this very real issue. They released their RepairPal Institute Gender Bias Study, which found that uncertified shops routinely charge women more than men for auto repairs—sometimes by as much as 73%.
>> Nationwide, women are overcharged by an average of 8% compared to men.
>> In big cities like LA, San Francisco and New York, women are overcharged by a whopping average of 66%.
>> In smaller cities, women are overcharged by a lower amount (average of around 3%), but it's still significant.
>> The greater New York area is the worst, with women overcharged by an average of 73%.
The most likely scenario is that shops are taking advantage of what they believe to be a general lack of automotive knowledge amongst women. It's stereotypical and unfair, to say the least.
Luckily, RepairPal has given us some helpful strategies to help women get a fair price and avoid falling into the overpriced trap set by uncertified shops:
* STRATEGY #1: GET A VISUAL
A picture is worth 1,000 words, so ask your technicians to show you the problem area on your car or give you before-and-after photos as a great way to educate yourself.
* STRATEGY #2: USE AN ESTIMATOR
After getting the problem professionally diagnosed, use an online estimator tool like htttp://repairpal.com/estimator to get an accurate idea of what a fair price should be.
* STRATEGY #3: THE MANUAL IS YOUR FRIEND
Blow the dust off your owner's manual and start to familiarize yourself with it. Understanding what warning lights correspond with what systems puts you at an automatic advantage. (If your battery light is on and the mechanic starts talking about motor oil, you'll know something's fishy.)
For even more tips on how to make sure you're getting a fair price and using a trusted, certified mechanic, please visit http://www.repairpal.com. They have information about why you should choose certified repair shops and where to find one in your area.
- Another tip. Get second opinions any time there is damage to your car, and also have it appraised again AFTER it is taken apart, hidden damage is usually found. Below, damage increased once everything was removed and more internal damage was seen. You don't want to be stuck again down the road. (no pun intended).
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| My car after the deer |
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| My poor Pilot |
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