Customers often get a cost estimate for expected costs before repairs. Even this sometimes incurs costs.
Can a cost estimate cost anything?
In general, a cost estimate is free of charge. If it is to or may cost something, the service provider (workshop, tradesman's business, doctor) must comply with the provisions of the German Civil Code.
- In this case, remuneration is deemed to be tacitly agreed if the production of the work (e.g. repair, treatment, operation) can only be expected in return for remuneration.
- If doubts arise or if the cost estimate does not contain any meaningful wording regarding remuneration, the cost estimate shall not be paid.
- This means that customers can expect that a cost estimate is free of charge unless otherwise agreed and remuneration for services rendered is not foreseeable.
- A notice: If a fee for the cost estimate is customary in the industry, it will not be shown separately.
- Tipp: Before you prepare the estimate, be sure to ask whether you have to pay for it or not.
The costs at a glance
The maximum amount required to create a cost estimate is 10 percent of the repair value. However, this does not mean that the service provider will use up the entire amount. They are usually lower.
- For complex treatments with private co-payments to the doctor, the amount of the cost estimate is determined by the medical fee schedule. A medical cost estimate usually costs around 20 to 30 euros.
- Not all health insurance companies cover the costs. Therefore, find out beforehand whether you need a cost estimate and whether the costs will be covered.
- After an accident or damage occurs, an expert report is usually prepared before repairs are carried out. The liability insurance of the person who caused the accident or general insurance (e.g. for damage to the house) usually covers the cost of the estimate and the compensation.
- When accepting the invoice, the costs for the estimate are usually offset against the repair, so that no separate cost item is shown for it.
- A non-binding cost estimate may be exceeded. If the cost is significantly exceeded (more than 10 to 20 percent), the service provider must inform the customer in good time. The customer then has the right to terminate the contract without notice. He can decide whether to continue the contract or not. However, he must pay for services already provided.
- The customer may, under certain circumstances, assert a claim for damages for calculation errors, which the service provider would have to bear. In reality, such errors are difficult to prove.