Car Battery Quote Checklist (Printable)

Check each item off as you get an answer

Ticks stay on this page only and are not saved or sent anywhere.

The battery

Brand and model of the battery
Type: flooded, EFB or AGM (start-stop cars need AGM or EFB)
Group size, and that it matches your owner's manual
Cold cranking amps at or above the manual's minimum
Manufacture date on the battery (a shelf-old battery starts life already aged)

The price

Battery price
Fitting or labour charge, or "free with purchase" in writing
Core charge, and whether you get it back at the counter
Battery, disposal or environmental fee
Sales tax
Registration or coding charge, if your car needs it
The total you will pay, in one number

The warranty

Free-replacement period (months)
Prorated period, and how the credit is worked out
Whether it is honoured at other branches or only where you bought it
Whether you need the receipt, and where it is kept on file
Whether fitting is covered if the battery is replaced under warranty

The fitting

Whether your car is on their "can't fit here" list (rear, under-seat or boot batteries are often excluded)
Whether they test the charging system (alternator) at the same time
Whether memory-saving is done so radio and settings are kept
How long it takes and whether you can book
What happens to your old battery

Shop or seller

Quoted total

How to Use This Checklist

A shelf price is not what you pay. Fitting, a core charge, fees and tax can move the total a lot, and a cheap battery of the wrong type can cost you again within a year. Ask the same questions of each seller, write the total at the bottom, then compare like with like.

For a starting range before you call, use the replacement cost calculator or the retailer price comparison. If you are not sure which battery your car needs, the group size finder helps, and the AGM vs EFB vs flooded guide explains the type question.

Not sure you need a battery at all? Test it first with the voltage checker or the dead battery or alternator checker.

Frequently asked questions

What should a car battery quote include?

The battery brand, type and group size, the fitting charge, any core charge or environmental fee, tax, the warranty terms, and a single total. If any of those are missing, ask for them before you agree.

Why do two quotes for the same job look so different?

They often bundle different things. One may include fitting and disposal while the other shows only the part. Compare the total on the same basis, with the same battery type.

Should I get more than one quote?

Yes, if you are not stranded. Two or three quotes on the same battery type is quick to do by phone and shows whether a price is out of line. Use our price comparison and calculator for a starting range.

Related tools and guides

Car battery replacement cost calculator
A starting range by store and battery type.
Learn more
Warranty calculator
What a prorated credit is worth.
Learn more
Core charges explained
Guide.
Learn more