Nearly 7 in 10 Women Drivers Fear Being Overcharged by Mechanics, survey finds
A survey of 400 female drivers by its4women reveals how confident women feel behind the wheel, undertaking DIY car maintenance and visiting the garage.
● Two-thirds of females (69%) worry they may be overcharged at garages because of their gender, highlighting a significant trust gap.
● More than half of respondents have felt anxious (54%) or patronised (55%) when visiting a garage.
● Reassuringly, 89% of respondents describe themselves as confident drivers, and 93% feel knowledgeable about electric vehicles, showing strong engagement with modern technology.
Women drivers in Ireland are overwhelmingly confident behind the steering wheel, yet many still feel underestimated when it comes to visiting garages, new research by its4women reveals.
The Women Behind The Wheel report, a nationally representative survey of 400 female drivers, found that 89% describe themselves as confident drivers, with over a third saying they feel extremely confident and actively enjoy driving. However, despite strong confidence on the road, the research highlights a clear disconnect when it comes to visiting the garage.
Garage visits remain a key source of concern
More than half of the women surveyed (54%) say they have felt anxious or intimidated when walking into a garage, while a similar number (55%) report feeling patronised during interactions.
Concerns around fairness and transparency are also widespread. Nearly seven in ten (69%) worry they may be quoted a higher price because of their gender, and 61% say they have felt pressured to agree to additional repairs they did not ask for.
For some, the issue extends to how they are treated in conversations, with 62% saying they have experienced situations where a mechanic has spoken to a male companion instead of them.
When asked what drives anxiety in these situations, the most common concern is cost, with 55% worried about being overcharged. Others point to unnecessary work (38%) and confusing technical language (25%) as key factors.
These experiences may not happen every time, but they occur often enough to shape how many women feel about garage visits.
Gary McClarty, CEO of its4women, said: “What we’re seeing here is a clear mismatch between confidence and experience. Women feel capable and informed as drivers, but too often the garage environment doesn’t reflect that. When communication feels unclear, prices feel uncertain, or interactions feel dismissive, it can undermine trust and make even routine visits feel uncomfortable. What’s needed is a more transparent, straightforward and respectful experience that reflects the confidence women already have.”
Confident with basic car care, but support still matters
Many women are actively involved in everyday car maintenance as more than four in five (84%) say they would refill their screen wash themselves, almost two-thirds (63%) are comfortable checking and inflating tyres and over half (54%) feel confident checking oil levels.
However, confidence drops when tasks become less familiar. Fewer than one in five (17%) would change a flat tyre independently, and just 8% feel confident using a tyre repair kit. In situations such as a flat battery, 59% would prefer to seek help or professional support.
Women are keeping pace with modern driving
The findings also challenge outdated assumptions about women and car knowledge. A significant 93% of respondents say they feel knowledgeable about electric vehicles, with nearly two-thirds describing themselves as very knowledgeable. This reflects strong engagement with new technology and evolving driving trends.
Gary adds: “This really challenges the outdated perception that women are less confident when it comes to cars. With 93% saying they feel knowledgeable about electric vehicles, it’s clear women are engaged, informed and keeping pace with how driving is evolving. What’s interesting is that this confidence is strongest around newer technology, showing how access to information and changing habits have reshaped the way people learn about cars.”
Five tips for a stress-free garage visit
From asking the right questions to taking control of the conversation, Gary McClarty provides these practical ways so women can feel more informed, more confident and more in control:
Have a basic understanding of what could be wrong: Go in with a basic understanding of the issue. You don't need to be an expert, but being able to describe the issues with the car helps you stay in control of the conversation.
Ask for a simple explanation: Ask for explanations in plain language. If a mechanic relies too heavily on jargon, don't be afraid to ask them to "translate." A good technician should be able to explain the why and the how very clearly.
Get everything in writing: Never rely on verbal estimates. Secure a formal quote that includes a "no extra work without consent" clause. This gives you the paper trail needed to prevent overcharging and gives you the breathing room to think before saying "yes."
Audit the work (the "old parts" rule): Ask the garage to keep any replaced parts in a box for your inspection. This is a subtle but highly effective way to discourage "phantom" repairs or unnecessary work.
Trust your gut to build a bond: If the price, the tone, or the explanation feels off, walk away. Your instincts are your best defence until you find a garage you trust; once you find that relationship, car maintenance becomes significantly less stressful.
Methodology
The survey gathered responses from a nationally representative sample of 400 women drivers across Ireland, covering a range of ages, regions and driving experience levels. Respondents were asked a series of questions exploring their confidence behind the wheel, their approach to everyday car maintenance, their knowledge of electric vehicles, and their experiences when visiting garages. Where referenced, percentages are based on total respondents unless otherwise stated. Some figures may not total 100% due to rounding. Fieldwork was carried out in February 2026.
