How it works

From "this doesn't look right" to sorted, without you making a single call. Choose what you're dealing with to see exactly how it goes.

What are you dealing with?

Your repair quote, start to finish

  1. 1 · Get started, $79

    You send

    A photo or PDF of the written estimate, and a line about what's wrong with the car.

  2. 2 · Usually within a day

    We check

    Parts prices, labour hours and add-ons against what shops really charge, by someone who has owned repair shops.

  3. 3 · Your report

    You get

    Mind at peace, opportunity found, or potential savings. With the dollars at stake and what looks padded.

  4. 4 · Optional, $249

    We handle it

    We take it up with the shop in writing. You never make a call. If we don't save you more than our fee, you get it back.

Every report ends with one of three answers

Mind at peace

The price and terms are fair. Go ahead with confidence. And since fair isn't final, we can still ask for better.

Example: a $1,150 timing belt and water pump quote that matches what shops in the area charge.

Opportunity found

Some items are worth questioning before you agree.

Example: $1,130 of lease-end charges that may not match your lease's wear guide.

Potential savings

Clear money on the table, and we'd push back.

Example: a repair bill 24% over the estimate, when Ontario caps it at 10%.

Get started: $79 See example reports

Awkward conversations are kind of our thing.

Here's what happens when we handle it.

You sign a short authorization so the shop, dealer or lender will deal with us. We write to them on your behalf, keep you posted, and you approve every step.

A case is one issue with one business, handled in writing for up to 30 days. If it needs to go further, such as to small claims court, we refer you to our partner paralegal, who quotes you directly.

If only a small amount is at stake, we'll tell you so honestly instead of charging a fee.

What a Cardian review looks like

An example of what you get back. The names, shop and numbers are made up to show the format.

1. You send a photo

Review #CD-1042
Repair quote · 2018 Toyota RAV4
Reviewed by a Cardian expert
Same day
Mind at peaceOpportunity foundPotential savings
$509likely more than you need to pay on a $1,421.50 quote
LineQuotedOur finding
Pads, ceramic$189In a normal range.
Rotors, pair$412Price is high for this vehicle. Ask the shop for the rotor measurements and whether resurfacing is an option.
Brake fluid flush$149Ask the shop why it's needed now, and compare with your maintenance schedule.
Labour 3.5 h$577.50This job is usually closer to 2 hours. That's about $247 in extra labour.
Shop supplies$94On the high side. Ask what it covers.

Before you approve

Brakes are a safety item, so don't put off the repair. Our concern is the price, not whether the work is needed. Ask for the measurements and a revised written estimate, or get a second inspection from another licensed shop, before you approve.

What happens next

Most shops push back the first time. We know how these conversations go, and we can handle the back-and-forth for you.

I'll take it from hereYou have the findings and the numbers. Take them to the shop yourself.
Have Cardian handle itWe contact the shop in writing for you. $249 flat, less the $79 you already paid, and only if we save you more than that.
  • Sent 9:12 am
  • Checked line by line
  • Expert review 2:40 pm
  • Answer sent