When you contact a fridge freezer repair service, you’ll often encounter a call-out fee. Understanding what it covers and how it affects total repair costs is essential for budgeting effectively.
What is a Call-Out Fee?
A call-out fee is a fixed charge for the technician to visit your home, assess the appliance, and provide a repair quote. It usually ranges from £40 to £80 in the UK. This fee may be deducted from the final repair cost if you proceed with the service.
What Call-Out Fees Cover
Call-out fees typically include:
- Travel time and transportation costs for the technician
- Initial assessment of the appliance
- Basic diagnostics to identify faults
- Provision of a repair quote
They do not usually cover replacement parts or labour, which are charged separately.
Factors Affecting Call-Out Fees
Several factors can influence the amount you pay:
- Location: Fees may be higher in remote or high-cost areas.
- Time of service: Emergency or weekend visits can incur additional charges.
- Appliance complexity: Larger or high-end models may require longer assessments, slightly increasing the fee.
How Call-Out Fees Affect Overall Repair Costs
Most call-out fees are combined with the total repair cost if you go ahead with the service. For example, if a repair costs £120 and the call-out fee is £50, you may only pay £120 or £170 depending on the service policy. Understanding fees can prevent unexpected costs. See Hidden Costs in Fridge Freezer Repair Quotes for more guidance.
Comparing Call-Out Fees
Different companies charge differently. Cheap services may have lower fees but use substandard parts, while professional services often provide warranties. Compare options in Cheap Fridge Freezer Repair vs Professional Repair.
Emergency and Same-Day Repairs
Urgent repairs typically increase the call-out fee. Same-day or emergency visits can cost an extra £50–£100. For more details, see Emergency Fridge Freezer Repair Costs and Same Day Fridge Freezer Repair Cost Guide.
Call-Out Fees for Landlords
Landlords arranging repairs for tenants must consider call-out fees in budgeting. Fees can vary depending on tenancy agreements and appliance type. See Fridge Freezer Repair Costs for Landlords for guidance.
Conclusion
Understanding fridge freezer repair call-out fees helps you budget accurately, avoid surprises, and choose the right service. Always check whether the fee is deducted from the total repair cost and compare professional versus budget options for best value.