Guide · Estimates
Auto detailing estimate template
A worked auto detailing example, the exclusions that matter in this trade, and a PDF you can print. No sign-up.
A auto detailing estimate needs your business details and license number, the customer and job address, one line per task and material with quantity and price, the total, any deposit, what is excluded, and a place to approve. The template below is the generic contractor estimate pre-filled with a auto detailing job so you can see what good looks like, plus the exclusions mobile detailers most often forget. It's free, printable, and there's no sign-up.
Download the auto detailing template
Download the PDF (US Letter, 1 page)
The example rows are in grey; write over them. Blank rows below for your own lines, then tax, deposit, exclusions, terms and a signature line. The blank version has no example.
Worked example: Full interior and exterior detail, midsize SUV, pet hair
| Line | Qty | Price | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exterior hand wash, decontamination and clay bar | 1 ea | $120.00 | $120.00 |
| Interior deep clean: vacuum, steam, wipe down | 1 ea | $150.00 | $150.00 |
| Pet hair removal | 1 hr | $60.00 | $60.00 |
| Spray sealant | 1 ea | $50.00 | $50.00 |
| Total before tax | $380.00 |
Example prices only; use yours. In Settle you'd say this job out loud and it writes these lines from the prices you charged last time.
Exclusions to put on every auto detailing estimate
- Price is for the vehicle size and condition listed; heavier soiling quoted before starting.
- Customer provides water and power access for mobile service unless listed.
- Paint correction and ceramic coating quoted separately.
- Personal items removed from the vehicle before the appointment.
Terms that fit auto detailing work
Valid for 30 days. Payment due on completion by card, bank transfer or check.
What matters in auto detailing estimates
- Price by size and condition. "Midsize SUV, pet hair" explains the number before the customer asks.
- Extras on their own lines. Pet hair, odor and stains are add-ons. Separate lines let the customer choose.
- Say what mobile needs. Water and power, or that you bring your own.
- Get paid before you pack up. Send the invoice with a pay link while you're still in the driveway.
Copy the text version
Paste into Notes, a text or an email and change the numbers.
[Your business name] [Phone] · [Email] · License #[number] ESTIMATE #0001 Date: [date] Valid until: [date] Prepared for: [Customer name] Job address: [address] Job: Full interior and exterior detail, midsize SUV, pet hair ITEMS Exterior hand wash, decontamination and clay bar 1 ea × $120.00 = $120.00 Interior deep clean: vacuum, steam, wipe down 1 ea × $150.00 = $150.00 Pet hair removal 1 hr × $60.00 = $60.00 Spray sealant 1 ea × $50.00 = $50.00 TOTAL BEFORE TAX: $380.00 Not included: - Price is for the vehicle size and condition listed; heavier soiling quoted before starting. - Customer provides water and power access for mobile service unless listed. - Paint correction and ceramic coating quoted separately. - Personal items removed from the vehicle before the appointment. Terms: Valid for 30 days. Payment due on completion by card, bank transfer or check. Approved by: ______________________ Date: ________
Is this auto detailing estimate template free?
Yes. Download the PDF or copy the text. There is no sign-up and no watermark beyond a one-line footer you can cut off.
What should a auto detailing estimate include?
Business details and license number, customer and job address, an estimate number and valid-until date, one line per task and material with quantity and price, the total, any deposit, exclusions, terms, and a signature line. This template has all of them.
Can I make a auto detailing estimate on my phone instead?
Yes. Settle is a free iPhone app for mobile detailers: describe the job out loud and it writes a priced estimate from your own prices, which you text from your own phone. See the auto detailing estimate app page.
Or say the job and Settle writes the auto detailing estimate for you.
Free on iPhone. Unlimited estimates and invoices. 7 days of Pro to try the voice drafts, and you cancel in two taps.
Download on the App StoreiPhone, iOS 17 or later. Questions? Text Nina: (818) 945-9686