MOT Reminder Statistics
Key statistics on MOT reminders for garages — conversion rates, timing benchmarks and what the numbers mean for your workshop.
Last updated 6 July 2026 · 6 min read
Part of our guide to MOT Reminders
Why the numbers matter
MOT reminders are not guesswork. Garages that measure reminder sends, opens, clicks and bookings can see exactly what each touchpoint returns. These benchmarks help you set realistic targets and justify the time spent on setup. Start with our MOT reminders guide and compare your own data monthly.
Benchmarks that matter
- Reminder conversion: 25–40% of reminded customers rebook when a booking link is included
- Retention without reminders: many independents lose 40–60% of MOT customers year on year
- SMS open rates: typically 90%+ for garage reminders — far higher than email alone
- Three-touch sequences outperform single reminders by a significant margin
- Booking links convert 2–3× better than 'please call us to book'
Timing in the data
The first reminder four weeks out captures early planners. The two-week follow-up reaches the largest share of eventual bookers. The one-week nudge recovers customers who would have Googled 'MOT near me' at the last minute. See MOT reminder templates for wording matched to each stage.
Revenue per retained customer
A retained MOT customer is worth the test fee — typically £54.85 nationally — plus advisories, services and repairs. Over five years, a single loyal customer can be worth £1,000 or more in workshop revenue. Use the MOT reminder revenue calculator with your own customer numbers. Pair MOT data with annual service reminders to grow the average job value.
Measure your own garage
Industry averages are a starting point. Track sends, bookings and revenue from reminders monthly. AskMike Customer Reminders reports on reminder performance. For promotion ideas beyond reminders, read MOT marketing ideas. More context in our MOT & Servicing guides.
Frequently asked questions
- What conversion rate should I expect from MOT reminders?
- Garages using automated reminders with booking links typically see 25–40% of reminded customers rebook. Rates depend on your customer base, reminder timing and how easy booking is.
- Do multiple reminders really work better than one?
- Yes. A single reminder catches only the customers who were already planning to return. A three-touch sequence over four weeks reaches procrastinators and last-minute bookers who would otherwise drift to a competitor.
Related guides
MOT Reminders
How automated MOT reminders help garages fill the diary, increase repeat bookings and reduce the admin of chasing customers.
MOT Reminder Templates
Ready-to-use MOT reminder message templates for SMS and email — timing, tone and booking links that convert.
Annual Service Reminders
How to remind customers when their annual or manufacturer service is due — timing, messaging and filling gaps between MOTs.
MOT Marketing Ideas
Practical MOT marketing ideas for independent garages — local visibility, offers and reminders that fill the diary.
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