2,700 independent and franchised garages have already signed up to RAC’s new, real-time online servicing, repair and MOT price comparison site.

RAC Garage Compare officially goes live today and the strong response from service providers means that there is already excellent nationwide coverage and choice for consumers.

Working on the same principles as comparison websites covering products such as motor insurance and other financial products, RAC Garage Compare is designed to provide RAC members and other motorists with absolute transparency when they compare prices and service standards from independent and franchised garages all around the UK.

For garages, the new site provides free listings and access to a potentially entirely new pool of local customers as well as the opportunity to build a strong reputation through customer ratings.

CEO of The Motorist’s Organisation (RAC’s partner for the project) Douglas Rotberg (pictured) said: “The initial wave of registrations has been fairly evenly split between franchise and independent garages, showing the appeal of the concept to a wide variety of different kinds of businesses.

“The key reason for the fast registration rate that we have seen is the credibility of the RAC brand and recognition that this is a major development in the service and repair sector.

“Online servicing comparators have been around for a couple of years but have yet to really make a mark. However, the strength of our brand and technology is proving extremely popular with both motorists and those garages who are receiving online bookings.”