Garage phone answering — your questions answered
The things garage owners ask us most. If yours isn't here, drop us a line.
Getting set up
How soon can my garage be answering calls?
Most garages are live on their own UK number within minutes of signing up. We verify your business, then your number is set up automatically and you point your existing line our way.
Do I need to change my current number?
No. You can get a brand-new UK number straight away, or move your existing one over later if you prefer. Porting takes about five working days and we handle the paperwork — you just sign the form.
What's a "line"?
A line is one AI receptionist with its own number and setup. Most garages start with one. Add more lines for a second site or a separate bookings number — each line is priced on its own.
I already have someone on reception — does this replace them?
Only if you want it to. Set it to pick up after hours, when the phone goes unanswered, or all the time — your choice. Ideal for catching calls while everyone's out in the workshop.
Bookings & the workshop
How does it know about my garage?
You point it at your prices, services and opening hours. It learns what you offer — MOTs, full and interim services, diagnostics, repairs, courtesy cars — and answers customers accurately. It won't make things up.
Does it actually sound human?
Yes — a natural UK voice with no awkward pauses. Most callers don't realise it isn't a person.
Can it really book MOTs and services?
Yes. It checks your live availability, offers specific slots, and books the MOT, service or repair while the customer's still on the line. On the Advanced plan it syncs two ways with your Microsoft 365, Google or Apple (iCloud) calendar, so the booking lands in the diary you already use — and it can juggle multiple mechanics' schedules and how long each job takes.
Can it look up a customer's car?
Yes. Give it a registration and it pulls the vehicle's details. If the MOT isn't due for a while, it tells the customer before booking — so they don't lose months of cover by testing too early.
Can it remind customers when their MOT's due?
Yes, on the Advanced plan. It rings and texts customers when their MOT or service is coming due and books them back in — repeat work without you lifting a finger. It also recognises repeat callers and offers their usual service.
What if it can't deal with a call?
On the Assisted and Advanced plans it puts urgent callers — a complaint, a worried customer, a fleet enquiry — straight through to a real person. Otherwise it takes a message so nothing gets dropped.
Your team & outbound calls
Can my staff call customers directly from the dashboard?
Yes, on the Advanced plan. Any staff member can click to dial a customer straight from the dashboard — the call goes out on your garage's own provisioned number, not a personal mobile, so your number shows on the customer's phone. There is no desk phone or separate app to install. The call is placed by your team member (not the AI), and it is logged and transcribed automatically alongside your inbound calls.
Can customers reach my garage on WhatsApp?
Yes. Customers who'd rather message than phone get the same quick service on WhatsApp — and still get booked in. One number handles both calls and messages.
What about WhatsApp voice notes?
A customer can send a voice note — "can you sort my MOT this week?" — and it understands and replies within a few seconds, then books them in.
Data & the rules
Is my data stored in the UK?
Yes. Calls, messages, recordings and customer details stay on UK-based servers in a UK data centre. Nothing is sent overseas. You can export or delete your data at any time from your dashboard.
Is it GDPR-compliant?
Yes. We're a UK data controller, UK-hosted, callers are told about recording at the start of the call, you control how long data is kept, and you can export or delete on demand. A data agreement is available on request from info@motlogs.com.
What about the rules on reminder and follow-up calls?
For any outbound calls, it checks the official "no-cold-calling" registers first and respects your do-not-contact list, so you stay compliant by default.
Can I listen back to calls and read transcripts?
Yes — every call, recording and message is in your dashboard, searchable and yours to keep. No black boxes.
Pricing & commitment
What does "usage" cover?
On top of the monthly fee you pay for the calls and messages you actually use. We pass the cost through honestly — no hidden mark-up, no surprise invoices.
What's the spend cap?
Each plan caps outbound spend per line — £10 a month on Standard, £30 on Assisted, £60 on Advanced. When the cap is reached, outbound pauses automatically and inbound calls always still get through. You can set your cap lower.
Can I cancel anytime?
Yes. Month to month, cancel with one click, and the number stays yours — we'll move it wherever you want if you decide to leave.
Is there a free trial?
Yes — the Standard plan starts with a free trial. Get a number, make some test calls, and walk away if it's not for you.
Still got questions?
Get a number and give it a go — or drop us a line, we reply quickly.