HOW TO HIRE · VEHICLES & TRANSPORT

How to hire a roof rack fitter in the UK
The checks, the questions and the paperwork.

No licence applies; the roof load limit and correct torque matter. Here is what to check.

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  • One score from Google, Trustpilot and Locufy reviews

THE 60-SECOND VERSION

Hiring a roof rack fitter in five steps

  1. Know your roofFlush rails, raised rails, fixed points or a bare roof — the fitting kit depends on it.
  2. Check the roof load limitIn the car's handbook; it includes the weight of the bars and box.
  3. Match the kit to the carBars and feet specified for your make and model.
  4. Get the fitting priceBars, box, carriers and any adjustments.
  5. Check before a long tripBolts torqued, locks working, nothing moving.

BEFORE YOU BOOK

Check before you book

No register applies

No UK nation — England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland — licenses or registers roof rack fitters. The fitting must be done with reasonable care and skill under the Consumer Rights Act 2015.

Agree what is fitted and the price in writing. citizensadvice.org.uk →

Insurance

There is no compulsory insurance for a roof rack fitter. A professional carries cover for customers' cars and public liability, and will name the insurer if asked.

Ask to see the insurance certificate before the first booking.

Trader status and a written price

The Consumer Rights Act 2015 protects you when you deal with a trader: the roof rack fitter must work with reasonable care and skill, and you can ask for poor work to be redone or the price reduced. Agree what is included in writing.

Look for the trader badge on the Locufy profile and keep the quote message. legislation.gov.uk →

VAT

Roof bars and their fitting are standard-rated at 20%. Roof rack fitters whose taxable turnover passes £90,000 must register, charge VAT and show it as its own line on the quote and invoice.

Ask the fitter for its VAT number and whether the price includes the 20%. gov.uk →

“Is this roof rack kit made for my car?”

A good answer: Yes — feet and fitting kit for your make, model and roof type.

“What is my car's maximum roof load?”

A good answer: The handbook figure, including bars and box.

“Will you torque the roof rack bolts to the maker's setting?”

A good answer: Yes, with a torque tool.

“Will the box clear the tailgate when it opens?”

A good answer: Checked before fixing.

“Do the locks work and do I have the keys?”

A good answer: Yes, and a spare.

“Should the roof rack fitting be rechecked after a few miles?”

A good answer: Often yes; ask.

“What guarantee covers the fitting?”

A good answer: In writing.

Getting the quote right

  • What is fitted: bars, box, carriers
  • Fitting kit for your car
  • Torque check and lock check
  • The fitter's VAT number, with VAT under parts and fitting
  • Guarantee
  • Who actually attends to fit the bars, and whether they are employed or subcontracted

Walk away if

  • A universal kit on a roof that needs a specific one
  • Bolts tightened by feel, not torque
  • No mention of the roof load limit
  • Paint marks under the feet
LOW
£30
TYPICAL
£55
HIGH
£65

What a roof rack fitter costs: £30–£65 per job

Roof rack fitting is priced per job — bars, a box, carriers — with the equipment itself usually bought separately. Roof Rack Fitting price guide →

Guide prices compiled by the Locufy team from published Irish and UK provider price lists and 2026/27 cost guides. Updated 2026.

KNOW WHAT TO LOOK FOR? NOW FIND ONE

Roof rack fitters near you, with the badges that matter shown

ID checked, trader status and one score from every review — on the card, before you message anyone. Nearest first. No account needed to look.

Or post the job free and let them come to you.

  1. Check the roofRoof type and fixing points confirmed.
  2. Fit the feetFeet and pads positioned to the maker's measurements.
  3. Fit the barsBars fixed and torqued.
  4. Mount the box or carriersPositioned for tailgate clearance and secured.
  5. CheckLocks, torque and movement checked.

Roof load limit
The maximum weight the roof can carry, in the handbook.
Fitting kit
The car-specific clamps or brackets for the feet.
Flush rails
Roof rails fixed close to the roof with no gap.
Torque
The set tightness for the bolts.
Roof box
A lockable box on the bars.
Fixed points
Factory mounting points hidden in the roof.

AFTER

When the job is done

Recheck after the first milesBolts and clamps can settle.
Load within the limitHeavy items in the car, light bulky items on the roof.
Keep the invoice and keysAnd note the box key number.
Review and make-it-rightLocufy's reviews are tied to real bookings. Rate it under four stars and the fitter is invited to fix the problem before your review goes up.

STEP 1Tell the fitter, in writingDescribe the problem with the roof rack fitting, with photos, and what you want. The Consumer Rights Act 2015 sets the bar: reasonable care and skill in doing the job.
STEP 2The Locufy make-it-right stepBelow four stars, you decide whether the complaint about the roof rack fitter goes to the fitter first. We follow it through, and then you review.
STEP 3The Motor Ombudsman or Trading StandardsIf the fitter is accredited to The Motor Ombudsman, it can decide the dispute once the business has had eight weeks to reply. If not, take the roof rack fitter complaint to the consumer helpline, which can pass it to Trading Standards: Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133 in England and Wales, Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 800 9060, and Consumerline on 0300 123 6262 in Northern Ireland.
STEP 4Small claimsIf the roof rack fitter still is not settled, the limits are £10,000 in England and Wales (small claims track), £5,000 in Scotland (simple procedure) and £5,000 in Northern Ireland (small claims court). Keep every message and invoice as evidence.

Hiring a roof rack fitter: questions people ask

No. No UK nation licenses roof rack fitting. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 the roof rack fitter must still work with reasonable care and skill.

An invoice and any guarantee. Keep the equipment instructions and keys.

No more than the maker's roof load limit in the handbook, which includes the bars and box.

Typically £55: the range is £30–£65 per job. The roof rack fitting price guide breaks it down; put in your postcode above to compare roof rack fitters near you.

Yes, it adds drag; remove it when you do not need it.

Stop and remove the load, then tell the fitter in writing with photos. The Consumer Rights Act 2015 requires the fitting to be done with reasonable care and skill.

MORE GUIDES

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Roof rack fitters near you

Roof rack fitters in LondonRoof rack fitters in ManchesterRoof rack fitters in BirminghamRoof rack fitters in GlasgowRoof rack fitters in BelfastAll roof rack fitters on Locufy →

Sources — checked October 2026

  1. Citizens Advice — problems with a car repair
  2. The Motor Ombudsman — Garage Finder
  3. Consumer Rights Act 2015, section 49 — reasonable care and skill
  4. gov.uk — make a court claim for money: court fees
  5. mygov.scot — make a court claim for money
  6. nidirect — small claims process
  7. VAT rates — VAT rates for goods and services: standard rate 20% on most goods and services
  8. GOV.UK — Register for VAT: when to register