Frequently asked questions
Here we answer some of the most common questions we get asked about our vehicle adaptations and mobility driving aids. If there’s anything you’d like more information about, please don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team.
Motability & Funding
Are there any other funding options available?
It’s possible you may qualify for a grant or funding for your Autochair adaptation, depending upon your specific need or disability. There are a number of charities and organisations that you can speak to who may be able to help you.
Do I have to have Motability to get an adaptation?
No, you can purchase any of our adaptations privately and directly from Autochair.
Do I have to pay VAT on my adaptation?
If you buy a new vehicle and have it fitted with an adaptation before it is registered to you, you may be eligible for vehicle VAT relief, which can go towards the cost of the adaptation.
To qualify, you must use a wheelchair and be registered as disabled, and the product must be a substantial, permanently installed adaptation, such as a person hoist or swivel seat. You don’t have to be the driver of the vehicle, but it must be adapted before it is registered to the owner. Find out more about zero-rated VAT.
How much does it cost to fit a boot hoist or person lift?
The price of our adaptations vary and some customers may be eligible for a grant or funding to put towards the cost. Please call our friendly advisors on 0800 009 2300 to discuss what you need and we will be happy to advise you.
What is Motability?
Motability is a registered charity set up to help people with disabilities decide how to spend their mobility allowance from the government. They can use this money to lease a new car, mobility scooter or powered wheelchair, and adaptations such as the ones Autochair provides. Find out more about the Motability Scheme.
Will Motability fund my adaptation mid-lease?
In short yes, Motability can offer grants towards an adaptation mid-way through your lease. However we do advise you get in touch with us to discuss your adaptation needs and from there we can guide you through the process.
Ordering & Fitting
Do I have to bring the car to Autochair for a fitting?
At Autochair we offer a nationwide adaptation fitting
service with dedicated mobile fitters meaning there’s a specialist on hand to
install all our products no matter where you live in the UK. Choose a date and
time that suits you and we will come to your home to fit your products.
In some cases, we may need to bring your vehicle to our
workshop in Alfreton however, in this instance we will discuss this with you.
Do I have to place my order on the day of my home demonstration or virtual assessment?
No! The assessor will explain the simple order process and leave you with a quotation for the products you require. You can then decide to order on the day, or if you prefer to think about it just contact us when you’re ready.
How do I order?
Ordering your Autochair vehicle adaptation couldn’t be easier with our simple four step process.
How long will the install take?
In most cases, we can fit your adaptation within a few hours. Our products are designed specifically to be quick and easy to install, so you can start enjoying the extra freedom your adaptation provides as soon as possible.
What vehicles can you fit to?
Our Smart Lifter range of car boot hoists fit over 500 different vehicles and can lift hundreds of different wheelchairs, powerchairs and scooters. This means the combinations of car and scooter/chair are almost endless! For specific compatibility advice contact our advisors.
The Milford Person Lift can be fitted to virtually any vehicle but not everyone can be lifted into all vehicles – it all depends on the height and level of mobility you have. With a free home demonstration, our assessment specialist will be able to check this for you.
When will my adaptation be installed?
Once you have placed your order with us, we aim to fit your adaptation within 7-14 days.
Will fitting an adaptation affect my vehicle warranty?
As each adaption is bespoke, every installation is different. We recommend contacting your vehicle dealership, who will be able to clarify all vehicle warrantee information for you.
Transfers & Removals
Can I transfer my adaptation into a new vehicle?
If your adaptation was installed by us, then we will absolutely be able to facilitate a transfer if it is compatible with your new vehicle.
Find out everything you need to know about transferring your Autochair adaptation into a new vehicle here.
Will Autochair remove and buy back my adaptation?
We understand circumstances change, and you may no longer require our products. Like with facilitating a transfer, we can only remove your boot hoist or person lift if we were the original installers.
We are ISO 9001 registered – a quality management accreditation which requires a quality control system of testing to ensure our products are of the highest standard. To maintain this standard of quality, we regret that we cannot buy back or sell used adaptations.
Guarantees, Servicing & Repairs
How do I arrange a service for my adaptation?
To keep your vehicle adaptation in top working condition, we advise that it is serviced every 12 months, which we can carry out for you. Please get in touch with us to make an appointment.
What guarantee do I get with my adaptation?
All products installed by us come with a 3 year guarantee as standard. All products fitted through the Motability Scheme will also have a 3 year guarantee.
What happens if my adaptation breaks down?
We understand that our products make a vital difference to our customers’ lives, which is why we'd be more than happy to help, if for whatever reason your existing product may need a repair. Just give our friendly team a call on 0800 167 0928.