Do I need to tell my insurer if I'm using a roofbox?
If I use a roofbox for, say, just one week during the year, am I required to inform my insurer of this? I understand that a roofbox may affect the car's handling if it is badly mounted and/or unevenly loaded and technically may therefore increase the risk of an accident, which may then invalidate the insurance policy. However, given that I mount my roofbox carefully and firmly, load it evenly, and stop en route from time to time to check it, will informing my insurer simply give them an excuse to charge an additional premium?
Asked on 14 July 2025 by JohnnyComeLately
Answered by
Rhydian Jones
While most insurers don’t require you to inform them of a roofbox if it’s for temporary use, there are some important factors to consider. As long as the rooftop doesn’t breach the following, you are not required to inform your insurer:
The roofbox is not mounted properly
The roofbox negatively impacts vehicle structure or performance
Its usage violates a material change
You’re storing valuable items inside which could increase the risk of theft
The rooftop is for permanent use
As long as your roofbox is compliant with the above, this should sit within your insurance policy. To be certain, you should check your insurance policy documents or online portal to eliminate any risks.
It’s important to be aware of the risks. However, if your roofbox is mounted properly, does not impact vehicle structure or performance and is not a permanent fixture of the vehicle, you are not required to inform your insurer and will not result in any additional charges for its use.
The roofbox is not mounted properly
The roofbox negatively impacts vehicle structure or performance
Its usage violates a material change
You’re storing valuable items inside which could increase the risk of theft
The rooftop is for permanent use
As long as your roofbox is compliant with the above, this should sit within your insurance policy. To be certain, you should check your insurance policy documents or online portal to eliminate any risks.
It’s important to be aware of the risks. However, if your roofbox is mounted properly, does not impact vehicle structure or performance and is not a permanent fixture of the vehicle, you are not required to inform your insurer and will not result in any additional charges for its use.
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