Mobile mechanics
Mobile mechanics: the cost of free diagnostics and parts on credit, and what the law allows
By Kamal Leadbitter, Founder · Last reviewed November 2026
The short answer
Giving away two diagnostic visits a week at £75 costs a mobile mechanic around £7,800 a year. You usually cannot keep or disable a car parked on the customer's own driveway, so take the call-out fee up front and get paid on completion.
Example mobile mechanic rates
| Call-out and diagnostic | £75.00 |
| Standard labour | £65.00 per hour |
| Emergency / roadside labour | £100.00 per hour |
| Brake pads and discs, labour only | £90.00 |
| Parts handling | Cost + agreed markup |
The rates below are worked examples, chosen to sit within the range of prices UK businesses publish on their own websites. They are not survey averages. Use them to model your own numbers, then replace them with your real prices. Legal points link to the original legislation or GOV.UK guidance.
Worked model: two leaks per van
| 2 unpaid diagnostic visits a week (£75 × 2 × 52) | £7,800 |
| 1 cancelled job with parts bought, per month (£40 restocking/dead stock × 12) | £480 |
| Total | £8,280 a year |
A free code read still costs you the drive, the time and the kit. If the customer then fits the part themselves, nothing is recovered.
The myth of the driveway lien
A garage holding a car on its own premises may have a lien for unpaid repairs. A mobile mechanic working on the customer's driveway usually does not have possession, and removing fitted parts or disabling the car can expose you to claims for damage.
The Consumer Rights Act 2015 says services must be done with reasonable care and skill and for a reasonable price where none was agreed — agree the price before you start and write it down.
Practical protection: take the call-out fee in advance, buy expensive parts only once a deposit is paid, and take card payment the moment the job is finished.
Copy-and-paste booking message
Call-out and diagnostic is £75, paid when booking. If you go ahead with the repair the same day, it's taken off the labour. Parts over £100 need a deposit before I order them.
Frequently asked questions
Should a mobile mechanic charge for diagnostics?
Yes. The drive, time and equipment all cost money. Agree the fee before the visit and take it in advance.
Can a mobile mechanic keep a car until the bill is paid?
Usually not when the car is on the customer's own property. Take payment on completion instead.
Can I take back a part the customer has not paid for?
Removing a fitted part is risky. Without an agreed retention-of-title term, take legal advice and use the small claims process.
Can I charge interest on late invoices?
On business customers, yes, under the Late Payment Act. For private customers, only if your terms say so.
Sources
- Consumer Rights Act 2015
- Consumer Rights Act 2015, Part 1 Chapter 4 (services)
- Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998
- GOV.UK — Late commercial payments: charging interest and debt recovery
- GOV.UK — Make a court claim for money
This is practical guidance, not legal advice. For a specific dispute, speak to a solicitor or Citizens Advice.
Citing this guide? Please link to this page and credit “Kamal Leadbitter, SaidToPaid”.