Motability Scheme at Vertu: Your Guide to Accessible Motoring

Navigating the world of personal mobility can sometimes present unique challenges, but for many, the Motability Scheme offers a remarkable pathway to greater independence. At Vertu, we understand the importance of accessible and reliable transport, and we're here to help you understand how this innovative scheme can put you in the driver's seat of a brand-new vehicle, tailored to your specific needs.

Understanding the Motability Scheme: Your Gateway to Freedom

The Motability Scheme is a government-backed initiative designed to provide disabled people with an affordable and worry-free way to lease a new car, scooter, or powered wheelchair. It's a lifeline for thousands across the UK, offering an all-inclusive package that simplifies vehicle ownership and ensures peace of mind. Instead of purchasing a vehicle outright, you exchange part or all of your eligible mobility allowance to cover the lease cost, making motoring accessible and manageable.

What truly sets the Motability Scheme apart is its comprehensive nature. When you lease a vehicle through the scheme, a vast majority of your motoring expenses are covered. This typically includes:

• Road tax
• Comprehensive insurance for up to three named drivers
• All servicing and maintenance costs
• Breakdown cover from the RAC
• Tyre replacement and repair
• Windscreen repair and replacement

For those considering their first electric vehicle (EV) under the scheme, there's an additional benefit: you may also be eligible for a free home charging point installation, further enhancing the convenience and cost-effectiveness of your motoring experience.

Who Qualifies for the Motability Scheme?

Eligibility for the Motability Scheme is tied to specific disability allowances. If you receive the higher rate of the mobility component of one of the following benefits, you could be eligible to apply:

• Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
• Adult Disability Payment (Scotland)
• Child Disability Payment (Scotland)
• War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement (WPMS)
• Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP)

It's crucial to note that you must have at least 12 months remaining on your allowance to successfully apply for the Scheme. You can easily verify this by contacting your allowance provider directly. If your allowance has less than 12 months left, you'll need to wait for it to be renewed before proceeding with your application. This ensures continuity throughout your lease period.

Choosing Your Ideal Motability Vehicle at Vertu

With a vast array of vehicles available, finding the one that perfectly suits your specific needs and lifestyle is a key part of the Motability journey. The scheme carefully selects vehicles to cater to a wide range of customer requirements, from compact city cars to spacious family vehicles and even wheelchair-accessible vehicles (WAVs).

If you're unsure where to begin, the Motability website offers a helpful online tool designed to guide you through the selection process. This tool can assist in narrowing down options based on your preferences, such as vehicle size, adaptations needed, and budget. However, there's no substitute for experiencing a vehicle firsthand. We highly recommend visiting your local Vertu dealership. Our friendly and knowledgeable team can provide expert advice, answer all your questions, and arrange a test drive to give you a real feel for any vehicles you're interested in. This hands-on experience is invaluable in making an informed decision, ensuring your chosen car perfectly complements your daily life.

Understanding Your Motability Allowance and Payments

The financial aspect of the Motability Scheme is designed to be straightforward and transparent. Your weekly mobility allowance forms the basis of your lease payments, which are taken directly from your allowance provider.

Disability Living Allowance (DLA) Rates

As of the most recent updates, the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is currently set at:

• £75.75 per week at the higher rate
• £28.70 per week at the lower rate

These rates are awarded to eligible disabled people aged between 16 and the State Pension age. Any future changes to your allowance will be communicated directly by your provider. For the most up-to-date information on allowances, the Motability website is an excellent resource.

The New Vehicle Payment

A significant benefit of the Motability Scheme is the New Vehicle Payment, currently set at £750. This payment can be used flexibly: either partially or in full towards the lease of your new car. It's particularly useful for offsetting the Advance Payment, which is an upfront cost required for some vehicles. If you choose to use your New Vehicle Payment for this purpose, Motability can arrange for it to be sent directly to the dealership on your behalf, streamlining the process.

How Payments Are Made

Once you've chosen your car and decided how much of your mobility allowance you wish to use, the payment process is largely automated. After you've collected your vehicle, lease payments will be taken directly from your allowance provider. The only potential upfront cost you might encounter is the difference in the Advance Payment if you select a vehicle above a certain price threshold. Conversely, if you choose a vehicle with an Advance Payment lower than the New Vehicle Payment, you will receive the difference, effectively reducing your overall costs.

The Application and Collection Process

Applying for a Motability car is a straightforward process designed to be as user-friendly as possible.

1. Online Application: You can initiate your application through your online Motability account. Simply navigate to the "New car application" section and ensure all your personal details are accurate. If you're new to the scheme, you'll first need to create an account.
2. Dealership Consultation: Once your online application is underway, the next step is to speak with a Motability dealer, such as your local Vertu dealership. Our experts can help you explore suitable vehicles, discuss any necessary adaptations (such as steering aids or hoists), and finalise your order.
3. Vehicle Collection: When your new Motability car is ready, you'll collect it from your nearest dealership. To ensure a smooth handover, please remember to bring the following documents:
• Proof of identity (e.g., a valid UK passport or driving licence)
• The driving licence of any other named driver who will be collecting the vehicle on your behalf
• The Personal Identification Number (PIN) sent to you by Motability, which can be accessed via your online account

After a thorough check of your new vehicle and once you're completely satisfied, you can drive away and begin enjoying your enhanced mobility. For certain other Motability vehicles, such as scooters or powered wheelchairs, delivery options may also be available, which you can explore further on the Motability website.

Using Your Motability Vehicle Responsibly

A common question pertains to who can drive a Motability vehicle. Motability's policy is clear: the vehicle should always be used for the direct benefit of the disabled person. While the disabled person themselves is the primary user, other individuals can drive the vehicle provided they are explicitly listed as named drivers on the Certificate of Motor Insurance. This ensures that the insurance coverage is valid and that the vehicle is used in accordance with the scheme's regulations. Unauthorised drivers are not permitted.

Are Motability Cars 'Free'? Dispelling Misconceptions

It's important to clarify that Motability cars are not 'free' in the traditional sense. They are paid for by exchanging either part or all of your eligible mobility allowance. This exchange covers the vast majority of motoring costs, as detailed above, making it an incredibly cost-effective way to access a new vehicle. Regarding adaptations, many standard adaptations are offered free of charge. However, more complex or bespoke adaptations may incur an additional cost, depending on their nature and complexity. Your dealer can provide full details on adaptation costs.

The Four-Day Rule: Ensuring a Smooth Experience

The "four-day rule" is an internal guideline set by Motability for dealerships, designed to streamline the process for customers. It mandates that dealerships must provide a Confirmed Delivery Date (CDD) and ensure that all necessary paperwork and checks are meticulously completed within four days of that CDD. This commitment helps to ensure efficiency and transparency, reducing waiting times and providing customers with a clear timeline for receiving their new vehicle.

Life After Three Years: What Happens at the End of Your Lease?

Motability leases typically run for three years for cars, or five years for wheelchair-accessible vehicles (WAVs). As your lease approaches its end, you'll have several options to consider:

1. Lease Another Vehicle: Many customers choose to simply lease another brand-new vehicle through the scheme, starting a fresh agreement with the latest models and features.
2. Request a Lease Extension: If you're particularly happy with your current vehicle and wish to keep it for a little longer, you may be able to request a lease extension, subject to Motability's approval.
3. Return Your Vehicle: If you decide not to continue with the scheme, you can simply return your vehicle to the dealership. Once the lease concludes, your mobility allowance will be reinstated by your provider.

Your existing car is usually returned to the dealership and then sold on. It's important to remember that you cannot purchase your Motability car at the end of the lease, as it remains the property of Motability Operations Ltd.

Good Condition Payment

For customers who have taken excellent care of their Motability vehicles, there's an additional reward: the Good Condition Payment. Currently, for a three-year lease, you could receive £250, while a five-year lease might see you receive £350. This payment is a token of appreciation for maintaining the vehicle to a high standard throughout your lease term.

Mileage Limits: Planning Your Journeys

Motability leases come with generous mileage allowances to accommodate your travel needs:

• For a standard three-year lease, you're permitted to drive up to 60,000 miles.
• For a five-year lease, typically for WAVs, the limit extends to 100,000 miles.

Should you exceed these limits, Motability will levy a charge of 5p for each additional mile driven. It's always a good idea to monitor your mileage to avoid unexpected costs at the end of your lease.

Understanding Key Terminology: PIP and More

The Motability Scheme relies on specific disability allowances, and understanding these terms is vital:

• PIP (Personal Independence Payment): This is an allowance designed to help individuals aged 16 and over, who have long-term health conditions or disabilities, with the added costs of daily living and mobility. To qualify for Motability, you must receive the higher rate mobility component of PIP and have at least 12 months remaining on your award.
• DLA (Disability Living Allowance): Similar to PIP, DLA provides financial support for disabled individuals, specifically for those under 16 or those who were receiving it before PIP was introduced in their area. The higher rate mobility component is required for Motability eligibility.
• WPMS (War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement) & AFIP (Armed Forces Independence Payment): These are specific benefits for veterans and service personnel with disabilities, also providing eligibility for the scheme.

Nearly New Motability Vehicles: Another Excellent Option

Beyond brand-new vehicles, the Motability Scheme also offers "Nearly New" vehicles. These are cars that have been previously registered to a Motability customer and, if they fall within a specified age range, can re-join the scheme. Nearly New vehicles offer many of the same benefits as a brand-new car, including:

• A thorough quality check
• A full-service history
• Often a lower Advance Payment, making them a more accessible option upfront
• They come with a standard three-year lease agreement

This option provides an excellent opportunity to access a quality vehicle with reduced initial costs, without compromising on the comprehensive support of the Motability Scheme.

The Accessible Vehicles and Equipment Scheme (Scotland)

In Scotland, the Accessible Vehicles and Equipment Scheme provides additional avenues for disabled individuals to lease a broader range of vehicles, including cars, scooters, powered wheelchairs, and specially adapted vehicles. This scheme operates in conjunction with Motability Operations Ltd, the authorised provider.

Social Security Scotland plays a key role, helping to cover lease payments using all or part of either the higher rate mobility component of Child Disability Payment or the enhanced rate mobility component of Adult Disability Payment (including Scottish Adult DLA).

Who Can Apply in Scotland?

You can apply to lease a vehicle for yourself if you meet all of the following criteria:

• You receive either the higher rate mobility component of Child Disability Payment or the enhanced rate mobility component of Adult Disability Payment (or higher rate mobility component of Scottish Adult DLA).
• You are 16 or over.
• You are able to manage your own payments.
• You have at least 12 months until your next scheduled review, or you have an indefinite award.

It's also possible to apply on behalf of someone else, for instance, if you are their parent, guardian, or an appointee.

How to Apply in Scotland

To apply for a vehicle through this scheme, you can visit the Motability website. When you visit a dealership, you will need to present your certificate of entitlement. This is typically included in your Child Disability Payment or Adult Disability Payment decision award letter. If your benefit is transitioning to Scottish Adult DLA, Social Security Scotland will issue your certificate of entitlement within five days of the benefit transfer.

Frequently Asked Questions About Motability

Here we address some of the most common queries about the Motability Scheme:

What is PIP in Motability?

PIP stands for Personal Independence Payment. In the context of Motability, it refers to the higher rate mobility component of this allowance. If you receive this and have at least 12 months remaining on your award, you are likely eligible to apply for the Motability Scheme.

Can you use a Motability car without the disabled person?

No, the Motability vehicle must always be used for the benefit of the disabled person. Only the disabled person and those listed as named drivers on the Certificate of Motor Insurance are permitted to drive the vehicle.

How many miles can I drive?

For a three-year lease, the limit is 60,000 miles. For a five-year lease (typically WAVs), it's 100,000 miles. Exceeding these limits incurs a charge of 5p per additional mile.

Can I buy my Motability car after three years?

Unfortunately, no. Motability cars cannot be purchased at the end of the lease agreement as they remain the property of Motability Operations Ltd.

How much do you get back when you hand in your Motability car?

If you've maintained your vehicle in good condition, you may be eligible for a Good Condition Payment. This is currently £250 for a three-year lease and £350 for a five-year lease.

The Motability Scheme, facilitated by dealerships like Vertu, is more than just a car lease; it's a comprehensive package designed to enhance independence and quality of life. By understanding its benefits, eligibility, and processes, you can unlock a world of accessible motoring and enjoy the freedom it brings.

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