12/04/2013
Navigating the world of personal mobility can present challenges, especially for those with disabilities. Fortunately, schemes exist to alleviate these burdens and empower individuals with greater independence. One such invaluable initiative in the United Kingdom is Motability. This organisation plays a pivotal role in enabling people with mobility issues to lease a new car, scooter, powered wheelchair, or mobility vehicle through a straightforward and often highly advantageous scheme. If you receive certain disability allowances, Motability could be your key to unlocking a new level of freedom and convenience on the road.
What Exactly is Motability?
Motability is a national charity that operates a premier vehicle leasing scheme for people with disabilities in the UK. Its primary objective is to provide access to affordable, worry-free mobility. The scheme allows eligible individuals to exchange their government-funded mobility allowance, such as the Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or the War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement (WPMS), for a brand-new car, scooter, powered wheelchair, or adapted vehicle. It’s a comprehensive package designed to remove the complexities and often prohibitive costs associated with acquiring and running a vehicle.
How Does the Motability Scheme Work?
The process is designed to be as simple and stress-free as possible for the customer. Here’s a breakdown of how it generally functions:
- Eligibility Check: The first step is to confirm your eligibility. Generally, if you receive the Higher Rate Mobility Component of DLA or the WPMS, you are likely eligible. You need to have at least 12 months remaining on your allowance.
- Choosing Your Vehicle: This is where the excitement begins! Motability offers a vast range of vehicles, from small, economical city cars to larger family estates and SUVs. You can browse vehicles online or visit a participating dealer. Many vehicles are available with zero advance payment, meaning you simply exchange your allowance without any upfront cost. For higher-specification vehicles, an advance payment may be required, but Motability strives to keep these as low as possible.
- The Contract: The most common agreement is a 3-year Contract Hire agreement. This means you lease the vehicle for three years. At the end of the agreement, you simply return the car and can choose a new one, starting the process again.
- Your Allowance is Key: A significant portion, or sometimes all, of your mobility allowance is used to cover the cost of the lease and the comprehensive package of benefits. This effectively turns your allowance into a new car.
- The Benefits Package: This is where Motability truly shines. The lease agreement typically includes a comprehensive package of benefits, making it a truly 'worry-free' way to drive.
Key Benefits of the Motability Scheme
The appeal of Motability lies in its all-inclusive nature. It’s designed to take the hassle out of car ownership. Here are the core benefits:
1. A New Car Every Three Years
You get to drive a brand-new car every three years, ensuring you benefit from the latest in automotive technology, safety features, and comfort. This also means you avoid the potential costs and worries associated with older vehicles.
2. Fully Comprehensive Insurance
The scheme includes insurance for up to two named drivers. This is a significant saving, as car insurance can be a substantial expense. The policy is provided by Motability's approved insurance provider, offering peace of mind.
3. Servicing and Maintenance
All routine servicing and maintenance are covered within the agreement. This means you won’t face unexpected bills for routine checks or minor repairs. The dealership or Motability service centre will contact you to arrange these appointments.
4. Replacement Tyres
Worried about the cost of replacing worn-out tyres? Motability covers the cost of new tyres, ensuring your vehicle is always safe and roadworthy. The mileage allowance for tyres is typically generous.
5. Breakdown Assistance
Full breakdown assistance is provided, usually by a reputable breakdown organisation like the RAC. This means help is on hand if your vehicle breaks down, whether at home or on the road.
6. Windscreen and Window Replacement
Accidental damage to windscreens or windows is also covered, a common occurrence that can otherwise lead to costly repairs.
7. Increased Mileage Allowance
Motability has increased the mileage allowance over the 3-year agreement to a generous 60,000 miles. This provides greater flexibility for your travel needs.
8. Adaptations and Conversions
For those with specific needs, Motability offers grants and support for vehicle adaptations. Whether you need hand controls, wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) conversions, or other specialised equipment, Motability can help fund these essential modifications. This is a crucial aspect of the scheme, tailoring the vehicle to the individual's requirements.
9. No Credit Checks or Assessments
A significant advantage for many is that Motability does not perform credit checks or personal assessments. Eligibility is based solely on receiving the qualifying mobility allowance.
10. Cashback Options
In some cases, if you have a car to part-exchange, you might receive cashback, further reducing any potential advance payment or providing you with extra funds.
Who is Eligible for Motability?
Eligibility is primarily determined by the receipt of specific government mobility allowances. The main ones are:
- Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA): If you receive this, you are likely eligible.
- War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement (WPMS): This also grants eligibility.
- Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP): Those in receipt of AFIP are also eligible.
- Enhanced Rate Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP): From 2016, individuals receiving the enhanced rate of the mobility component of PIP are also eligible to join the Motability scheme.
It is important to note that you must have at least 12 months remaining on your allowance when you sign up for the agreement. Your allowance is used to pay for the vehicle lease and associated benefits.
Choosing Your Vehicle with Motability
The choice of vehicle is vast and caters to a wide range of needs and preferences. Motability partners with most major car manufacturers, offering hundreds of models. You can choose from:
- Small City Cars: Ideal for nipping around town, often with very low or zero advance payments.
- Family Hatchbacks: Practical for everyday use, shopping, and family trips.
- Larger Saloons and Estates: Offering more space and comfort for longer journeys.
- SUVs and MPVs: For those needing higher driving positions or more versatile space.
- Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs): Specially converted vehicles designed to safely transport wheelchairs or mobility scooters.
- Scooters and Powered Wheelchairs: If a car isn't suitable, Motability also offers a wide selection of mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs.
When selecting a vehicle, consider factors such as fuel efficiency, boot space, seating comfort, and any necessary adaptations. Dealers are well-equipped to guide you through the options and arrange test drives.
Understanding Advance Payments
While many vehicles are available with no advance payment, some higher-specification models or those with more advanced features may require an upfront payment. This payment is essentially a contribution towards the total cost of the vehicle over the lease period. Motability aims to keep these payments as low as possible, and the amount varies depending on the car chosen. It's always worth exploring the range of vehicles with zero advance payments first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I nominate more than two drivers?
Yes, you can nominate up to two additional drivers (so, four in total), but they must ordinarily be resident at your address. If you need to nominate drivers who don't live with you, there may be specific conditions or alternative insurance arrangements to consider.
What happens at the end of the 3-year lease?
At the end of the agreement, you have a few options: you can return the car, potentially part-exchange it for a new one (which might involve an advance payment), or in some limited circumstances, extend the lease. The most common choice is to lease a new vehicle.
Can I buy the car at the end of the lease?
No, the Motability scheme is a leasing scheme, meaning you do not own the vehicle and cannot purchase it at the end of the contract.
What if I exceed the mileage allowance?
If you exceed the 60,000-mile allowance over the three years, there will be an excess mileage charge. This is calculated on a pence-per-mile basis, and it's advisable to be realistic about your annual mileage when choosing your vehicle.
Can I take the car abroad?
Yes, you can generally take your Motability vehicle abroad, but you must inform Motability or the RAC in advance, as specific documentation and insurance cover may be required, particularly for travel to European countries.
Motability: A Pathway to Independence
The Motability scheme offers a tangible and significant boost to the independence and quality of life for many individuals with disabilities. By transforming a mobility allowance into a comprehensive vehicle leasing package, it removes many of the financial and logistical barriers that might otherwise prevent someone from driving. The 'worry-free' aspect, encompassing insurance, maintenance, and breakdown cover, provides unparalleled peace of mind. If you believe you might be eligible, exploring the Motability website or speaking with a participating dealer is a highly recommended step towards enhanced personal mobility.
If you want to read more articles similar to Motability: Your Guide to Accessible Motoring, you can visit the Automotive category.