Motability is a national charity, set up on the initiative of the Government in 1977, to assist disabled people with their mobility needs. We direct and oversee the Motability Scheme which enables disabled people to obtain a car, powered wheelchair or scooter simply by using their government-funded mobility allowances.
In the UK, over 1.7 million disabled people qualify for the Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance and over 17,000 qualify for the War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement. What a disabled person chooses to do with that money is entirely up to them. Currently, some 430,000 disabled people have chosen to have their allowances paid to the Scheme to meet the cost of having a car, powered wheelchair or scooter through contract hire or hire purchase schemes.
Motability, the charity (registered charity no: 299745), has overall responsibility for the Motability Scheme:
• We direct and oversee the Scheme.
• We raise funds to provide financial help to Scheme customers who would otherwise be unable to afford the type of car and any adaptations that they need.
• We administer the Government's Specialised Vehicles Fund which provides financial assistance for customers who need to travel in their wheelchairs.
• We provide Technical Services to customers and the adaptation and conversion industry.
The Motability Car Schemes are administered on a contract basis by Motability Operations, a not-for-profit private company owned by the major banks. The Wheelchair and Scooter Schemes are operated by route2mobility, a limited company, under contract to Motability.
Since 1978, some 2 million cars, powered wheelchairs and scooters have been provided through the Motability Scheme. Today the Scheme purchases over 5% of all new cars, powered wheelchairs and scooters sold in the UK, via a national network of over 3,800 Motability dealers.
The Car Package
If you receive the higher rate mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance, getting a new car is easier and more affordable than ever.
Through Motability, you simply turn your mobility allowance into the car of your choice. The most popular option is the worry-free 'Contract Hire' Scheme, which includes:
• A new car every three years
• Free tyres
• Insurance
• Road tax
• Servicing, maintenance and repairs
• Breakdown cover
• Window or windscreen replacement
Our worry-free policy continues right to the end of your three-year contract with a seamless transfer to your new car. What's more, you can choose from over 3,000 cars from your local dealer - no wonder 97% of our customers would be happy to recommend us..
Are You Eligible For A Motability Car?
To use any of the Motability schemes, you must be receiving one of the following benefits:
• Higher Rate Mobility Component (HRMC) of the Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
or...
• War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement (WPMS)
Please note: If you choose a contract hire car package you must have at least 12 months' award length remaining. For customers choosing to buy a car with a hire purchase agreement, it is normally expected that you will be receiving the allowance for the full length of the agreement.
Plus.....
What's more, with the contract hire package you don't need to drive. You can nominate up to two drivers who may be friends or relatives, and parents or carers can apply on behalf of a child aged three years and upwards
No waiting lists. No credit checks. No assessments required.
Paying For Your Car
Contract Hire: one regular affordable payment
'Contract Hire' offers worry-free motoring and the convenience of a single, regular payment - no wonder 95% of our customers choose this way to pay for their new car. It's easy too. Simply by transferring your allowance to us, you get a brand new car as well as insurance, maintenance, breakdown cover and more.
To widen your choice we also have a range of larger or higher specification options. If the cost of the car you have chosen is higher than your full allowance can cover, you will need to pay the difference as an advance payment at the start of the agreement.
But some smaller, less expensive cars don't require the whole of your allowance to be used. In this case, you'll continue to receive the rest of your allowance as normal. If your allowance increases during the agreement, you'll also receive the increase. If you prefer, you could also buy a new or used car using our hire purchase option.
Please note: If you choose a contract hire car package you must have at least 12 months award length remaining.
Hire Purchase
You may prefer to buy your own vehicle, particularly if you:
• Need to buy a new or used car
• Need adaptations and would prefer not to have to re-install them after three years (alternatively, we can normally extend a three-year agreement for a further two years when it expires)
• Regularly cover high mileage (i.e. above 45,000 miles over three years)
If you choose hire purchase, you negotiate the actual purchase price with your Motability dealer. Remember that you will be responsible for organising and paying for comprehensive insurance, breakdown recovery, servicing and repairs.
Please note: If you choose to buy a car with a hire purchase agreement, it is normally expected that you will be receiving the allowance for the full length of the agreement.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you're interested in a Motability car, you'll probably have a few questions you'd like to ask. To save you some time, here's a selection of the frequently asked questions we've received, along with our responses.
Q: I can't afford the advance payment required. Can I get additional financial help?
A: If you are unable to afford the advance payment required Motability may be able to provide financial help. Please note that financial help is only given towards the least expensive solution that meets your mobility needs. You should also normally expect to make a contribution.
Q: Do you offer any price guarantees?
A: Yes. We offer a firm price guarantee to our customers, which will ensure that the price you agree with the dealer when your application is accepted, is the price you pay when you collect your car. The price guarantee stands however long it takes for your new car to be delivered. The only case where the price may alter is if the car description is changed subsequent to the original application.
Q: Can I just call in on the dealer, or do I have to make an appointment?
A: If you have specific technical questions it is well worth making an appointment to visit the Motability Specialist at a time that suits you. Some dealers can provide a home visit or transport to the showroom.
Q: I've found the perfect car! How do I apply?
A: Once you have decided on your car, the Motability Specialist at your chosen dealer will complete the application form with you. You will need to provide the dealer with your driving licence and award entitlement notice, proof of address, driving licences for other named drivers, and details of any previous accidents and driving convictions that you, or your named drivers may have.
Q: How long before my car arrives?
A: Your car dealer will advise when your new car will be delivered, which could be as little as a few weeks. Stay in touch with your dealer in case there are any delays. When you have a confirmed delivery date, the dealer will finalise your insurance, loss and damage protection then get your agreement ready for you to sign.