In the UK over half a million disabled people use the Motability scheme to enrich their lives by increasing their independence and mobility. The scheme allows disabled people to convert certain benefits into a lease for a car, powered wheelchair or scooter. As well as leasing a vehicle the scheme also covers certain costs such as:
- Insurance
- Servicing
- Tyres
- Breakdown Cover.
It is possible to lease a wheelchair accessible vehicle or arrange for adaptations fitted to a standard vehicle.
Eligibility for the Scheme
To use the scheme the applicant must be in receipt of either War Pensioner’s Mobility Supplement or the higher rate of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance. They must have at least 12 months remaining of their entitlement to the benefits. Passengers as well as drivers are able to apply and parents and carers can apply on behalf of a disabled child.
Choosing a Car
In most cases the choice of car will cost at least the full amount of the benefit received. However, some small cars are less than the full amount, giving the applicant the option of driving a car, and still receiving some paid benefit.
Many cars require an advance payment before the start of the lease; the lease will take the full amount of any benefit received. The advance payment can vary from as little as £37 for a three-door Fiat Uno 1.4, to £9999 for a Landrover Freelander.
Wheelchair-accessible models are very expensive, but Motability is also a charity and applications can be made for assistance paying advance payments. Adaptations are fitted if required.
With over 4,000 cars to choose from, there are vehicles to suit every pocket and every need.
Once a car is chosen, applications are made through a Motability dealer. Most new car showrooms are approved dealers, but Motability provide a list in their information packs, or searches can be made online. It is advisable to take a test drive in different cars to make sure the correct choice is made.
Ordering a Car
Once a choice is made, the dealer will assist with ordering a new car. Many dealers have Motability specialists who know the system well, and make ordering easy. Approved Motability dealerships have disabled facilities and parking spaces for Blue Badge holders.
To start processing an order for a new car, the dealer needs:
- an award letter, showing at least 12 months' entitlement to the necessary benefits.
- both parts of a driving licence for each driver named on the insurance cover. Two drivers are allowed, but only one can be under 21.
- proof of address, for example a current utility bill.
- details of any driving convictions and accidents in the last five years for each named driver.
The dealer will advise on any advance payment required, and this is guaranteed until the date delivery is taken. Payment is not required at this stage.
Once the car is ordered the dealer will keep the applicant informed of the likely date of delivery of the car. Motability will send a PIN number, which is used to confirm acceptance of the car on delivery.
Picking up the new Car
On the date of handover take the PIN to the dealer. Keying it into the terminal on the dealer’s desk, provides authorisation for the release of the car. Any advance payment needed is paid at this stage. The dealer produces the insurance documentation, and a Motability handbook. The car’s V5 or log book is retained by Motability. The new car is already taxed and ready to drive.
The applicant can drive away, confident that they have three years of trouble-free motoring to look forward to. At the end of three years, a new car can be chosen in the same way. To guarantee continuity, the old car is returned to the new dealer.
The above information is only applicable to the contract hire scheme; the choice preferred by most people. Motability also offer a hire purchase scheme, which requires the applicant to organise their own insurance and recovery assistance.
Denise Oyston - I am a Further Education Lecturer, specialising in IT. I am interested in basic skills teaching, especially literacy and numeracy as well ...
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