How the scheme works

Motability is a leasing scheme which means ownership of the vehicle remains with Motability
Operations.  At the end of the agreement you will have three options:

• Lease another vehicle through the Motability Scheme
• Extend your lease
• Return your vehicle and have your allowance reinstated

You will be issued a Personal Identification Number (PIN) along with your customer acceptance letter.  This number has to be entered when collecting your vehicle as confirmation that you accept the terms and conditions of your lease agreement.

As part of the ordering process, you and any nominated drivers will need to sign a Statement of Responsibilities and Suitability Confirmation form to confirm you understand the Scheme guidelines.  This is to ensure the vehicle is used for the benefit of the disabled person.

Once your application has been made, Motability will run some eligibility and insurance checks. Then once your application has been accepted, you will receive a letter confirming details of your order.

Motability The Benefits

Motability is a registered charity which provides mobility solutions for disabled people and their families in the UK. It was set up on the initiative of the Government in 1977, to provide vehicles and powered wheelchairs to disabled people.

The Motability Scheme offers disabled people who receive the Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS), a brand new WAV every 5 years. Motability’s worry-free car lease package also includes:

• Insurance
• Servicing and maintenance
• Full RAC breakdown assistance
• Annual car tax
• FREE replacement tyres
• FREE windscreen replacement
• 100,000 mileage allowance over 5 year lease

Am I eligible for the scheme?

To be eligible for the Motability Car Scheme you must be in receipt of either the Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or enhanced rate of the War Pensioners Mobility Supplement. You will need at least 12 months remaining on your allowance at the time of application.

What is Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

PIP is a benefit for people aged 16 to 64 that helps with the extra costs of a long -term health condition or disability. It is non-means tested and is not affected by earnings, savings or other income.

Funding

Did you know there are charities out there that may help with funding?

VAT

It is possible to purchase a new vehicle at zero-rated VAT if the vehicle is fitted with an adaptation prior to it being registered to yourself?

If you are registered disabled and use a wheelchair there are a number of incentives that have been put in place by the Government to encourage you to get the most out of driving, including VAT relief when buying or leasing a motor vehicle that has been adapted for your use – whether you are the driver or not.

This VAT relief comes with a number of conditions, not least that the vehicle must permanently and substantially adapted, such as the installation of a swivel seat or a person lift, that is supplied and installed before it is registered to the owner.

We have worked directly with thousands of car dealers to adapt vehicles prior to registration, with the savings on VAT – which, for example, would total £4,000 when buying a £20,000 car– going towards the cost of the adaptation.

Useful Motability car scheme contacts

Motability Dealers

Read about how The Adaptation Installation Company works with car dealerships across the country here.

Motability Adaptations

There are a wide range of adaptations available on the Motability Scheme. They typically fall into three categories: to help you drive, to help you stow your wheelchair or scooter and to help you get in and out of your car. 

The most important thing to remember about Motability adaptations is that the first person you should speak to is a Motability adaptation installer. They are able to provide advice on the right Motability adaptations for you and guide you through the process.

Download the Motability Scheme guide to adaptations

Download