Did You Know? Motability Facts You May Not Have Been Aware Of
The Motability Scheme helps individuals with a disability to get mobile, by exchanging a qualifying mobility allowance to lease a new vehicle every three years.
At Bristol Street Motors, we can help you find your perfect car and join the 600,000 people who have already discovered everyday freedom through the Scheme. In this article we will reveal some interesting facts about Motability which you may not have been aware of. Read on to see how the Scheme could help benefit you, or someone you care for.
Electric and Hybrid Vehicles are Available Through Motability
There are a wide range of electric and hybrid vehicles available to lease through the Motability Scheme. If you’re considering a more environmentally friendly option for your next car, you’ll find some great options at Bristol Street Motors. With most manufacturers now offering either hybrid or fully electric cars, it’s easier than ever to find a model which suits your specific needs. Plus, opting for an electric or hybrid vehicle will most likely mean you can enjoy lower every day running costs.
If you are looking to lease an electric vehicle, be sure to check in advance that it will suit your lifestyle. Think about range and whether a fully electric vehicle would allow you to make the journeys you need. Charging is another point to consider; if you require a charge point to be fitted at your home, there is a government grant which may help with some of these costs - if this will be the first charge point you have had installed. Motability will then cover the rest of the installation costs. However, if you have previously had a charge point installed which is not compatible with your new car, there will be a cost of £350 to fit a replacement. Alternatively, if it isn’t possible to fit a charge point at your home, you can access a network of public charging facilities.
Many Motability Adaptations are Free of Charge
There are around 500 different vehicle adaptations available on the Motability Scheme, which are designed to make your life easier. Adaptations generally fall into one of three categories: they help you drive, help you stow your wheelchair or scooter, or help your access into and out of the car.
A huge number of adaptations come at no extra cost to you, and are easily fitted at the beginning of your lease. You can view a list of all Motability adaptations and their cost (if any) or alternatively chat to one of our Motability experts at your local dealership, who will be able to assist with this.
If you don’t require any adaptations – that’s absolutely fine! In fact, over 90% of Motability Scheme cars don’t have an adaption fitted at delivery.
You Can Travel Abroad with Your Motability Vehicle
Your Motability insurance cover allows you to take your car abroad for up to 90 days in any 12-month period, at no extra cost. Travel is covered within the European Union and to Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
If you’re planning a trip to one of these countries, you will need to obtain a Vehicle on Hire certificate (VE103), which confirms you have permission to take the car abroad. You must request this at least three weeks before you intend to travel, and can do so by calling RAC Motability Assist on 0800 731 3310.
You Don’t Need to Worry About Hidden Costs
When you lease a car through the Motability Scheme, your insurance, servicing, repairs and breakdown recovery are all included in the weekly price. Plus, you get a large mileage allowance of 60,000 miles over the course of the three-year agreement.
With this all-inclusive approach, you can have peace of mind everything has been taken care of and you won’t need to worry about the costs often associated with owning and maintaining a new car.
You Can Get a Motability Vehicle Even if You Don’t Drive
If you’re eligible for the Motability Scheme, but don’t drive, you can still lease a vehicle which has insurance for up to three named drivers. This means your car can be driven by a friend, family member or carer, for example.
The car must be used for the benefit of the Motability customer. This doesn’t mean that the disabled person always needs to be in the vehicle when it’s being used; other named drivers can use the car as long as the disabled person will benefit from the journey.
There is no Upper Age Limit for the Motability Scheme
As long as you are in receipt of one of the qualifying allowances, and have at least 12 months of benefits remaining, you can lease a Motability vehicle. This means there is no upper age limit for the Scheme.
Additionally, you can lease a car if you have a child who is over the age of three and in receipt of the higher rate of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance or the enhanced mobility component of Personal Independence Payment.
You can Part Exchange if You’re New to the Motability Scheme
If you’re a new Motability customer, about to start your first lease, it is possible to trade in your existing vehicle with us. This extra money could be used to help finance a slightly larger car for example.
If you’re interested in a part exchange, simply mention this to a member of our team when you visit, and we can happily arrange this for you.
Receive a Bonus Payment if You Look After Your Motability Car
If you have taken good care of your vehicle, you could be eligible for a Good Condition Bonus when you hand it back at the end of your lease. This is a way of saying thank you, for looking after your car. A member of our team at the dealership will inspect the vehicle once it has been returned, Motability will then conduct their own checks and if it qualifies under their criteria, you will receive a bonus payment, dependent on lease length.
Disabled Drivers can Learn to Drive at 16 Years
If you receive a higher rate mobility allowance, you can learn to drive from the age of 16. As long as you have your provisional licence and are listed as a permitted driver on the Certificate of Motor Insurance, you can learn to drive in your Motability vehicle. Plus, you won’t have to worry about taking out additional insurance as this will already be covered in your Motability policy.
Existing Motability customers may also be able to access charitable support for up to 40 hours of driving tuition. Find out more about learning to drive with Motability.
We hope this guide has helped to explain some of the lesser-known aspects of the Motability Scheme and highlight the great benefits on offer, enabling disabled individuals more freedom every single day.
If you have any questions about the Scheme, you can enquire online, contact your local dealer or call us on 0344 539 6226 and a member of our friendly team will gladly assist.