Motability Cars In Depth - Who Can Drive Them, Eligibility & More

When it comes to using motability cars, especially for the first time, here at Sinclair Volkswagen, we know there are a lot of questions, and uncertainty that comes to mind. Is it right for you? How much will it cost? I am not able to drive, so am I still eligible, and who can drive the vehicle?

As a result, we have put this article together to help you with some of the common questions. So let's find out more.

However, if you are still unsure if Motability cars are right for you, or if you can or can’t do certain things with your car on the Motability scheme, please feel free to contact us, and our friendly team will be on hand to answer any questions you may have.

Table of Contents

• How does the Motability Car Lease Work?
• What is a Motability car?
• How do you get a Motability car?
• How is a Motability car paid for, and do I need to get finance?
• Motability Car Rules
• Can you use a mobility car without the disabled person in it?
• Can I change my Motability car after 1 year?
• Is a Motability car worth it, and what does it cover?
• Can I be refused a Motability car?
• What is the Motability allowance?
• Can you buy a Motability car after 3 years?
• What happens if my Motability car is written off?
• What Happens If You Are Refused Motability Insurance?
• How many miles per year can you do in a Motability car?
• Do all Motability cars have trackers?
• What are the most popular Motability cars?
• Can my wife or husband drive my Motability car to work?
• Can I get electric cars on Motability?
• Can you get 2 cars on Motability?
• What's the best Volkswagen SUV on Motability?
• How often do Motability prices tend to change?
• Does a Motability car have to be brand new?
• Do you have to have a credit check for a mobility car?
• Can you drive a mobility car without the disabled person in it?
• What are the PIP Mobility car rules?
• Are there any 7-seater Motability cars available under the scheme?

Questions people ask around Motability cars

How does the Motability Car Lease Work?

This handy video below shows you how the lease system works.

What is a Motability car?

A Motability car is a car whose cost is covered as part of the Government Motability Scheme - which is designed to help people with disabilities to remain mobile and live their lives to the fullest.

This scheme allows eligible people to exchange their weekly Motability Allowance to cover the cost of leasing the car, or WAV’s (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles).

The Sinclair Volkswagen’s Motability Scheme was launched in 1978 to provide this greater mobility, freedom and independence to disabled people.

How do you get a Motability car?

To be able to get a mobility car, you first need to have longer than 12 months left on any of the following:

• (AFIP) Armed Forces Independence Payment
• (WPMS) War Pensioners Mobility Supplement
• Higher Rate Mobility Component of the (DLA) Disability Living Allowance
• Enhanced rate mobility component of (PIP) Personal Independence Payment

All you then need to do is get in contact with us and we can then help you get the right Motability car for your requirements.

Motability Car Rules

The Motability Scheme has rules to ensure fairness and the proper use of the vehicles. These include stipulations that the car is used for the benefit of the disabled person and that any named drivers adhere to the terms of the lease and insurance.

Furthermore, the car must be well maintained, used responsibly, and should not be modified without permission.

On top of this, the scheme also requires regular updates if there are changes to the drivers’ circumstances - or the needs of the disabled person.

How is a Motability car paid for, and do I need to get finance?

No, you do not need to get personal finance, a loan, hire purchase, or PCP. The car is paid for by exchanging your weekly Motability Allowance - provided by the Government - to cover the costs.

Can you use a Motability car without the disabled person in it?

Driving a Mobility car without the disabled person in it, is a question we often get asked. A Motability car is intended for the use of the disabled person, who is the scheme's beneficiary. However, named drivers can use the car for the benefit of the disabled person, even if the disabled person is not present.

Consequently, the disabled person with the car on the scheme does not need to be present on every journey; however, to be able to drive a Motability car, only 1 of the 3 drivers listed on the Motability Insurance Certificate can drive it.

As a result, as long as they are a named driver on the certificate, then the Motability car can only be driven for the benefit of the disabled person. So, for instance, if you let your son or daughter go to work in it, this wouldn’t be covered; but, if they went to the shops and were named drivers to get you some shopping, then this would be fine.

Can I change my Motability car after 1 year?

Not normally. A Motability car is on a fixed-term lease, and these leases tend to be for 3-year periods; however, you can look to order your next Motability car 3 months before the end of your lease.

Is a Motability car worth it, and what does it cover?

Under the scheme, all of the motoring costs listed below tend to be included.

• Services
• Insurance
• Maintenance
• Breakdown cover
• Tyres
• Annual car tax
• Windscreens
• 60,000 miles over 3 years for standard Motability cars, and for WAVs, this increases up to 100,000 miles.

Further to the above, you can also get access to a new Motability car every 3 years. If you have a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV), then this can be every 5 years, depending on your lease conditions.

If your car needs to be adapted for your requirements, then lots of adaptations made to the car can also be included at no additional cost.

If you need help knowing what adaptations and benefits can be provided to you, our team is here to help.

Can I be refused a Motability car?

Eligibility to join the Motability Scheme and enjoy its greater freedom is simple - you need to receive one of the higher rate mobility allowances and have at least 12 months of award length remaining. If you do not, then yes, you can be refused.

However, other things can cause your application to be refused. A sample of things includes a lot of accidents in a short period or too many points on your licence.

If you are concerned you may not be eligible, the best thing you can do is talk to our Motability Specialists, who will be able to provide you with individual and unique information about your circumstances. We are here to help you.

What is the Motability allowance?

At the time of writing, this can be from $pound;23.50 / week or $pound;94.00 / month on the lowest care component, to $pound;89.90 / week or $pound359.60 / month on the highest car component. For a lot of Motability cars, you will need to be on the higher rate band to be able to get a Motability car lease.

For the most up-to-date information on the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) rates, please find this on the UK Government's website.

Can you buy a Motability car after the 3 years?

A Motability car is on lease, so not normally; however, depending on the lease terms, you may be able to purchase it towards the end of the 3 years.

Speak to our Motability specialists to discuss this option in detail.

What happens if Your Motability car is written off?

If the car is written off by a named driver on the Motability insurance certificate, then depending on the lease, you can be offered a hire car, and you may be eligible to start a new application.

The policyholder should report the incident to the insurance company as soon as possible, and they will guide you through the process. An excess may apply, and there may be implications for future insurance coverage based on the details of the incident.

However, if the Motability car is written off by a driver not listed on the Motability insurance certificate, then this could affect your future eligibility for further Motability car applications.

What Happens If You Are Refused Motability Insurance?

Being refused Motability insurance is unusual as the scheme aims to include as many people as possible.

However, if you are refused, it is likely due to failing to meet the eligibility criteria set by the insurance provider - which could include factors like driving history or the nature of convictions, if any.

In such a case, you need to contact the Motability Scheme directly to discuss alternative arrangements or to find out if other insurance options are available.

How many miles per year can you do in a Motability car?

This will be subject to your lease agreement; however, you can see this be as much as 60,000 miles over 3 years for a standard Motability car or 100,000 miles for WAVs (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles).

Do Motability cars have trackers?

This isn’t always the case, but many Motability cars do tend to come with trackers. This should be stipulated in your lease.

Why Motability cars may be fitted with trackers can be the case for various reasons - including for the safety of the drivers and to ensure the vehicle is used within the terms of the lease agreement.

These trackers can help recover the vehicle if it's stolen and ensure that the vehicle is used primarily for the benefit of the disabled person. Consequently, installing and using such devices would be in line with Data Protection laws.

What are the most popular Motability cars?

The Volkswagen Tiguan, is one of the popular Motability cars available. Alongside this, other popular cars under the scheme include the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class.

Can my wife or husband drive my Motability car to work?

Yes, they can as long as they are a named driver on the insurance certificate.

Can I get electric cars on Motability?

Yes, both fully electric and hybrid cars are available under the scheme.

Can you get 2 cars on Motability?

Yes; however, both of you must be eligible for the higher rate mobility allowances to be able to get 2 cars on the Motability scheme.

What's the best Volkswagen SUV on Motability?

Volkswagen has a few SUVs you may find suitable. These include the Volkswagen Tiguan, and the Volkswagen Touareg.

If you are unsure about which SUV is best for your requirements, please talk to our expert Motability specialists, who can help you with your individual requirements.

How often do Motability prices tend to change?

Prices can tend to be updated in: January, April, July and October, to reflect the latest manufacturer deals available; however, please note they can also be changed outside of these periods, which should be used more as a rough guide line.

Our team will be able to give you more up-to-date information.

Does a Motability car have to be brand new?

Both new and nearly new cars tend to be available on the Motability scheme.

Do you have to have a credit check for a mobility car?

No, no Credit Checks are needed to get a Motability car.

Can you drive a mobility car without the disabled person in it?

Yes, you can drive a mobility car without the disabled person in it, but specific conditions need to apply.

For instance, mobility cars are intended primarily for the use of disabled persons. However, the rules generally allow named drivers to use the car for purposes that benefit the disabled person - even if they are not in the car.

These benefits can include tasks like running errands or picking up shopping for them, for instance.

However, it's important not to use the mobility car for purposes unrelated to the needs of the disabled person.

For instance, using the car for your own personal errands or commuting to work - unless it's in direct support of the disabled person - is typically not allowed.

The exact rules can vary depending on the specific terms of the scheme or agreement under which the mobility car is provided, so it's always a good idea to check the specific terms and conditions.

What are the PIP Mobility car rules?

Generally, under the Motability Scheme - which allows individuals receiving certain disability benefits like the Enhanced Rate Mobility Component of the Personal Independence Payment (ERMC PIP), for instance - to lease a vehicle, there are specific rules regarding the usage of the car:

These include:

• The vehicle being used for the beneficial use of the disabled individual
• You need to be an authorized driver
• Using the car for anything other than the disabled person’s advantage
• Driving the car without valid insurance
• Driving the car during a driving ban
• Employing it for unapproved business activities - such as taxi services or deliveries, for example
• Involvement in illegal activities
• Keeping up to date with the lease agreement and payment terms

Are there any 7-seater Motability cars available under the scheme?

Yes, for instance the Volkswagen Tayron, or the Skoda Kodiaq, would be good contenders for 7 seaters for you to consider.

Not sure if the Motability scheme is right for your needs?

If you are not sure if a Motability car is right for your individual requirements, or if you will be eligible one for one, please contact us today and our dedicated Motability specialist team will be happy to help you.