Question 1

When Can I Order My Next Motability Car?

Accepted Answer

You can order your next Motability car three months before the end of your existing lease, but we think it’s a good idea to start thinking about your next car a few months before then.
The Motability Scheme vehicle price list is updated every three months and it includes a 'Price Guarantee', which means the Advance Payment price of the car at the time you place your order is the price you'll pay to the dealer, even if it goes up before your handover date.

Question 2

What Do I Need To Show The Motability Specialist?

Accepted Answer

When you visit a Motability dealership to place an order for a vehicle you will need to bring with you:

A UK passport or driving licence for the appointee or the customer applying
The National Insurance number (NINO) or Customer Reference Number (CRN) of the person receiving the allowance to check you are currently in receipt of the correct allowance
The driving licence for all named driver(s)

You can now also start your application online using the Motability online account.
If there's going to be a nominated driver or drivers, they will ideally need to be present and have their driving licence with them.

Question 3

What Happens At The End Of The Motability Lease?

Accepted Answer

As you approach the end of your Motability lease agreement you have a couple of options:

You can order another vehicle to lease via the Motability Scheme for 3 more years (or 5 if it's a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle).
You may be allowed to keep your current vehicle for longer, especially if the mileage is low.
Return your Motability vehicle and have your full mobility allowance reinstated.

If you want to stay with Motability, you can order your next vehicle three months before your current lease expires. 
When you hand back the vehicle, if it hasn't suffered any serious damage and is in a good condition Motability could pay you up to £600 (or £900 for WAVs) if it qualifies for the Good Condition Bonus / Good Condition Payment.

Question 4

How Do I Order A New Motability Car?

Accepted Answer

If you, or someone you care for are eligible and can order a new Motability Scheme car, applying for one is easy. In fact, it involves just three simple steps:

Contact your local Motability-accredited dealership and arrange a test drive in a vehicle that you like. Every dealer has Motability-trained specialists who can help you find the right car.
During your appointment they'll take you through a simple process to make sure that the Motability car you’re considering is the right one.
Once you’ve picked your vehicle, you’ll need to bring photo ID (such as a UK driving licence or UK passport) and the driving licences of any new drivers you want to be insured. You'll also need to know your National Insurance Number or your Motability Customer Reference Number. 

Once Motability have accepted your application you will receive confirmation of your order and a unique PIN number for you to enter with the Motability advisor when you go to collect the car.
How Do I Join The Motability Scheme?

Question 5

Do I Keep The Motability Vehicle At The End Of The Lease?

Accepted Answer

No. Although the Motability car is leased to you, the ownership of the vehicle remains with Motability Operations during the standard 3 year term (or 5 years for Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles), which means it has to be handed back. At the end of the agreement there are two options:

Choose another brand new car to lease through the Motability Scheme
Return the car and have your Mobility Allowance money reinstated

Customers who have very low mileage on their car, have expensive adaptations or who are waiting for their new Motability car to arrive can usually extend their existing lease.

Question 6

If I Choose A Motability Car With An Advance Payment, Do I Get The Money Back At The End Of The Agreement?

Accepted Answer

No. The Advance Payment is a one off, non-refundable payment that you make to the dealership before you take delivery of the Motability car.
You may qualify for up to £600 from the Good Condition Bonus / Payment scheme if you return the vehicle at the end of the lease in an acceptable condition.
Motability Good Condition Bonus

Question 7

When Will The First Payment Be Taken For My Motability Vehicle?

Accepted Answer

Lease payments will start after you have collected your new Motability vehicle from the dealership. They will be deducted from your qualifying Mobility Allowance every four weeks, then paid directly to Motability by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), Social Security Scotland or the Veterans Agency (VA).
You may find that the benefits agency takes a part payment to cover the cost of the vehicle lease if the handover happened in between payments. The full four weekly payment will then be taken on your next payment date.

Question 8

Can I Extend My Motability Lease?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but only with the approval of Motability. Reasons to extend your lease include the vehicle having very low mileage, the vehicle having specialist adaptations fitted to it and the arrival of your next car being delayed by the manufacturer. Motability can approve your extension request for up to an additional 2 years.
To discuss extending your Motability lease contact the Motability Customer Services Team on 0300 456 4566.
Contact Motability Customer Services

Question 9

Can I Cancel My Motability Car Lease?

Accepted Answer

Early termination of your Motability lease agreement is possible. Motability recognise that a lot can change with a customer’s personal circumstances during the lease and it’s possible that a person with a disability may find that the vehicle is no longer suitable.
If you do cancel your lease agreement early Motability may charge you an administration fee of up to £250.
To discuss cancelling your Motability lease contact the Motability Customer Services Team on 0300 456 4566.
Contact Motability Customer Services

Question 10

Can I Add A Personalised Number Plate To My Motability Car?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Customers can add a personalised number plate to their Motability Scheme vehicle, so long as it meets the DVLA criteria. Plates can be added/removed by the customer themselves or via the dealer, using the DVLA online service. Contact Motability Customer Services to find out more.
You can add, remove, or keep your personalised number plates through your Motability online account. Find out more information on the links below.
 All You Need To Know About Private Number Plates Discover The Motability Online Account Contact Motability Customer Services

Question 11

Can I Trade In My Current Car?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you have a privately-owned car or Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV), you can trade it in at your local Motability dealership when ordering your Motability vehicle. The money from the sale of the vehicle could go straight back to you or, if you want to choose a more expensive vehicle, you could decide to put it towards the Advance Payment.
You could also try a specialist car selling website like Motorway. Get an instant valuation and let their network of 5,000+ verified car dealers bid for it.
Sell My Car Sell My WAV
If you have a really old vehicle that's not worth very much you could opt to raise a bit of money for a good cause by giving it away to a specialist charity scrapping and recycling service.
Charity Car Scrapping

Question 12

Can I Fit A Tow Bar To My Motability Vehicle?

Accepted Answer

The law for tow cars, trailers and towing are the same for Motability and non-Motability Scheme vehicles. Your Motability Specialist will be able to advise on fitting a towbar and towing – and recommend a suitable fitter (who must be VAT registered).
Motability Scheme customers must pay for their own towbar and fitting, and are advised to buy extra insurance and breakdown cover for towing (this isn’t covered by Motability).

Question 13

Can I Fit A Dashcam In My Motability Vehicle?

Accepted Answer

If you want to use a dashcam in your Motability vehicle it will be treated by the scheme like an optional extra, which means the cost of buying the dashcam will be your responsibility. It can only be plugged in, and not hard-wired into the vehicle's electrics, as hard-wiring a dashcam to your car isn’t permitted by Motability.

Question 14

How Are The Payments Taken For My Motability Vehicle?

Accepted Answer

Payments are deducted from your qualifying Mobility Allowance every four weeks, then paid directly to Motability by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) or other relevant benefits agency to pay for the lease of the vehicle. Most vehicles cost all of your Mobility Allowance, but if you choose a car that cost less than your total Mobility Allowance, the difference is yours to keep.

Frequently Asked Questions