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Who Is Eligible For The Good Condition Bonus?
To be eligible for the full bonus you must keep your Motability vehicle for the full duration of your lease. On 1 September 2019 Motability introduced a pro-rata system for people terminating their car lease agreement early, so even if you don't keep your vehicle for the full duration of the lease you can still qualify for the Good Condition Bonus if you look after it.
So, what can you do to increase your chances of receiving the Good Condition Bonus? In addition to taking care when driving and parking your Motability vehicle, we’d also recommend that you prepare early for the return of your vehicle:
- Make sure that you have all the keys
- Keep the vehicle exterior clean to maintain the quality of the paintwork
- Ensure that the interior of the vehicle is clean and tidy
- Check the windows and the windscreen for any chips or cracks
- Check all the tyre treads and pressures
In addition, remember to respond to all manufacturer recalls (such as replacing faulty parts) to keep your vehicle in the best condition you can. You can check to see if your Motability vehicle has any outstanding manufacturer safety recalls by entering your registration number at gov.uk.
Looking after your car and treating it like it’s your own vehicle is the best way to increase your chance of receiving the Motability Good Condition Bonus.
To determine whether you are eligible for the bonus, the dealer you return your vehicle to will take some photographs and carry out a brief appraisal to help them write a short description of the condition of the vehicle. General wear and tear such as minor dents or scratches - including those caused by the use of wheelchairs or other mobility aids - are expected, so as long as there are no major faults or any serious damage to the vehicle you should be eligible for the bonus. Having a low-mileage extension on your lease, an insurance claim or a windscreen or window repair does not affect your eligibility.
If you have looked after your vehicle and you are rewarded by Motability with the Good Condition Bonus the award will be automatically processed by Motability, meaning you don’t have to make a claim or fill out any paperwork. Motability will pay the money directly into your bank account or send a cheque in the post within 10 days, although most people seem to receive their cheque in 3-4 days.
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Why Did Motability Introduce The Good Condition Bonus?
When you hand your vehicle back to your dealer at the end of the lease, the dealer will return it to Motability who will then sell it on, through either their online system or at a motor auction. By handing your car back in a good condition, Motability can sell your vehicle at a higher price. So, it’s a win-win for everyone, and Motability’s way of saying thank you for taking great care of the vehicle.