Motability Car Scheme – How it Works & How to Apply for Motability

Who Qualifies For a Mobility Car?

To qualify for a Motability Scheme car, you must receive one of the following:

• the Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (HRMC DLA) or the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• the War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS)

Your award must have at least 12 months remaining when you apply. You may also apply on behalf of a child aged three or over who is entitled to the mobility allowance. If you receive the allowance but do not drive, you can still apply as a passenger and nominate two other drivers.

If you are under 65 and have a disability but do not already receive the Higher Rate Mobility Component of DLA, you may be eligible to claim it. Please contact Motability for advice on your options and how to apply for a Motability car.

How Do I Get a Mobility Car?

Once you have confirmed you receive one of the allowances listed, get in touch with Motability to choose the vehicle that suits you best. Your monthly mobility allowance will be exchanged for your selected car, with payments sent directly to Motability by the Department for Work and Pensions. Depending on which model you pick, you may also need to make a one-off Advance Payment to Automotive Group.

What Motability Cars are Available?

Automotive Group have a wide range of wheelchair accessible vehicles for you to choose from. View our selection of New WAVs by clicking here.

How Long Does it Take to Get a Motability Car?

Once your Motability application has been approved, you can place your order for your mobility car. At Automotive Group, we aim to deliver your vehicle within three weeks of your confirmed order, provided your chosen WAV is in stock and is not a factory order.

What is Contract Hire?

Most Motability Scheme customers opt for contract hire as it offers a straightforward way to secure a brand-new mobility car. You make a single, regular payment that covers:

• Maintenance
• Breakdown cover
• Full insurance

After the five-year hire period, simply return the vehicle to Motability.

What is Hire Purchase?

Hire purchase is a form of credit agreement. You agree to buy your chosen Motability vehicle and allocate all (or part) of your DLA or WPMS payments to Motability for the duration of the contract. Key points:

• You take immediate possession and use of the vehicle.
• The finance company retains a security interest until you settle all payments.
• Ideal if you expect to exceed 100,000 miles over five years, or if you wish to own the vehicle outright at the end; especially if your Advance Payment is substantial.

What is an Advance Payment?

If the cost of your selected vehicle exceeds your full mobility allowance, you pay the shortfall as a one-off Advance Payment at the outset. The amount varies according to the make, model and specification.

Can I Get Help With the Advance Payment?

You may qualify for a Motability grant towards your Advance Payment. For guidance and eligibility details, please contact our Mobility Advisors on 0800 121 66 22.

How to Get a Mobility Car

1. Contact Automotive Group
   Call our specialist Mobility Advisors on freephone 0800 121 66 22 or enquire online to discuss your eligibility and the application process.
2. Discuss Your Options
   Your Automotive Group Advisor will provide guidance on securing your vehicle through the Motability Scheme, including details of any Advance Payments required. They can also arrange a free home demonstration with your local Mobility Advisor to assess which vehicle best meets your needs.
3. Choose and Order Your Vehicle
   Once you’ve chosen the wheelchair-accessible vehicle that best meets your needs, your local Mobility Advisor will visit you for a home demonstration and supply the paperwork required to place your order. They’ll assist you in completing:
   • the Motability application form
   • the vehicle order form
   • the Motability demonstration report
   • the contract hire or hire purchase agreement
   • the VAT exemption form
   • the vehicle suitability questionnaire
4. Advance Payment Help
   If you’re concerned about meeting the Advance Payment for your chosen vehicle, you may qualify for a grant under the Motability Scheme to help cover this cost. Contact Motability on 0845 456 4566 to check your eligibility and apply.Grant applications can take up to eight weeks to process, so once you’ve chosen your vehicle, submit your application promptly to ensure you receive your award letter in time to place your order.When you receive your Motability grant award letter, please send the original to Automotive Group to complete your vehicle order.
5. Complete Your Order Application
   Your Automotive Group Advisor will forward the order forms you completed at the home demonstration to head office for processing. Before your order can be finalised, Automotive Group will also require:
   • A copy of your award letter from the Department for Work and Pensions for Disability Living Allowance or the War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement
   • A copy of your named driver’s photo-card and paper driving licence, or a letter from your care package provider if your carer(s) will be driving under open insurance
6. Motability Process
   Your Automotive Group Advisor will submit your application on your behalf via Motability’s online system. Once Motability have received it, they will liaise with the Department for Work and Pensions and the DVLA to confirm your entitlement and licence details. You’ll see the status update in the online portal as soon as your application is approved.
   • Vehicle Insurance
     Motability will arrange your insurance cover and post the documentation directly to your home.
   • Motability PIN
     You will receive a PIN from Motability, which you’ll need to provide when confirming your order details with Automotive Group.
7. Automotive Group Order Process
   Once Automotive Group has received and approved all your Motability documents, we’ll process your order. Delivery usually takes four to six weeks from the date your paperwork is complete, depending on your chosen model and specification. We’ll send you an order confirmation letter showing your anticipated delivery date. You will also receive a Motability PIN authorisation form. This confirms your instruction to allocate your Higher Rate Mobility Component to Motability in exchange for your wheelchair-accessible vehicle. Please complete the form and return it to Automotive Group to finalise your order. Note that your PIN will not be activated until your vehicle is delivered.
8. Your new WAV will be delivered straight to you!
   Your new wheelchair-accessible vehicle will be delivered directly to your home by Automotive Group. The delivery driver will demonstrate how to operate the vehicle, including its adapted wheelchair-access features.