Motability Cars Makes Motoring Easier

Anyone who received the Higher Rate Component of the DLA (Disability Living Allowance) is entitled to become a part of the Motability Scheme. Motability cars are brand new vehicles, which have been modified to make driving or transport easier for individuals with mobility impairments, and they can be paid for entirely by the Higher Rate Component of the DLA.

Here’s how it works. The DLA’s Higher Rate Component is automatically translated into a hire purchase style payment, which goes straight to the garage providing the Motability service. That payment becomes the payment on the vehicle, ensuring that the Higher Rate Component of the DLA is being used to give maximum mobility benefits to the impaired.

The Scheme allows users of Motability Cars to insure as many as three drivers – all of whom can be carers, if necessary. The Scheme payment takes care of all car related expenses, including insurance – the only thing that the owner pays for is oil and fuel. All road fund licensing, MOT and servicing costs and even repair costs are covered by the Motability Scheme payment.

Because the Scheme operates like a hire purchased arrangement, members are entitled to replace their Motability cars on a regular basis, ensuring that they always have brand new, comfortable and efficient vehicles to drive.

A Motability customer can pick any vehicle that he or she desires from the available range. Vauxhall, for example, offer a full range of Motability vehicles, so a customer can choose any one of Vauxhall’s cars and have it modified for the Scheme.

Not all Motability vehicles are “free” (i.e. are completely paid for by the Higher Rate Component of the DLA). Higher level cars, more powerful vehicles and executive style cars can all be bought as Motability cars – but are usually subject to a one off down payment before the Higher Rate Component of the Disability Living Allowance kicks in to form the hire purchase payments.

There is more than one way to finance the Motability Scheme. Because of its similarity to a hire purchase agreement, most people are content to treat their purchase in the same way. The usual term is a three month lease. Customers can buy their vehicles if they wish, and arrange a finance plan (the norm is five years) whereby their Higher Rate Component payments become the payments on the financing of the car.

Motability cars offer a uniquely reliable way for mobility impaired citizens to get around. The ample insurance provision means that other drivers can take them to doctors and hospital appointments or even do their shopping for them. And the average three year lease plan means that each customer is always driven in a new and reliable vehicle.

An ideal first step towards getting a Motability vehicle is to have a consultation at an independent Mobility Assessment Centre – of which there are 17 nationwide. Your assessment will help you find out what modifications your Motability cars need before you can drive them.