The aim of motability cars is make new cars available for people with disabilities. These schemes are available for anyone who receives the higher mobility component of the disability living allowance or the mobility supplement for war pensioners. The car is leased and the cost of the leasing agreement is paid for by using either the full allowance or by a proportion of it.
There is a large range of motability cars on the market and they include most of the popular models. They are also available for a large range of needs. Motability car prices are such that many models can be leased at costs that are less than the full allowance; that cost the actual amount of the full allowance; and that exceed the amount of the allowance. Cars that cost more than the allowance to lease are financed in part by paying an initial deposit. This means that even luxury cars can be obtained through the scheme.
Motability car schemes also include the full cost of insurance, and of servicing and maintaining your car. Breakdown insurance is covered as is the cost of road tax, tyre replacement, and windscreen cover. Typically the lease covers a mileage allowance of 60,000 miles over three years.
Many people obtaining motability cars need special adaptation to allow them to drive and to drive safely; or possibly even a hoist for lifting and carrying a wheelchair. These adaptations are provided at no extra cost to the car user. Furthermore, it is not even necessary for the disabled person to be the nominated driver; two other drivers can be nominated/these could be friends or family, and they are allowed to use the car when the person in the scheme does not require it.
There are some restrictions on the nominated drivers. From the beginning of 2012 a new rule has been implemented which says that nominated drivers must share the same address as the disabled person or should live within a five mile radius. There are some exceptions to this rule, though these are dealt with on a case by case basis.
If you are looking for a motability car, then you might be assured that there is no credit check carried out before giving you one. You simply need to be in receipt of one of the allowances mentioned above.
