Regarding the good condition bonus – the dealer you return the car to at the end of the lease appraises the condition of the car and sends a report to Motability describing any damage and assessing the overall condition. Motability pay the bonus on the strength of that report. The assessment is to some extent subjective but minor dings dents and scratches are considered fair wear and tear and are disregarded. Up to three areas of other damage are allowed (inside or out) for the car to still be assessed as “good”, depending on the seriousness of it.
Motability need a report to attach to the car when it goes for disposal at the end of the lease – they don’t see the car or even photos of the condition – they rely on the dealer.
Our X1 is going back end of July and earlier this week I took it to the Volvo dealer we are getting the new car from for his appraisal. There is a dent and paint damage to one door caused when it was parked recently. Had it been earlier in the lease I would have had no hesitancy about getting Motability to arrange to fix it, but at this stage we could live with it if we still would get the bonus.
He appraised the car, pointing out bumper scuffs, marks scratches and minor stone chips and dents which he dismissed as fair wear and tear and decided that despite the damage to the door, he would assess the car as good and we would get the bonus, with the caveat that it’s Motability’s decision. ( our previous car went back with two parking trolley dents but no paint damage and we got the bonus).
So, if anyone is in any doubt about the good condition bonus, don’t assume the worst, ask your dealer.