[Willis]

Apologies as I am sure it is a common theme but I was just hoping for some advice.

I had an accident in my (almost brand new) Motability car, totally my fault as I caught the front bumper whilst reversing out of a gap, and whilst there isn’t a great deal of damage, part of the bumper is hanging off, so it has to go in immediately for repair as it is unsafe to use. The repairer can’t give any timescale as it all depends on how quickly the parts take to source, so Proximo have been asked to supply a hire car. My current car is a Suburu Forester, automatic, has push/pull hand controls and a boot hoist for my mobility scooter but Proximo have told me that they have nothing with a boot hoist and the only vehicle they do have with hand controls is a (much smaller than mine) Peugeot Rifter. I did look at the Rifter when  researching my next Motability car and just couldn’t get in it due to the very small driver’s door gap. (I am 6’4″ and need to sit back onto the drivers seat then swing my legs around and lift them in) I explained this to the lady from Proximo but she told me it was that or nothing!

Has anyone experienced similar and if so, can they advise on options? If I lose my car for two or three months I will be completely stuffed as I have several hospital appointments coming up and two of them are thirty miles away.

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[Glos Guy]

Sadly, there aren’t cars with adaptations sitting around to be loaned or hired to people. As I see it, you have two options. Either take the Rifter or, if it’s not practical for you, speak to Motability and ask if, in lieu of a hire car, they will pay for taxis whenever you need to go to hospital. I think that’s something they will do in these circumstances. Good luck. It’s a very difficult situation and I feel for you. My wife needs a hoist to get in and out of the car now. If we were without our car she’d really struggle (as would I).

[Peedyex]

Agree with the reply above….unfortunately.  Just a bit of advice:  The taxi account will have a limit in terms of funds so make it clear you have long medical journeys coming up or you could be left having to get the account topped up by the Motability account manager before organising a return taxi!  It happened to us.  Also, you may have to wait to be picked up after your appointment…so take reading material.

[Willis]

Thanks for the replies guys.

[Author]

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