[Alan Mills]

My current lease was due to expire in September and knowing dealers were going to be open shortly I had been checking out which cars to look at. I was really looking forward to shopping around for my new car and was absolutely gutted to receive a letter from Motability “asking” i.e. telling me that I was having my lease extended by 6 months in view of the current situation.

It would appear that I have no choice on this. I either accept this or end my lease. Why did Motability put out a new price list and then hit me with this? Anyone else in this situation?

Topic

[Michael]

Hi, I think you have like others had their lease extended so as to alow time to obtain your new car, I do not think you have to complete the time if you can get a car earlier, phone them, they will clarify it for you cheers

[Alan Mills]

Thanks for the advice Michael. I’ll give them a call on Monday.

[rox]

Latest info from https://news.motability.co.uk/scheme-news/updates-from-the-motability-scheme-regarding-covid-19-coronavirus/

I am an existing customer when can I place an application for my next car?

If you are in the final three months of your lease or have had your lease extended due to COVID-19, you can now place an order.

The latest pricing has now been updated. Remember that pricing on the Scheme is updated every three months and the current pricing is valid for orders placed up until 30 June 2020. Pricing will be updated as normal on 1 July.

Please bear in mind that some dealers remain closed and all dealers are likely to be busier than usual. Your dealer will have social distancing measures in place, so you must contact your dealer to make an appointment and find out in advance how COVID-19 is affecting their services.

Please note we usually require 12 months remaining on your allowance when you place an application, however due to the current situation we are accepting applications from existing customers who have at least six months remaining.

Do I need to make an appointment at my dealership to place an application? 

Yes, some dealerships will still be closed and social distancing arrangements mean that all dealerships are having to plan more carefully. You will need to make an appointment so that they can dedicate enough time to help you find the right car and let you know how COVID-19 is affecting their services.

Has COVID-19 affected car delivery times?

The length of time it takes for your car to be delivered could vary considerably due to the disruption experienced by car manufacturers during this time. It is worth checking with the dealership if the car you are interested in is in stock or whether it will need to be ordered from the manufacturer, which may well mean a delay. There may well be a comparable car from a different manufacturer, so it is worth considering this before you place your order.

I am an existing customer, but do not want to place an order for my next car at the moment, what are my options?

If you are not quite ready to choose a new vehicle you do not need to do anything further at this stage. If we do not hear from you and you do not place an application for a new vehicle, we will automatically extend your lease for six months. You will also automatically receive a Certificate of Motor Insurance or a temporary cover note from RSA Motability (RSAM) covering this six-month period.

If you have already had your lease extended during lockdown, please contact us so we can apply a further lease extension for you.

Alternatively, in certain circumstances you may decide that you’d like to extend your lease for longer, such as another one or two years. This might be the case if you have specific adaptations or if you have driven less than 15,000 miles at the end of your three-year lease. If either of these apply, please contact our Customer Services team on 0300 456 4566.

[Alan Mills]

Thanks. Dealers here I come!!

[Author]

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