- This topic has 895 replies, 147 voices, and was last updated 3 hours, 1 minute ago by
.
- Topic
There are many questions members have about the motability scheme such as :-
Can I extend my lease?
Can I change my car before my contract is up and if so will it cost me anything?
How much is the GCB and will I get it if I have a few scratches?
What happens if I lose PIP?
If you have any questions about motability, then this is the place to come. We have many knowledgeable members only to willing to give advice. Many of our members have been on the scheme for decades and know virtually everything there is to know about the scheme.
- Replies
Its worth checking out the Motability deals and special offers thread for any discounts if you choose to fund. your own
Not incentive at all
I totally understand the due diligence they practice
The idea of the application personally is based on the lead delivery times vs AP on 7 slaters and my current housing wouldn’t allow any form of electric vehicle charging and ofcourse needing automatic so throws me into the realm of 2k plus before my needs are considered
The self funding issue is still going to be very close and tight
If I look at the breakdown for the 5008 gt which per the foundation is the car that suits my needs 100%
I have a lead time of 2 months – 6 months if it comes in 2 I couldnt have the x amount saved even with me partially having 1k
So I’d be looking at a end of March order to give me 2 months of 500 being put by and hopefully a 3 month delivery window to obtain the final amount
I was honest and told them the financials and what my ceilings were within specific time frames but the delivery times are what messes some of the financial planning up
It won’t be an easy feat and requires some daily sacrifices to get a suitable car but in the long run I know I’ve got too make these
Was never aware about ap being used to fund others was always led to beleive that’s too offset the value of the car as that’s what they had explained it as I.e higher price on the book higher ap as the standard lease payment obviously would be ridiculous low on cars 40k and above
The grant for clarification was effectively at pre approval however there was said documentation needed that for me has legal red tape round it (long story nothing bad just too much red tape) and it would in this case require meetings with certain departments and legal representatives to ascertain what I could get and even share they specialist understood as I had explained everything to him but his hands sadly were tied as much as mine were even though I wish they weren’t
I agree best financial practice is great from them and I’ve spoken to the legal side of things today about what was asked and they’ve stated it could be a 6 month process to obtain the required paperwork which again isn’t gaurenteed
I’ve done some maths and with sacrifices the self funding of the AP for the car that suits my needs is viable but it’s down to the one variable I can’t control which is lead delivery times
It probably will cause stress but I know sadly I’m stuck between a rock and a hard place and just like I normally do ill do my best to make ends meet and get there
I know it may have came across as I have funds ready but sadly isn’t the case they advised the lowest ap car that suits the needs I have per my other post is the 5008 gt hence the decision of self funding
I might not be explaining this correctly as it’s fully a new process to me aswell but I was never looking for 100% coverage just some help from the charitable foundation so that if there was a quick delivery period I wouldn’t lose the order or the car because I didn’t have funds actively available if that makes sense
But I’m hoping my maths is correct and if I order that car late March I get the favourable delivery date to give me the required time to save and make the short term sacrifices to afford it
If it’s a case of just needing a few extra months to save the AP, Motability will give you a 3 month extension (if you have a current Motability car). Anyone can do that, even with the new policy. Hopefully that would help? They are pretty good in these situations. Frankly, with APs rocketing as they have been, they need to be! If it’s your first Motability car you can delay ordering until you know you will have the AP by the delivery date. Finally, some dealers will be happy to hold the car for a month or two once they receive it before you pick up. This is quite commonplace a month or two before registration plate changes for example. Good luck.
As has been said, you can extend the current car for 3 months while you gather your savings. Through that time I’d keep an eye on the savings/offers here and on Facebook if you can.
I’ve started saving in readiness for the next AP as £50 per month isn’t impossible and would get me £1,800 over the term of my current car. If you can squeeze £500 short term then maybe saving regularly isn’t too bad and will hopefully save this problem next time.
Grants seem to be tougher as profits dipped to the point where you’d need to be in dire straits just to stand a decent chance of getting the kind of help that was readily given a year ago.
I'm Autistic, if I say something you find offensive, please let me know, I can guarantee it was unintentional.
I'll try to give my honest opinion but am always open to learning.Mark
Not incentive at all I totally understand the due diligence they practice The idea of the application personally is based on the lead delivery times vs AP on 7 slaters and my current housing wouldn’t allow any form of electric vehicle charging and ofcourse needing automatic so throws me into the realm of 2k plus before my needs are considered The self funding issue is still going to be very close and tight If I look at the breakdown for the 5008 gt which per the foundation is the car that suits my needs 100% I have a lead time of 2 months – 6 months if it comes in 2 I couldnt have the x amount saved even with me partially having 1k So I’d be looking at a end of March order to give me 2 months of 500 being put by and hopefully a 3 month delivery window to obtain the final amount I was honest and told them the financials and what my ceilings were within specific time frames but the delivery times are what messes some of the financial planning up It won’t be an easy feat and requires some daily sacrifices to get a suitable car but in the long run I know I’ve got too make these Was never aware about ap being used to fund others was always led to beleive that’s too offset the value of the car as that’s what they had explained it as I.e higher price on the book higher ap as the standard lease payment obviously would be ridiculous low on cars 40k and above The grant for clarification was effectively at pre approval however there was said documentation needed that for me has legal red tape round it (long story nothing bad just too much red tape) and it would in this case require meetings with certain departments and legal representatives to ascertain what I could get and even share they specialist understood as I had explained everything to him but his hands sadly were tied as much as mine were even though I wish they weren’t I agree best financial practice is great from them and I’ve spoken to the legal side of things today about what was asked and they’ve stated it could be a 6 month process to obtain the required paperwork which again isn’t gaurenteed I’ve done some maths and with sacrifices the self funding of the AP for the car that suits my needs is viable but it’s down to the one variable I can’t control which is lead delivery times It probably will cause stress but I know sadly I’m stuck between a rock and a hard place and just like I normally do ill do my best to make ends meet and get there I know it may have came across as I have funds ready but sadly isn’t the case they advised the lowest ap car that suits the needs I have per my other post is the 5008 gt hence the decision of self funding I might not be explaining this correctly as it’s fully a new process to me aswell but I was never looking for 100% coverage just some help from the charitable foundation so that if there was a quick delivery period I wouldn’t lose the order or the car because I didn’t have funds actively available if that makes sense But I’m hoping my maths is correct and if I order that car late March I get the favourable delivery date to give me the required time to save and make the short term sacrifices to afford it
Are there any other charitable organisations or ex-workplace organisations (such as ex-HM Forces charities/organisations etc) you can approach to assist with some partial funding? Or affinity type organisations like the Family Fund etc?
Or, for example, are/were you a member of a trade union which has a welfare type fund?
Failing that, places like Citizens Advice Bureaux maybe able to signpost you to where local funding via charitable organisations maybe available.
Funding to obtain a suitable Motability vehicle isn’t solely restricted to the Motability Foundation, particularly in cases where the Foundation cannot or are unwilling to help.
Its worth speaking with the dealer and explain you want to order but, won’t have the funds ready if the car is delivered within 3 months and ask if they would be prepared to hold delivery for an extra month or so whils’t you get your funds together or would they be prepared to come up with a payment plan.
Hello. I am the only driver on my adult daughters car insurance. Will a dealer let me sign for her next car?I have done a Google search and it says I can but has anyone had any experience of whether there is any problems. I have seen the deals section of the forum and i would happily travel to get a good deal .
The people who can order your car are-
1) The customer – the person in receipt of the government mobility allowance.
2) An appointee – a third party appointed by DWP (Social Security Scotland), legally appointe to act on behalf of the customer in managing their allowance. This often happens with younger children but, can carry on into adulthood and be a parent or carer
3) In some cases, someone with Power of Attorney with documentation showing your name.
Unfortunately being plain old dad won’t surfice sorry :-
Am I correct in believing that if I get an extension I can order a new car at any point and not be penalised if I collect it at any point during my extension period (and still get GCB)?
Also, if I extend, but purchase a car during this extension (i.e. leave the scheme), would I be penalised, or forfeit GCB for ending the lease extension early?
Am I correct in believing that if I get an extension I can order a new car at any point and not be penalised if I collect it at any point during my extension period (and still get GCB)? Also, if I extend, but purchase a car during this extension (i.e. leave the scheme), would I be penalised, or forfeit GCB for ending the lease extension early?
If you get an extension, you’re free to terminate the lease at any point for any reason. So, if you get a new car on the scheme you can hand this one back when you collect the new one. If you buy your own car, you need to contact Motability to arrange termination and returning this one.
I'm Autistic, if I say something you find offensive, please let me know, I can guarantee it was unintentional.
I'll try to give my honest opinion but am always open to learning.Mark
I picked up a new car on 27/03/25 and have since discovered 2 fairly big issues.
1. The air conditioning doesn’t work and doesn’t blow any air.
2. Boot let’s in water after a quick hand car wash.
The car is booked in for a service on 08.04.25 but this is already making me nervous about the car. Do I have any right to hand it back and get a different car? Thanks in advance.
Current car 2022 Hyundai Kona premium in Jungle green.
I picked up a new car on 27/03/25 and have since discovered 2 fairly big issues. 1. The air conditioning doesn’t work and doesn’t blow any air. 2. Boot let’s in water after a quick hand car wash. The car is booked in for a service on 08.04.25 but this is already making me nervous about the car. Do I have any right to hand it back and get a different car? Thanks in advance.
I honestly doubt Motability would let you terminate the vehicle early because of two (relatively minor in the grand scheme of things) teething problems. Importantly, neither of which are safety related.
At least give the dealership the chance to resolve them. Both could be relatively simple to solve and then you can fully enjoy your car. The blower fault is often a resistor pack (it happened on my X6!) – a two minute change of resistor. The boot may simply need adjusting.
If the dealership cannot repair, then speak with Motability, however their next plan would probably be for you to take the vehicle to an alternative dealership on the basis of trying different eyes = different outcome.
Only then, should the AC still be faulty might they even consider an early termination I would say.
motab car has just been confirmed written off today . Not sure what the process involves next ? Is it a case of just ordering a new car ? Seen a few articles online that you get 3 months to get your next car . Not sure if that means you have to order and receive the car in 3 months or just order . Anyone had any similar experiences ?
motab car has just been confirmed written off today . Not sure what the process involves next ? Is it a case of just ordering a new car ? Seen a few articles online that you get 3 months to get your next car . Not sure if that means you have to order and receive the car in 3 months or just order . Anyone had any similar experiences ?
Make sure both Direct Line and Motability Operations are aware your current vehicle has been written off (unless they told you). They should explain the process to you.
I believe you should get a hire vehicle for circa 3 months subject to certain conditions being met.
Thus, ideally you need to be ordering your next vehicle as soon as you decide what vehicle is a suitable one for you. If it is a stock or pipeline (at port etc) vehicle, obviously you should receive the new vehicle quicker than a fresh build vehicle.
You should be due a pro-rata refund of any Advance Payment you paid on the written off vehicle. There is no pro-rata Good Condition Bonus payable nowadays.
If you are looking to get a grant towards the new vehicle then speak with the Motability Foundation first.
Not sure if this needs its own thread or if one already exists that eluded my search!
I’m querying the difference in language Motability use and government re who can use the car
Motability state:
“The disabled person uses the car, or it’s used for their benefit”
the VED Tax exemption states:
“It must only be used for the disabled person’s personal needs. It cannot be used by the nominated driver for their own personal use”
The language is different so for example going to work would fit into Motability’s “for their benefit” as ££ equals household food etc
However surely this falls of of the tax exemptions “personal needs”
Does the language matter? and how can it be enforced? I’m not talking about obvious abuse just the vast grey in the middle!
Many on Facebook suggest the stricter tax language doesn’t apply to Motability cars – which I believe does equally apply.
Thoughts?
“It must only be used for the disabled person’s personal needs. It cannot be used by the nominated driver for their own personal use”
Going to work also meets the disabled personal needs, as it buys food to keep them alive and a roof over their head ot going out to buy toilet role, would also meet personal needs…..
However, it can’t be used by the nominated driver for their sole pleasure, unless there is a benefit to the disabled person, like being told to get out of their space for an hour. This also applies to Motability rules.
However, it can’t be used by the nominated driver for their sole pleasure, unless there is a benefit to the disabled person, like being told to get out of their space for an hour. This also applies to Motability rules.
As I mentioned in a post on this very subject a week or two ago, when we retired we no longer needed two cars as it also coincided with my wife no longer being able to drive. I would have liked to have retained my private car (BMW 5 Series), but it was a saloon so not practical with the wheelchair. My preference was to leave Motability and buy a 5 Series Touring or x5 but my wife, who is the benefit recipient, said she’d prefer us to stay in the scheme if we could. We were also considering an extension on the house at the time (which we never actually did), so not using a lot of capital on an expensive private car had some advantages as well.
I called Motability and explained that as we would only have one car, there would be lots of times when I would use the car for my private use and not for the benefit of my wife. I was very surprised (and, in truth, a little disappointed 😂) that I was told that this was fine. They said that in a situation where a couple is living together and their circumstances only require them to have one car, you can use the Motability car as you would a private car that you owned (with the usual restrictions of social, domestic and pleasure, plus commuting – not that the latter applies to us). I queried this and she said that the policy wording is there to give them the power to recall cars from situations where there is clearly abuse, such as when the nominated driver lives elsewhere and only sees the benefit recipient infrequently.
I was still a bit sceptical and even asked if the call was being recorded so that there could be no issue in the future, and I was assured that it was.
Consequently, I use the car several times a week without my wife in the car and not directly for her benefit and I have zero worries about doing so.
Motability seem to be a law unto themselves when it comes to rules, both on disabled VED exemption and their acceptable use statement.
DVLA rules are precise and to the point
If Motability were to align with the governent authority, ie DVLA then it would cost millions of pounds in VED as most named drivers could not legally drive the vehicle. I believe it’s better not shout to much or it will cost us money.
Motability have had a quick first stab at rewording the accptable use policy, but it’s still rather wooly. It does however named drivers can only use the car for direct benefit of the motability client. I velievecthey are also looking at reducing the number of named drivers available on the policy.
They currently remove over 15 people per day from the scheme for misuse and other non compliance issues
Why is it so difficult to get a curtesy car when yours is in for repair, I used to get one through the dealership in times gone by but now I have been waiting a week, and still nothing.
Trying to get in touch is something else too.
Why is it so difficult to get a curtesy car when yours is in for repair, I used to get one through the dealership in times gone by but now I have been waiting a week, and still nothing. Trying to get in touch is something else too.
Someone started a separate thread on this very issue the other day, so your answers will be found there. In summary, many dealerships seem to have cut back on the number of courtesy cars (some no longer have any at all) and also collect and return services. Our local Ford dealership no longer has courtesy cars but offers collect and return if you book well in advance. Our local Hyundai dealership stopped collect and return for all but Motability customers but again, you need to book well in advance. A third option is asking for a demonstrator. If booking a car in for a service I always book 4-6 weeks in advance to ensure that I can get one of these services. If you try a week or two before you will struggle.
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.