Motability, what is it?

Motability is a charity that was set up over 40 years ago to help disabled people become mobile and more independent. This is a government funded scheme where people who receive a Motability allowance can exchange part or all of their monthly allowance to lease a brand new car of their choice.

The Motability Scheme gives you the flexibility of three pricing options to help you keep mobile. These are:

  1. Cars costing less than your Mobility Allowance. You receive the remaining allowance.

  2. Cars costing the same as your Mobility Allowance.

  3. Cars with Advanced Payment which allows you to add to your Mobility Allowance by paying a one off upfront Advance Payment

The Motability Scheme has helped over 3 million people since its creation in 1978 to get back on the road and become independent again. The many benefits provided by the scheme explain why so many people have taken advantage of the opportunity, and listed are just some of the reasons why. Below are the motoring benefits Motability provide:

  • A brand new car every three years or Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) every five years

  • Insurance, servicing and maintenance

  • Full breakdown assistance

  • Annual Road Fund Licence

  • Replacement tyres

  • Windscreen replacement or repair

  • 60,000 mileage allowance over three years or 100,000 for WAV’s

  • Many adaptations at no extra cost

  • Two named drivers for your car


Is there a catch? There are no ‘catches’ but there are some items that are excluded, and it’s best to know about these from the outset. You’ll be responsible for paying the following:

  • Fuel and consumables (such as screen wash)

  • Optional extras that are not fitted to your model of choice as standard

  • Any adaptations that require an additional payment

  • Insurance Excess – there is a minimum excess of £75 on any claim for loss or damage. This excess varies depending on the age and experience of the driver. Full details can be obtained on application.

  • Fines incurred due to breaching parking restrictions or through speeding

Who can apply?


If you receive one of the following disability benefits you’re eligible for a new affordable car through the Motability Scheme:

  • Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (HRMC DLA)

  • Enhanced Rate Component of Personal Independence Payment (ERMC PIP)

  • War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS)

  • Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP)

If you receive an allowance from one of the above or you care for someone who does; you can be a carer, parent, or nominated driver you are also eligible. To double check your eligibility please visit the ‘Motability Eligibility Checker’ page.

Once you’ve discovered if you’re eligible, you need to decide on a form of payment outlined above in the ‘Who Can Apply?’ section and then just choose the car that you fancy.

Benefits of Motability?

There are numerous benefits of the Motability Scheme are outlined in a little more detail below. 'A new car of your choice every three years'

You choose a brand new car every three years. Motability will contact you a few months before your lease expires and if you decide to continue with Motability scheme, you can choose your new car for the next three years (provided you’re still eligible).

Insurance

The worry-free package provides similar insurance cover to what you would expect under a fully comprehensive insurance policy. You can still lease a car even if you don’t drive yourself, you can nominate two drivers who can drive on your behalf. If you decide to leave the scheme at a later stage, you can request a letter confirming your claims history to take to your new insurer.

Servicing and Maintenance

All of the regular servicing and maintenance costs are included and taken care of by Howards. There will be no unexpected repair costs with your Motability car.

Full breakdown assistance from the RAC

The RAC Motability Assist Helpline and roadside staff are specially trained to handle your calls. They are available 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year and can be contacted on 0800 73 111 73. Assistance can be provided either at the roadside or at home.

Annual Road TAX Licence

Motability organise the road tax to be registered to your car.

Replacement Tyres

Whilst Howards supply and sell tyres, all tyres for Motability cars are supplied and fitted by Kwik Fit to replace them due to wear and tear through normal use. They also provide a mobile service so your tyres can be replaced for no extra cost at your home or place of work.

Window & Windscreen Repair or Replacement

Should anything happen to your windows or windscreen, you can get them repaired or replaced at no extra cost to you.

Your Mileage Allowance Over 3 Years

You’re entitled to cover up to 60,000 miles over three years in your car. However, if the total mileage is higher than the allowed 60,000 when you return the car, there will be a charge of 5 pence per additional mile.

Car Adaptations

If you need to make your car easier, safer or simply more comfortable to drive, you’ll be pleased to know that many of the most popular adaptations are available at no additional cost.



Why Choose Howards Motability Cars?

Whether you’re considering using your mobility allowance to lease a new car for the first time or due to replace a current car, Howards are here to help. With years of experience in assisting customers helping them choose the perfect Motability car to suit their needs, we aim to make the process easy and enjoyable.

Designated Parking

All of our sites have designated disabled parking that is clearly marked and situated close to our showroom entrances, parking your car and getting to where you need to be could not be easier. Our showroom entrances are also designed to provide easy access by wheelchair should this be required.

Expert Advice

You will experience a warm welcome from our Sales Executives who are highly trained and qualified to assist you in every aspect of choosing a car on Motability. We’ll help you to identify the model that best suits your needs and answer any questions you have regarding the process of ordering and taking delivery of a new vehicle. We will also be able to assist you with any adaptations or modifications you may require

Vehicle Test Drive

We’ll be delighted to arrange a test drive for you in your vehicle of choice. Please call us and we'll make sure we have the right car in the right place for your appointment.

With many of our brands having cars available with Nil Advance Payments combined with our expertise and knowledge of the Motability Scheme, you don’t need to look any further than Howards.

What is PIP?

Personal Independence Payment is a government benefit for people aged 16 to 64 suffering from long-term illness or a disability. This is the new allowance replacing Disability Living Allowance, to know more please visit Howards Personal Independence Payment page.


Howards Garages (Weston) Ltd is an Appointed Representative of Automotive Compliance Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA No 497010). Automotive Compliance Ltd's permissions as a Principal Firm allows Howards Garages (Weston) Ltd to act as a credit broker, not as lender, for the introduction to a limited number of finance providers and to act as an agent on behalf of the insurer for insurance mediation activities only.