The Motability Scheme is one of the UK’s most valuable benefits for people with disabilities. It allows you to exchange your mobility benefit for a brand new car on an all-inclusive lease — with insurance, servicing, breakdown cover, road tax, and tyres all included. Over 600,000 people in the UK currently use the scheme.
How the Scheme Works
The basic principle is simple: you give up part or all of your weekly mobility benefit (such as the enhanced rate of PIP mobility, currently £75.75 per week) and in return, Motability Operations provides you with a new car on a three-year lease. Everything except fuel is included.
Who Qualifies?
You can join the Motability Scheme if you receive one of the following:
- Enhanced rate of PIP mobility component — the most common qualifying benefit
- Higher rate mobility component of DLA — for those still receiving DLA
- War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS)
- Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP)
You must have at least 12 months remaining on your benefit award to take out a new lease (though exceptions exist).
What’s Included in the Lease
| Included | Details |
|---|---|
| Comprehensive insurance | For up to 3 named drivers (minimum age 21 for additional drivers) |
| Servicing and maintenance | All scheduled servicing at any authorised dealer |
| Breakdown cover | Full RAC cover including home start and relay |
| Road tax | Paid for the duration of the lease |
| Tyres | Replacement when worn (like-for-like) |
| Windscreen | Repair or replacement |
| Mileage | 60,000 miles over 3 years (20,000/year) |
The only things not included are fuel, washing, and any damage beyond fair wear and tear.
Advance Payments
Many cars on the scheme are available with £0 advance payment — your weekly benefit covers the entire cost. More popular, larger, or higher-spec models may require an upfront advance payment. These range from a few hundred pounds for popular models to £5,000 or more for premium vehicles.
The advance payment is a one-off charge at the start of the lease and is not refundable if you end the lease early (except in specific circumstances).
How to Apply
- Check eligibility: Confirm you receive a qualifying benefit with at least 12 months remaining
- Browse cars: Use the Motability car search to find available models
- Visit a dealer: Find a Motability dealer near you and discuss your needs
- Place your order: The dealer handles the application and liaises with Motability Operations
- Delivery: Your new car is typically delivered within a few weeks to a couple of months
Adaptations
The Motability Scheme can provide a wide range of vehicle adaptations at no extra cost, including:
- Hand controls for acceleration and braking
- Steering aids (spinners, fork grips)
- Wheelchair hoists and stowage systems
- Transfer plates and swivel seats
- Left-foot accelerator conversions
- Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs) with ramp or lift access
Complex or expensive adaptations are funded through the Motability Charitable Grant scheme, which has over £3 billion in reserves specifically for this purpose.
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Final Thoughts
The Motability Scheme is an exceptional package for those who qualify. The all-inclusive nature — no unexpected bills for servicing, tyres, or breakdown — provides genuine peace of mind. If you receive the enhanced rate of PIP mobility, it’s well worth exploring whether the scheme works for your needs.
Benefit rates and scheme terms may change. Always check motability.co.uk for the latest information.
Frequently Asked Questions
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