Motability Scheme

CountryMimi

Hi all, 

Just wondering if anyone can give me some info about the motability scheme?

I've seen and heard mixed answers about this, but do you have the option to buy the vehicle at the end of the lease?

Anyone who is leasing a motability car, is it something you'd do again? Or would you rather have the knowledge that it's going to be yours when you've finished paying finance? 

poppy123456

Yes, it's possible to buy it at the end of your lease. You'll need to speak to motability regarding this. https://www.motability.co.uk/get-support/faqs/can-i-buy-the-vehicle/

I'm currently on my 3rd vehicle and without any doubts i would have another lease. I think it's worth it because it's worry free motoring because all you pay for is fuel. The only downside now is some of the advance payments are quite high.

You also need at least 1 year remaining on your PIP award to lease one.

OverlyAnxious

I'm in the opposite situation, always been stuck with 3-10 year old cars that I own but can't trust.

I would much rather lease a brand new car that I would never own than be stuck with an older, less reliable one that I'm financially responsible for.

I don't qualify for Motability.

CountryMimi

Thank you both.

I'm just a little uncertain about what to do - I have up until October 2025 before PIP is due for renewal. I've just been awarded LCWRA for 12 months - but I'm just worried in case I'm not re awarded for some reason (it has been a battle with LCWRA)

@OverlyAnxious

I completely agree, my current car is 12 years old now. It's reliable, but I do need to think about upgrading as my previous car was 15 years old when I first got it and I had no end of trouble with it.

But like I say, I just feel really uncertain and want to make sure that I can make the payments if for some reason I'm not re awarded either of them as without both it's not financially viable option for me without

I'm so sorry that you aren't eligible 😔 it must be a worry for you

poppy123456

CountryMimi said:

But like I say, I just feel really uncertain and want to make sure that I can make the payments if for some reason I'm not re awarded either of them as without both it's not financially viable option for me without

I don't understand that comment. When you lease a motability vehicle you exchange your mobility payment for a vehicle of your choice. This means that when you receive your PIP payments, it will be minus the mobility part. (assuming the vehicle of your choice is for the whole mobility award) very few are less.

The lease is for 3 years or 5 if it's a WAV. When your PIP is reviewed, if you're not awarded Enhanced mobility then your vehicle will need to be returned. There's no option to continue with the payments without Enhanced mobility. To buy the vehicle you have to wait until the end of your 3 year lease and they won't discuss costs until at least 3 months before the end of the lease.

There's always some risk to losing your mobility award but in my opinion the opportunity to have piece of mind with a new car and only having to pay for fuel is worth that risk.

If you need a grant for an advance payment then you must make sure you do not order a vehicle before you apply for the grant because if you do then you can't get help with the AP. You also need to think about the wait for new vehicles, which can be a considerable length of time for some dealers, depending on the make/model and spec of vehicle you choose.

CountryMimi

Oh, I see. I didn't realise that. I just assumed that you would keep the vehicle regardless, whether or not you were awarded the enhanced mobility rate again. Thank you

The other side of my concern still stands with the LCWRA though - whilst the PIP payment would be going towards the car, if I were to lose the LCWRA award, then I would of course lose the additional payment and go back to the basic rate of UC and housing benefit. I'm a single person living solo, so don't have the income of a partner coming in. 

It's such a lot to consider

poppy123456

You can’t keep the vehicle if you don’t have the correct mobility award.

I understand what you mean but I always think to myself that you have the think about today, not what “may” happen tomorrow or sometime in the future. 

If the worst happens and you lose the LCWRA element of UC and you can no longer afford the car then you can just make arrangements to return it. Once it’s returned back then you will receive your future mobility payments. 

The motability scheme doesn’t suit everyone but I’ve always found it to be amazing. The worry free motoring is the best part, not forgetting driving around in a new car. The worst part is waiting for delivery.

CountryMimi

Ohhh didn't realise you could end the agreement early, that makes things seem relatively more doable.

It's definitely something to think about

Thank you so much for your help

poppy123456

You're welcome. If you want to end it early then you will need to contact motability. Any advance payment will be return pro rota (depending on what length is left on the lease)

CountryMimi

Oh cool, thank you so much, that's really helpful to know!