Motability FAQs

Q. What can Motability give financial help towards?

A. The Motability Scheme can offer financial help towards the cost of a Scheme car’s Advance Payment, driving lessons and adaptations of your new vehicle. Simply visit Baylis and complete a Motability Suitability Questionnaire with one of our Motability specialists.

Q. Can I apply for financial help towards a private car?

A. Financial help can only be given towards a Motability Scheme vehicle and not a private car.

Q. How much do adaptations cost?

A. There are a number of popular adaptations that are available at no extra cost to you when you start your new agreement.

Q. What allowance do I need to receive a Motability vehicle?

A. Your Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (HRMC DLA) is provided by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and can be used to cover the cost of a Motability lease agreement. The Government has started to replace Disability Living Allowance (DLA) with a new benefit called Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for disabled people aged between 16 and 64. The Motability Scheme will work with PIP in the same way as is it does with DLA. As of 9 April 2014, this allowance will be £56.75 per week.

Q. What will a Motability car cost?

A. The cost of the car very much depends on the make and model you opt for. You can exchange some or all of your higher rate mobility allowance, which doesn’t affect other benefits you might receive.

You can choose from over 450 vehicles that cost no more than your weekly allowance. You can even increase your options further by making an upfront advance payment.

Q. What is the cost difference between Motability and a privately owned car?

A. Buying a car privately involves budgeting for insurance, breakdown cover, vehicle maintenance and mechanical repairs. With Motability’s worry-free lease agreement, these are all included. To find out exact costs, please contact one of our Motability specialists at Baylis.

Q. What is "Contract Hire"?

A. “Contract Hire” is the type of leasing agreement contract that Motability offer. This type of agreement includes getting a brand new car of your choice every three years, insurance, breakdown cover, servicing and tyre and windscreen replacement.

Q. What is "Hire Purchase"?

A. “Hire Purchase” is when a customer chooses to pay monthly for their vehicle, and may pay a deposit or fee at the start and end of the agreement. At the end of the agreement, the vehicle is owned by the customer. Hire Purchase is no longer available through the Motability Scheme. Less than one per cent of customers opted for this option and it stopped being available on 1st July 2014.

Q. Why do some cars have an Advance Payment?

A. Some higher specification cars may require an advance payment. This covers the difference between the cost of your new vehicle and your allowance paid over the length of the agreement. However, there are hundreds of cars available with no advance payment and also some that cost less than your weekly allowance, so that you still have budget left over to spend however you choose.

Q. Do I get the Advance Payment back?

A. No, you will not receive your advance payment back, as this is not a deposit.

Q. When will my car lease agreement end?

A. Most agreements run for three years from the date that your vehicle was delivered (5 years for Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles). The agreement end date will be detailed in your contract.

Q. What options do I have at the end of my car lease agreement?

A. At the end of your agreement you can either lease another car through the Motability Scheme, return your car and have your allowance reinstated or you may be able to extend your current lease to keep the car for longer. You can discuss the options further with one of our Motability specialists at Baylis.