Motability FAQ

Q: How does the Motability scheme work?

A: You exchange your mobility allowance for a lease on a brand new Motability vehicle. Choose the car you want and the payment is taken out of your mobility allowance every four weeks. If the cost of the car is less than your allowance, you keep the difference. You can nominate someone to drive for you, and you can also claim Motability for under 17-year-olds. This gives people with limited mobility a way to retain their freedom.

Q: What is the mileage allowance on a Motability car?

A: For three-year agreements, the total mileage allowance is 60,000 miles. And for five-year agreements, the limit is 100,000 miles. Any extra miles are charged at 5p per mile. If you’ve driven under 15,000 miles, you might be able to keep your car for one or two years. If this is the case, you get an extra allowance of 20,000 miles per year on your Motability Scheme vehicle.

Q: What cars are available with the scheme and how much will they cost me?

A: The available models on the scheme change every three months and the prices vary from model to model. With a cheaper Motability lease agreement, you might get part of your mobility allowance back. More expensive models require advance payment.

Explore the future 2022 Motability cars coming next year.

Q: How much is the good condition bonus from Motability?

A: If you return your Motability car in good condition, you can receive up to £600 back for a three-year lease. If you keep your car in good condition, including the paintwork, interior, tyres, etc., you’ll receive this bonus. If your car meets these conditions, you receive a cheque in the post.

Q: Can I use my relative’s Motability car for work?

A: Only nominated drivers can use a Motability car, and this should only be for the sole benefit of the claimant. For example, you could drive to the shops, pick up medication, or other routine activities.

Q: How long will it take to get a Motability car

A: Lead time on Motability cars depends on the manufacturer and model you choose. When finalising your application, we’ll let you know how many weeks until your car is delivered. If you already have a Motability car, you won’t receive your new model until the end date of your current agreement.

Q: Can I change my Motability car early?

A: You can change your Motability car early, but you need a valid reason. You can do so by cancelling your current lease and reapplying for a different car. There’s an admin fee of £250 when you cancel and your good condition bonus is waived too. Bear in mind if you cancel your agreement more than three times in seven years, your eligibility may be affected.

Q: Do I need to make an appointment to speak to someone about Motability?

A: We have a team of Motability specialists at our Pentagon dealerships. You can give us a ring on 0330 390 6849 for a quick chat, visit your local Pentagon dealership, or book in for a video chat appointment. We're more than happy to run through any parts of the scheme with you.

Q: Do I qualify for a mobility allowance?

A: To qualify for the Motability Scheme, you need to receive a mobility allowance. Each of the four allowances has different criteria.

HRMC DLA: children under 16 who have difficulty walking or need to be looked after.
ERMC PIP: people aged 16-64 who need extra help because of an illness, disability, or mental health condition.
WPMS: those receiving a War Pension due to leg amputation or claiming 40%+ War Pension due to reduced mobility.
AFIP: injury or illness due to service in the armed forces.

To claim Motability, you need to be eligible for one of these allowances with at least 12 months of payments left. Check the table below to see how much of each mobility allowance you need to be eligible for.

For more information on finding out if you can get a DLA car, explore our DLA Motability guide.

Q: Can I get a mobility car on standard rate Personal Independence Payment (PIP)?

A: You need to receive the Enhanced Rate Mobility Component of PIP to qualify for the Motability Scheme.

Q: What are the different PIP rates?

A: The weekly PIP rates:

PIP Daily Living Enhanced Rate  £87.65

PIP Daily Living Standard Rate  £58.70

PIP Mobility Enhanced Rate  £61.20

PIP Mobility Standard Rate  £23.20

Q: Are Motability & PIP different?

A: Motability is a scheme that gives people with reduced mobility a lease on a brand new car. PIP, Personal Independence Payment, is a mobility allowance that can be used as payment for a Motability car.

Q: What are the Motability car prices?

A: The cost of a Motability car depends on the make and model, with over 2,000 vehicles available on the scheme. You give your mobility allowance in exchange for a car, with some costing less than your allowance. If this is the case, you keep the difference. More expensive models require the full allowance plus an advanced payment.

Q: Who pays for Motability adaptations?

A: There are some completely free adaptations to help get you on the road. Some require payment, but you can apply for charitable grants from Motability to help with the cost if you can’t afford essential adaptations.

For more information on how this works, explore our Motability adaptations page.

Q: How much does it cost to add a third driver on Motability?

A: The first two named drivers are free, but to add third costs £219.

Q: When do Motability prices change?

A: The prices change every three months when the scheme negotiates prices with manufacturers. This allows claimants to get the best possible deal on a wide range of brand new cars.

Q: Who provides insurance on Motability cars?

A: Insurance is provided for you as part of the scheme. RSA and Motability work together to give all Motability Scheme customers full insurance coverage so you have nothing to worry about.

If your question hasn’t been answered, or you want to speak to someone about the Motability Scheme, get in touch with us. You can also give us a call on 0330 390 6886 for a friendly, no-obligation chat or visit your nearest Pentagon dealership to meet a Motability specialist.