How it works
The first step with the Motability Scheme is choosing the right vehicle to suit your lifestyle, requirements and taste. If you haven't yet decided, the Motability specialists at Accrington Garages will help you to explore all available models, explaining and comparing the benefits of each. You will also have the opportunity to take a test drive to ensure that you are completely satisfied before making a decision. Should adaptations be required, we can arrange them to make your motoring experience easier and more comfortable.
The next step is to arrange the lease of your chosen vehicle, otherwise known as Contract Hire. The Vauxhall Motability Scheme Contract Hire allows you to lease your vehicle for a three-year period at a fixed rate. As you do not technically own the vehicle, there's no need to worry about the stress of reselling, and no unexpected bills are faced. When your contract expires, simply hand it back to us and choose another brand-new Vauxhall.
When you select a vehicle with 'nil advanced payment', your mobility allowance is assigned to Motability who will cover any upfront bills on your behalf. Motability offers not requiring an initial payment are available, but if payments are necessary, they are easily paid directly to us as a single fee.
After choosing your vehicle and agreeing to the leasing terms, we will process the order on your behalf. Motability will then send you an acceptance letter containing your Personal Identification Number (which you will need when collecting your vehicle) and we'll get to work arranging your new car.
Who is eligible for the Motability Car Scheme?
If you, or the person you care for, receive the Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or the Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or the Armed Forces Independent Payment (AFIP) or the War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement (WPMS), and have at least 12 months left of your award entitlement.
For those not receiving an allowance
If you (or the person you care for) are affected by a disability but do not qualify for the higher rate DLA or WPMS, the following organisations may be able to assist you:
Pensions, Disability & Carers Service
Telephone: 08457 123456
Disability Benefits Helpline – Disability Living Allowance
Telephone: 08457 123 456
Textphone: 08457 224 433
Service Personnel & Veterans Agency
Telephone: 0800 169 2277
How the change from DLA to PIP affects eligibility
If you or the person you care for is an existing Motability user, the change from the DLA to the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) may impact on eligibility for the scheme. However, Motability will still lease cars to disabled motorists receiving the enhanced-rate Mobility Component of PIP, as this has the same value as the higher rate DLA Mobility Component.
If you are a current DLA recipient who is awarded the enhanced rate, your Motability eligibility will be unaffected as you move from DLA to PIP. If you receive the new Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP) allowance, you may also be eligible to benefit from the Motability Scheme.
To speak with our own Motability specialist, please contact us online, by phone or visit our dealership in person. For full details, please visit the Motability website.
With close ties to the industry, Accrington Garages can put you in touch with a number of established adaptation partners. They offer professional advice on how your chosen vehicle can be adapted to meet your specific requirements and oversee any alterations.
You have a number of different adaptation options to choose from, many of which come at no extra cost. Each modification is designed to help you drive safely and in comfort, and the range includes:
- Assisted steering
- Foot steering systems
- Accelerator and brake hand controls
- Adapted foot controls
- Handbrakes moved to the right-hand side
- Rotating seats
- Adapted mirrors
- Wheelchair ramps, tail lifts and hoists
- People lifts
Deciding which adaptations are needed
Before selecting your vehicle, we recommend visiting an independent Mobility Assessment Centre. The occupational therapists and technical specialists available at the centre will advise on which vehicles and adaptations are required to suit your disability.
Motability Managed Adaptation Programme
Our Motability specialist will confirm whether your required adaptations are eligible through the Motability Managed Adaptations Programme, which manages the process of altering your vehicle. If your adaptations are ordered at the same time as your vehicle, we will arrange the alterations on your behalf. If modifications are not covered by the programme, or if they are required during your lease, we recommend ensuring they are covered by your insurance by contacting one of the following:
Motability Operations
Telephone: 0845 456 4566 (8.30am till 5.30pm Monday to Friday)
Textphone: 0845 675 0009
Motability RSA
Freephone: 0500 37 37 37
Freetext phone: 0500 64 63 62