Motability has made a huge impact in helping disabled drivers to secure adapted vehicles and enjoy the freedom that driving brings.
However, for those with partners, children and carers, there can be some confusion about Motability rules, such as who is eligible to drive the car and who can make changes to the insurance policy.
Find out everything you need to know about Motability insurance rules in this simple guide.
How do you qualify for a Motability car?
Many people who receive benefits for a mobility-based disability are able to lease a car from the Motability Scheme. The following awards are currently eligible:
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA) – higher rate mobility component
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP) – enhanced rate mobility component
- Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP)
- War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS)
- In Scotland, there is also Adult Disability Payment (ADP) which has replaced PIP – enhanced rate mobility
To apply there must be at least 12 months of benefit payments remaining.
If you require modifications, these will need to be fitted before the car is delivered. This is to ensure it is safe and legal to drive under the medical conditions set by the DVLA when your licence was issued.
Can I get multiple cars on the Motability Scheme?
As the lease payment is covered by an individual’s benefit allowance, it is not possible to have more than one car per person. However, a second qualifying person in the same household would be able to apply for their own car.
Who can drive a Motability car?
Up to three people can be insured on a Motability car. These can include friends, relatives or carers. Each driver must have a valid driving licence. If the licence was not issued in the UK, additional checks may be required. Named drivers must not have any disqualifications within the last five years.
Ideally, named drivers should live within five miles of the disabled person, where possible. Any changes to a named driver’s circumstances, such as a change of address, conviction or health issue, should be immediately reported to both the DVLA and Motability.
Drivers can be added or changed, but only by the leaseholder. The new driver will have to agree to the scheme’s guidelines and allow their licence to be checked against the DVLA’s driver database.
Choosing which car to buy using the Motability scheme can be a headache, but there are a number of excellent vehicles you can pick from.
Insuring young and provisional drivers on the Motability Scheme
Provisional drivers can be added as named drivers on a Motability car, but only under certain conditions. Only one driver under the age of 21 is allowed to be added at a time, and they must live at the same address as the person with the disability.
Learners must be supervised by a driver who has a full licence, and who is also named on the policy. They must also follow the same “use for the benefit of the disabled person” rules as any other driver, meaning all journeys must benefit those with a disability.
It’s worth noting that both the supervisor and the provisional licence holder will count towards the three named drivers on the policy.
The car choice may also be restricted for learners, because those under 25 are limited to vehicles with no more than 120bhp (brake horsepower) if you’ve opted for a petrol, diesel or hybrid car. If you are driving an electric vehicle, the limit increases to 140bhp, but only if the car falls into ABI insurance group 21 and under. Wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs) do not have a bhp limit.
What are the rules around adding temporary drivers?
Drivers can be added for a 30-day period, but must be included in the maximum of three named drivers. If they are likely to have multiple periods where they will be driving the car, they should be added as a permanent driver.
Misuse of Motability vehicles
If the car is misused, the lease could be terminated and drivers excluded from further use of the Motability Scheme. The following are considered misuse of the vehicle:
- Using the car in ways that do not benefit the disabled person
- Illegal acts, including driving without a licence or while banned
- Lending or selling the car
- Using the car for business purposes
Can I drive a Motability car with points on my licence?
You can usually drive a Motability car even with points on your driving licence, but it will depend on the type of offence and when it occurred. If you have been given points for certain convictions, endorsements, or you have been disqualified from driving in the last five years, you may not be eligible to drive the Motability vehicle.
All points and convictions must be disclosed at the application stage. If your Motability application is successful, you will be able to drive.
Any new points should immediately be reported to Motability to determine if cover can continue. Failure to update a driver’s information could result in the lease being cancelled and your insurance becoming invalid.
Motability car insurance restrictions
As an all-in-one package, a Motability lease will include insurance, breakdown cover and tax. But, it is not a limitless package, as drivers must adhere to a number of restrictions while using the car.
Are there any mileage limitations?
Motability cars come with a mileage allowance set at 60,000 miles for the duration of the three-year lease. Additional charges are made for every mile over this limit.
Can you drive a Motability car without a disabled person in it?
All named drivers are allowed to use the car for journeys that will benefit the disabled person, such as for food shopping or other beneficial activities. The leaseholder does not have to be in the vehicle.
This means cars can be claimed for disabled people as young as three years old to ensure they are not deprived of access to services and care due to their lack of mobility.
If named drivers do not live with the disabled person, a location tracker may be fitted to the vehicle to monitor travel and ensure correct usage of the vehicle.
Can I build up a no claims bonus?
Drivers using the Motability Scheme cannot build on their no claims bonus while driving the lease car. However, Adrian Flux will accept a Motability history letter as proof of no claims.
Specialist car insurance from Adrian Flux
As beneficial as Motability can be, it is not for everyone. Not all disabled drivers are eligible, and those who are may find it difficult to return to the roads after leaving the scheme.
If you need to drive a disability adapted car, Adrian Flux can help. As a specialist insurance provider, we can find the right insurance policy for your adapted vehicles and your specific needs. Contact us for a disabled driver car insurance quote today.
For our best rates, call 0800 369 8590 or book a callback at a time that works for you.
