The Motability Scheme at Wilson & Co and Drayton Motors enables disabled people to lease a new car by exchanging their Government funded mobility allowance . If you receive either the Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance, the Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), the War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS) or the Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP) you may be eligible to join the Motability Scheme.

If the DWP or Veterans UK decide you are no longer eligible for the higher rate mobility allowance, you are responsible for keeping Motability and Wilson & Co and Drayton Motors informed and arrangements will be made to collect the vehicle. Wilson & Co and Drayton Motors will be able to provide further advice regarding this and help review your options. You will only pay the cost of the lease until the vehicle is returned. If you paid an Advance Payment, Motability may refund this to you on a pro rata basis.

Our first bit of advice is not to worry as our Wilson & Co and Drayton Motors Motability Specialists are still here to assist and have already helped a number of customers in this situation. We will take time to look at the options now available to you and help you reach the best decision to suit your circumstances.

You will have around six weeks from the DWP’s decision to return your car. Motability will write to you giving you all the information you need, including details of our transitional support package. You may also be eligible for a pro-rata refund of any Advance Payment you made.

For Scheme customers who joined before the end of 2013, there is a package of financial support available as long as you return the car in good condition and by the agreed date. Here’s what to expect:

Up to £2,000 financial support dependent on when you first joined the Scheme (see below*).
No further lease payments.
Potential Advance Payment refunded on a pro-rata basis.
Where relevant, financial support to fit the same adaptations to a non-Scheme vehicle.
Copy of the ‘ Staying mobile after the Motability Scheme Will download a resource(PDF 944KB) ’ guide which includes advice on buying a used car, information on insurance, maintenance and other mobility solutions .
Full claims history letter from RSA Motability and details for AutonetOpens in new window , an insurance broker who are able to provide insurance quotes where possible for customers leaving the Motability Scheme.
A fair market price for your car in case you choose to buy it.
The package has been carefully designed to support our customers through the initial phase of PIP implementation. This package will be reviewed over time to take into account economic conditions and any possible changes the Government may decide to make to PIP.

What types of journeys will you make? For example, will you:

• Visit local friends or family?
• Do your weekly grocery shop?
• Travel to hospital appointments?
• Take children to school?
• Drive in slow traffic to work?
• Drive long distances on holiday?

To give a few examples, if you live in a big city and the car is used mainly for short journeys then a small city car may suit you. If you have a big family, on the other hand, you may want to consider a large family car or MPV.

Other things that you may need to take into account include:

• How many people are going to travel in it regularly?
• Do you live in a busy town or city?
• Is parking a problem?
• Are you able to change gear easily?
• If you have a mobility aid, will it easily fit in the car?
• Do you need to take your scooter or wheelchair with you?

Small changes in specification can have a big impact on your comfort or the car’s suitability. Seat height, door opening angle and positioning of the seat belts, for example, can all make a big difference.

There is a lot to consider when choosing a car. Taking time to work out how you will use your car, the types of journeys you will regularly make plus considering the things that are important to you in a car can help you choose a vehicle which will best meet your needs.