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Getting your next car

As you reach the end of your current contract, you may be thinking of getting your next Motability car. You can choose from a wide range of around 2,000 cars, from all of the top manufacturers. Our dealer network has expanded to nearly 5,000 dealerships and we now have around 450 cars that you can drive away with no Advance Payment - with hundreds more at less than £500.

So, here’s what you need to know:

Three months before the end of your lease:

Consider adaptations if you think you need them
Search a dealer . Visit as many as you need to
Take a test drive to make sure the car you’re interested in is suitable for your needs
Make sure your name and address details are up to date with both the DVLA and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)Opens in new window or the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency (SPVA)Opens in new window
Place your order with your dealer. Make sure you tell your dealer about anyone you wish to drive the car, including yourself. This is the case even if you’re keeping the same driver as on your current lease.

Remember that all named drivers should live within five miles of your address. If you disability-related needs can only be met by having drivers outside of this range, please call Customer Services on 0845 456 4566. Drivers aged under 25 (whether yourself or a named driver) can drive a Motability car, as long as it is in ABI Insurance Group 16 or lower and has brakehorse power rating of 115BHP or less.

When ordering your new car, take these with you:

Both parts of your driving licence if you wish to drive
Certificate of entitlement from either DWP or SPVA
Proof of address (e.g. recent utility bill)
Named drivers’ driving licence (both parts) and consent. Named drivers must give consent, either in person by going with you when you place your order or by filling out a Driver Consent Form.

As part of the ordering process, you and your drivers will need to sign a Statement of Responsibilities to confirm you understand and agree to abide by the Scheme guidelines

Don't forget to tell your dealer if you have a personalised number plate and wish to transfer it onto your new car.

Two months to go:

Your dealer will contact you to book an MOT test for your current car (excluding customers in Northern Ireland and Isle of Man). Once completed, your dealer will keep the certificate.
Look out for your new Personal Identification Number (PIN) . We’ll send this to you along with all the information about your new lease and the Terms and Conditions. Your secure PIN enables you to ‘sign’ all the paperwork via the dealer’s computer. Take it with you when you pick up your new car.

One month to go:

We’ll send you a new tax disc if you need one (except in Northern Ireland and Isle of Man) about 10 days before your current tax disc expires
You don’t have to remove adaptations, but if you want to, please arrange this with your local adaptations installer
Keep in touch with your dealer about the delivery date. Don’t worry if there’s a delay. The dealer supplying your new car will arrange for you to stay in your current car until the new one is ready. However, if you are in a Low Mileage or Long Term Lease Extension and there is a delay, please call 0845 456 4566 to arrange this.

Collection day!

When collecting your new car, don’t forget to bring your driving licence plus the letter we sent you which includes your PIN
Return your current car to the dealer supplying your new car
Hand back any documentation and equipment from your current car, such as the manufacturer handbook and spare keys
The dealer will take a brief condition description of the car. Provided the car is in good condition you could receive a £250 bonus a few weeks later.
Check that you and/or your nominated drivers are on your new insurance cover note.
Make sure the dealer has your correct contact details so they can contact you during your lease with important information such as service reminders.
Before you enter your PIN ask your dealer to give you a tour of the car. If you don’t recognise any features please discuss this with your dealer before you leave.

Then drive away in your new car!

Download our guide to leasing your next car from the Useful Downloads page

Related to Getting your next car

I have a number of carers, can they all drive the car?

The Motability all-inclusive leasing package includes two drivers , with a third able to be added at an additional cost. If you would like to add or change drivers, please contact RSA Motability . To accommodate those with many different carers who may change regularly, it may be possible to have multiple drivers on the insurance (an Open Policy).

For further details, please contact RSA Motability. Documentary evidence or copies of driving licences may be required. All drivers must meet the Scheme's insurance eligibility criteria throughout the life of the policy.

What are location trackers?

The Motability lease package includes cover for two named drivers, however regardless of who is driving; the car should always be used for the benefit of the disabled customer. Motability has started to fit a limited number of location trackers where the risk of potential misuse is highest. These devices will record the location of the vehicle and the journeys it makes, along with the date and time of these journeys. Where a location tracker has been identified as appropriate we will always speak to the customer in advance of the tracker being fitted.

Location trackers will only be fitted to customers in more untypical circumstances, such as those who permanently live in a residential care home; those who have many carers who are permitted to drive their Motability car or those who would otherwise not meet the Scheme’s revised driver guidelines.

Motability will only have access to data regarding the location of the car at any given time. Any other information gathered will be inaccessible to Motability or third parties, and will be destroyed immediately. We will only make use of this data where we receive a report, or suspect, that a car may be being misused. Location trackers are just one of the ways that we act to protect the Scheme from misuse and to ensure that the cars are used for the benefit of our customers.

Motability will start trialling this technology during late summer 2012 with a limited number of customers who either place an order for a new car within these circumstances or ask to add multiple drivers to their insurance policy.

What are the Scheme guidelines?

If you choose to become a Motability customer, you’ll need to agree to lease a car within the guidelines designed to protect the Scheme. We’ll ask you to make sure the car is used by , or for the benefit, of the disabled person. Only named drivers listed on your Certificate of Motor Insurance can drive the car.

You’ll need to let us know about any changes that may affect your lease. As part of the ordering process , you and your drivers will need to sign a Statement of Responsibilities to confirm you understand and agree to abide by these guidelines.

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

If you buy a car privately you will need to budget for; maintenance services, mechanical repairs, breakdown cover and insurance. These are all included as part of Motability’s worry-free lease agreement . You can only cancel your lease agreement if you have extenuating circumstances with a valid reason.

You may be asked to pay a fee of up to £250 and you will not be eligible for a Good Condition Bonus . If you would still like to discuss cancelling your agreement, please call our Customer Services team .

Do I have to pay the congestion charge?

If you are a customer and have a disabled class tax on the car, you do not have to pay the Congestion Charge. If you are given a courtesy car or a hire car you will be responsible for registering that vehicle as exempt or for paying any congestion charges during the period you are in that car. You will be responsible for any fines or charges incurred.

For further information about Congestion Charging, visit Transport for LondonOpens in new window .

I'm getting another car, where should I hand my current car back?

You should hand your car back to Motability dealer that is supplying your new car. This will be on the same day you collect your new car.

I'm not getting another car, where should I hand my current car back?

You can hand your car back to any Motability dealer. Just give the dealer a call in advance to check they have space.

What if I need repairs while abroad or on holiday?

When taking your Motability car abroad, you will not be covered by the standard RAC cover offered, and are advised to take out additional European breakdown cover . If you call your breakdown assistance while abroad (following an accident or breakdown) and they are unable to repair the car, they will take you to a reputable dealership. Any repairs needed will have to be paid for upfront by yourself, then upon return you can send the receipts in to our Customer Services team to request reimbursement.

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