Motability questions - conflicting advice!!

[cosmiccat]

Hi All! Hoping someone may have had a similar experience, or can shed some light on conflicting advice I have been given.

 

My mum has recently been awarded DLA, including the higher rate mobility component. She does not drive anymore due to health, but would like to use this for a Motability car, as she has difficulties getting into, and out of, my private car.

 

As she does not drive, the car would only be driven by myself.

 

Mum feels that she would like me to keep the car at my home, to use when collecting her to take her out etc. However, having spoken to two Motability specialists, one says the car has to be kept at her address (and will be prone to vandalism etc), whilst the other says it would be fine to be kept at my address, as long as it is only used for her benefit.

 

Does anyone know which is correct? And if my son and I get in the car to collect her, am I technically allowed to drive the car without her with me?

 

This is confusing enough, but then the second dealer said we could also lease a car through a Motability, where mum would be responsible for upkeep, insurance etc, and then it could be kept and used however we liked!!! This just does not sound right to me....

 

Anyway, hoping someone might be able to shed a little light on this for me.

 

Many thanks x

[Big Boss Man]

Hi All! Hoping someone may have had a similar experience, or can shed some light on conflicting advice I have been given.

 

My mum has recently been awarded DLA, including the higher rate mobility component. She does not drive anymore due to health, but would like to use this for a Motability car, as she has difficulties getting into, and out of, my private car.

 

As she does not drive, the car would only be driven by myself.

 

Mum feels that she would like me to keep the car at my home, to use when collecting her to take her out etc. However, having spoken to two Motability specialists, one says the car has to be kept at her address (and will be prone to vandalism etc), whilst the other says it would be fine to be kept at my address, as long as it is only used for her benefit.

 

Does anyone know which is correct? And if my son and I get in the car to collect her, am I technically allowed to drive the car without her with me?

 

This is confusing enough, but then the second dealer said we could also lease a car through a Motability, where mum would be responsible for upkeep, insurance etc, and then it could be kept and used however we liked!!! This just does not sound right to me....

 

Anyway, hoping someone might be able to shed a little light on this for me.

 

Many thanks x

 

Sorry to hear about your problems, youve mentioned that a couple of motabilty specialists have commented on your concerns, im presuming by there response they are motor dealers, not experienced ones at that.

 

Basically, the car is for the use of the person who gets the benefit, this person can nominate upto 2 drivers and a 3rd with special circumstancies, if your the main driver then the car can be kept with you, you can also carry whoever in the car, it can also be used for you to commute to work etc, but it must be used for the benefit of the disabled person, the person does not have to be with you all the time though, basically its your car but looked after by Motabilty.

 

I would also reccomend Motabilty, just watch out for the dealers the majority are not experienced and offer poor advice.

[mooiismum]

We have a car, not on motability but one that is suitable for my needs & I do get the free tax, pay the insurance ourselves and maintenance, plus it's cheaper to do so. This leaves money left over for petrol etc. Plus the car belongs to you and when you come to exchange it you will have some money to put into a newer car, unlike the motability scheme where you just hand back the car. You ask for a "certificate of entitlement" which you take with you to the Post Office to get the free tax disc. it's quite straightforward really just phone up Blackpool DLA their phone number will be on the letter sent to your mother advising her of her DLA award. Don't forget to get your Blue Disc for free parking which is available from your local council phone them up and they will be able to give you the number to phone so hou can obtain the forms needed to be sent to your Mother. Fill them in, They will need a copy of your Mother's entitlement, plus a small fee, a passport size photo of your mother and they will send it all back to you. The parking disc may only be used though when you Mother is present with you in the car. Hope this helps.

[Bookworm]

Motability - Who can use the Motability Scheme

 

Around two-thirds of our customers drive, but non-drivers can get a car as a passenger. Similarly, parents and carers can also apply on behalf of a child.

 

Motability - Am I eligible?

 

Do you need to have a driving licence?

If you opt for our lease agreement you do not need to drive. You can nominate up to two drivers who may be friends or relatives, and parents or carers can apply on behalf of a child aged three years and upwards.

However, proposed drivers must not have any serious driving convictions, disqualifications, or endorsements within the last five years. There are also some restrictions on drivers under 25 and those with provisional licences.

It's a lease car. As long as you are the nominated driver and that you do use for carrying your mother at times and not for your sole use, you're fine. I suspect the 1st dealer was more concerned about the vandalism aspect as they're the ones who will get the car back at the end of the 3 yrs. ;-)

[mooiismum]

If the person who gets the full DLA allowance cannot drive they can nominate someone who does to drive the car for them, as long as you are over 25 and with a clean license, the person getting the DLA can either use Motability or apply to buy a used vehicle under the scheme. Personally I find that it is cheaper to buy a used vehicle, pay tax and insurance ourselves and this leaves money for petrol, MOT and general repairs. Luckily the driver has a clean licence so their insurance is very low also when you take out a car on Motability service charges etc are factored into the payment along with the tax, insurance etc. I always check which is the cheapest option by phoning around for insurance quotes when I have seen a suitable vehicle I would like to purchase.

This is my personal perference which may not be suitable for everyone. To find out for sure ring up the DLA and ask, they are very friendly and helpful.

[Bookworm]

Sorry, but there really is no need to call DLA, for starters, they know precious little about the motability scheme and how it operates and usually will just give Mota's number. Secondly, we've already given the relevant info (including links to Mota's own website ;-)).

 

Personally, I find the lease system fab. I still get about 1/2 of my DLA every month, and the only cost I ever have to worry about is for fuel, everything else is covered, I don't have to hunt for insurance every year, servicing, worry about breakdowns, etc... Worth every penny IMO, and where else would you get to choose a brand new car every 3 years? It's such a relief never to have to worry about any of this, I love it.

[mooiismum]

It's fine if you only need a little car for about £99 a month but if you need a bigger one with a wheel chair lift then the upfront payment is enough to put some off. If it works for out that's just fine and dandy, but for me it doesn't plus I am entitled to my own opinion and views. It wouldn't do for us all to be in the same mind. The system I use works for me and others in my position and level of disability. So please don't attack me for my preferences.

[Bookworm]

Who's attacking who and where? :-?

 

You expressed your preferences, I expressed mine. Chill out, there's absolutely no need to feel aggressed simply because I prefer the 3 yrs system.

 

PS: It works both ways, please don't assume what type of car I have. In fact, I have a 7 seater Grand C4 Picasso. ;-)

[JonCris]

A close family member or carer can use the car provided there is some identifiable benefit to the DLA holder & the driver retaining possession of the vehicle making it easier to commute between addresses will suffice. A spouse or partner can use it to travel to their place of work because the income earned benefits the DLA recipient. The recipient does not, as is often thought, have to be in attendance whilst the vehicle is in use The vehicle can be used for shopping as this benefits the recipient

 

Go onto the Motability (note spelling is correct) web site & ask Mo

[dpick]

There is also the option of motability hire purchase using you DLA allowance (I have purchased my last three cars this way) and if you are unsure regarding the driver using car for their own use all you have to do is have the car taxed as normal not using the road tax exemption.

 

dpick

[JonCris]

Sorry to hear about your problems, youve mentioned that a couple of motabilty specialists have commented on your concerns, im presuming by there response they are motor dealers, not experienced ones at that.

 

Basically, the car is for the use of the person who gets the benefit, this person can nominate upto 2 drivers and a 3rd with special circumstancies, if your the main driver then the car can be kept with you, you can also carry whoever in the car, it can also be used for you to commute to work etc, but it must be used for the benefit of the disabled person, the person does not have to be with you all the time though, basically its your car but looked after by Motabilty.

 

I would also reccomend Motabilty, just watch out for the dealers the majority are not experienced and offer poor advice.

 

Big Boss Spot on Sorry I posted BEFORE reading your advice Doh!

 

cosmicat get the contract hire not the HP & if dealer tries to talk you out of it change dealer - With contract hire the only thing you have to worry about is putting fuel in it............... & not to exceed 60,000 in 3 years:eek:

Edited June 19, 2009 by JonCris

[JonCris]

I've just ordered a C4 Grand Picasso via motability contract hire

[JonCris]

snap booky me too very soon

[JonCris]

Booky you have 7 seat Grand Picasso & only use 1/2 of your allowance:eek: How on earth do you manage that cos as far as I know it's TA

 

Mine will be a C4 VTR+ HDi ESG ...........does that make a difference?

[Bookworm]

It's lovely, have had it since October and absolutely adore the massive windscreen panoramic vision. Great car. (and I am not saying that cos it's French! LOL)

[Bookworm]

Sorry, I didn't make myself clear (well, didn't think it was going to be relevant at that point!), it uses the whole of my mobility rate, but I still get the totality of my care one, so to me, I still get 1/2 of my DLA, you see! I did have to pay nearly a grand first. Mine's the 1.6 HDi VTR+.

[Big Boss Man]

Im pleased to hear your all looking forward to your new motability vehicles, the scheme is great, a little heads up, dont be afraid to ask for little extras, ie, mats, mudflaps and of course a full tank of fuel, the dealer will try and fob you off saying its on motability so he cant do free bit and bobs, ive done it and got the mats and full tank of fuel !

He would rather you be at his dealership then somewhere else, especially during the down town.

Also be aware of Kwik Fit, there appointed tyre dealer, ive had dreadfull service off some branches - separate thread to follow shortly.

[JonCris]

The Grand Picasso VTR+ 1.6HDi ESG advance payment is £1,195 followed by the total mobility portion of the DLA each month

 

Is your blipper closing your windows when held down? if it doesn't it should as I've just discovered

[djgordyp]

My partner got her Honda Civic last October. I can't remember but i think the AP was £499 and the dealer knocked £200 of that, so was a very good deal all in all. He did say however that he wasn't actually supposed to do that. Apparently something to do with Honda not allowing discounts.

 

Some people prefer owning a car outright but when you consider that your only expense is fuel then, considering the cost of servicing, leaseing is the way for us.

 

Didn't know about travel to work been allowed. I only use the car when I have to, such as getting my own car ready for MOT. I had been getting a lot of stick at work about that so now I can shut them up

[JonCris]

Crikey I didn't realize they were so many of us on here - We should start a CAG disabled drivers club

[kiptower]

yep Jon there is a few of us

[Bookworm]

The Grand Picasso VTR+ 1.6HDi ESG advance payment is £1,195 followed by the total mobility portion of the DLA each month

 

Is your blipper closing your windows when held down? if it doesn't it should as I've just discovered

What's a blipper? Is that local yokel talk for electronic keyfob?

 

What's the ESG for anyway? Electronic summat or another?

 

My AP went from £995 to £895, so we were quite pleased, but I see it's now back up to £995, go figure.

 

A disabled CAG motorclub, yaye! We can have stickers made: "My other car is a wheelchair" "My other car's got knobs on" "Disabled CAGgers do it with attitude", ooooh, the (tasteless) possibilities are endless.... Mine (well, my son's) could say: "Yeah, I've got a problem, it's called autism. What's YOUR excuse?" and mine could say: "I may be disabled, but I can still kick your ass anytime" (cos I'm feisty like that, lol).

[Turnaround]

It’s a great scheme, and can’t fault it.

 

I was extremely pleased they half filled the tank and my OH was presented with some flowers.

[JonCris]

ESG is the electronic gear box which allows you to select auto or manual & the manual side is operated by steering wheel paddles & there's no clutch or central gear stick

[djgordyp]

We Seem to be getting away from the main topic of this thread slightly,and I'm not sure if anyone gave a definite answer.

 

I have a question of my own that I think would be of interest to a lot of people reading this thread.

My partners son works away from home during the week. My partner gets RSA to put his name on the insurance in place of her daughters (I am the main driver) at the weekend. Her son is an L driver and treats the car as his own at the weekend. He usually gets one of his mates to sit beside him (or so he tells us). Am I right in thinking he's not covered because his mate is not named on the insurance?