Motability Car Scheme at Donnelly Group Northern Ireland

At Donnelly Group, we have a highly experienced team of Motability specialists across our 9 locations in Northern Ireland, with a dedicated Motability Showroom located in Dungannon. Our specialists are on hand to guide you through purchasing your next new car on the Motability scheme and no matter your circumstances, we will endeavour to help find a car that is right for you. Should you need any vehicle adaptations to be made to your new car, we can assist in carrying this out.

There are many advantages of going through the Motability scheme for your next vehicle lease including comprehensive insurance coverage, maintenance, and selected additional mobility adaptations. What’s more, if you decide to continue with the programme, you will automatically receive a new vehicle every three years. To find out more about the Motability scheme, we have answered all your frequently asked questions below.

What is the Motability scheme?

Motability is a Government-funded scheme that gives individuals with a disability or illness greater autonomy in their personal transport. Utilising the Motability Allowance benefit, customers of the scheme can purchase a modified vehicle from a specialist dealership at a reduced cost. The Motability scheme has been designed to enable anyone in receipt of a qualifying Motability allowance to lease a car, scooter, powered wheelchair, or Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle.

Eligibility for the scheme is dependent on the type of Mobility Allowance the customer receives. If you are currently in receipt of one of the list of approved benefits, with at least 12 months' award length left, you may well qualify for the scheme.

The Government has begun to replace Disability Living Allowance (DLA) with Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for disabled people aged between 16 and 64. This process began in Northern Ireland from 20 June 2016. If you are awarded the Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of PIP, you will continue to be able to lease a car, scooter or powered wheelchair through the Motability Scheme.

How do I know if I am eligible to get a car on the Motability scheme?

The eligibility criteria for Motability are designed to ensure that the scheme is able to offer the highest level of support to those who need it most. In order to qualify for the Motability scheme you must be currently receiving one of the following:

• Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (ERMC PIP): As part of its welfare programme, the Government is replacing the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) with Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for those with disabilities aged between 16 and State Pension age. The Motability scheme works with PIP in the same way it does with DLA.
• Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (HRMC DLA):This allowance is provided by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and can be used to cover the cost of a lease agreement with Motability Operations Ltd.
• War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS):This allowance is provided by Veterans UK and can be used to cover the cost of a lease agreement with Motability Operations Ltd.
• Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP):Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP) was introduced as part of the Welfare Reform Act 2012. Those who receive this allowance will be eligible to join the Motability Scheme.

How does the scheme work?

The Motability Scheme offers a range of over 2,000 models including over 500 cars available for no further cost, although customers who choose a larger model may need to pay an additional Advance Payment. A family member, carer, or friend who lives within five miles of the disabled customer can drive the car on a customer’s behalf if they do not drive.

With the Motability Scheme, you simply exchange all or part of your Motability allowance to lease a vehicle of your choice. You can choose the vehicle you want at a price that works best for you, and payments will be deducted from your allowance every four weeks, and then paid directly by your benefit payment agency. Motability also takes care of all the below running costs:

• Insurance for up to three named drivers
• Servicing, maintenance, and repairs due to general wear and tear
• Full RAC breakdown cover
• Tyre repair and replacement
• 60,000 mileage allowance over the three years
• Windscreen repairs

Customers only need to budget for fuel, oil, and consumables, such as windscreen washer fluid and any additional extras not fitted as standard to their chosen car.

What cars are available on Motability at Donnelly Group?

At Donnelly Group, there is a wide range of cars to choose from, including models from all major manufacturers such as Volkswagen, Honda, Vauxhall, Fiat, SEAT, Renault, and Toyota. There is also a selection of automatic and electric vehicles available! We also have Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles and drive-from wheelchair options - if required, a selection of popular adaptations may be included at no extra cost. 

What are the benefits of the Motability scheme?

If you meet the eligibility criteria for the programme and are considering investing in a new vehicle, the Motability scheme represents numerous advantages for those who qualify:

• Firstly, many of the adaptations under the scheme are carried out free of charge and when it comes to maintenance, tyres, windows, and windscreens will all be replaced at no extra cost. This offers customers the peace of mind that the initial purchasing and subsequent maintenance costs of their vehicle will be manageable.
• Whether you’re driving or nominating up to two other drivers on your behalf, the scheme also offers generous insurance coverage which is the equivalent to a comprehensive policy. If you choose to leave the scheme, confirmation of your claims history is available on request.
• Year-round 24 hour breakdown coverage is also provided by the RAC who runs a Motability Assist helpline.
• Mileage over the three-year period is generous with up to 60,000 miles’ allowance (with a charge of five pence for every mile over the limit).
• With Motability, you automatically qualify to receive a brand-new car every 3 years. Your Motability specialist at Donnelly Group will contact you a few months before the end of your current contract, detailing the vehicle choices for your next contract and allowing you the freedom of choice to decide whether you want to continue with the scheme.
• Motability staff will organise road tax on your behalf.
• One of the main benefits of the Motability scheme, aside from the value it represents, is the level of support offered by specialist teams who will be on hand to guide you through the process of choosing and adapting a vehicle.

Find Out More About Motability at Donnelly Group

Donnelly Group is the leading provider of Motability offers across Northern Ireland. For full details on how the scheme can benefit you, give us a call, enquire online or visit us in person across any of our locations or at our dedicated Motability Showroom in Dungannon, and speak to a Motability specialist.

Fill in the enquiry form, choose your desired Donnelly Group location and one of our Motability specialists will get back to you.