Click to call
How the Motability
Scheme works
Can I join the scheme?
Yes, as long as you receive a qualifying mobility allowance with at least 12 months left.
Which type of vehicle suits you best?
Different vehicles suit different people, so we'll help you decide between our vehicle types and any adaptations. We will fill in a suitability questionnaire to help you make sure you are making the right choice for you.
How do I pay?
Motability receive your payments straight from your allowance provider, to make paying simple. So you know, you might need to top this up with an Advance Payment.
How do I apply and order?
You can start applying online! Once you've had a test drive and you've found a vehicle you like, visit your local Nathaniel Cars dealership and we'll order it for you.
How do I get my vehicle?
You'll pick it up from your local Nathaniel Cars dealership. Once you're happy with it, you can start enjoying your vehicle.
Worry Free Package
Breakdown cover
Motability give you breakdown cover so you can travel with peace of mind.
Insurance cover
Motability arrange your insurance. You can add up to three named drivers and can change these at any time.
Servicing and MOT
Motability cover your regular services and routine repairs, to keep your vehicle running perfectly.
Support with your electric car
Motability arrange and cover the cost of a home chargepoint and a standard installation, or give you access to the bp pulse network of over 9,000 public chargepoints.
FAQ's
-
How much does leasing through the Motability Scheme cost?
Depending on which vehicle you choose, you will exchange all or most of the higher rate mobility part of your weekly disability allowance for the course of your three year lease.
-
Can I apply for financial help?
If you are unable to afford the right mobility solution to meet your needs, the Motability Foundation charity may be able to provide financial help. This help includes grants towards Advance Payments for cars, Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs), driving lessons and adaptations.
Motability offer a £750 ‘New Vehicle Payment’ for cars and Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles. You can choose to send this directly to the dealership to help towards the Advance Payment, or have this paid to you after you get your vehicle (if you order your vehicle before the end of 2024).
If you were already on the scheme before 1st January 2022, you’ll be eligible whenever you get your next vehicle and if your Advance Payment is more than £750, you’ll need to pay the difference to your dealer, but if it’s less than £750 they’ll send you the difference after you get your vehicle. Please see the Motability website for full terms and conditions.
-
Who can I put on the insurance?
Our worry-free package includes insurance for up to three drivers, these can be yourself, friends, relatives or carers. All proposed drivers will be subject to the Scheme's policies on who can drive your car and must also meet RSA Motability's (RSAM) eligibility criteria regardless of whether they are added at application or during your lease.
-
When will my car lease agreement end?
Leases generally run for three years from the date that you took delivery of your car (or five years for new Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles), this date will be shown on your lease agreement. Three months before the end of your lease agreement we will send you a letter to remind you that it is time to choose a new car on the Scheme.
-
What if my mobility allowance runs out before the end of the agreement?
The Department for Work and Pensions will send you a renewal pack to re-assess your claim. If your mobility allowance is extended, your Motability lease agreement will continue as normal.
-
What happens if my car needs repairs?
If you suspect that your car needs mechanical repairs, contact your Motability dealer as soon as possible. Repairs and servicing that are required due to everyday use will be covered at no cost to you (except if there is evidence of neglect or misuse).
-
When is a courtesy car available?
A courtesy car may be provided in a number of situations. You can receive a courtesy car if you have booked your car into your dealership for repairs or service, if one is available (this is guaranteed if three weeks advance notice is given). A courtesy car may also be available if your car is being repaired at a RSA Motability recommended repairer as part of an insurance claim.
-
Is there a maximum age for the scheme?
There is no upper age for the scheme however, if you are 65 or over you can apply providing you already receive one of the qualifying allowances and it has at least 12 months left. If you have less than 12 months remaining, then you'll need to wait until your allowance provider renews your allowance.
-
How many people can I have on my insurance?
You can have up to three named drivers on your car and they would be covered by Direct Line insurance. This means if you are not able to drive or do not want to drive yourself, your car can be driven by a family member, friend, or carer. However, there are also cases where you might need an open policy, if you’re someone who relies on multiple caregivers, having an open insurance policy can really help. It means different caregivers can use the same vehicle to assist you. If you live in a care home, nursing home, or school, or you need 24-hour care, you can get this kind of insurance.
-
What cars are available at Nil Advance Payment?
Our MG3, MG ZS Excite Manual, MG HS SE Manual, MG4 SE Standard Range and ZS EV SE Standard Range are all at Nil Advance Payment due to Motability. We also have promotions throughout the year on other new cars - to see our latest offers, search ‘Help me choose’ at the top of this page.
-
Where can I get my MOTs?
Nathaniel Cars offers free MOTs for all customers. Motability customers only have one MOT just before they change their car as it’s a 3-year agreement.
-
Do you have automatics?
Yes, we do offer automatics – to view what is available, click on ‘Help me choose’ at the top of this page.
-
How can I track my application?
You will have a customer online account, where you can track your application.
-
What is the New Vehicle Payment and when will I receive it?
The New Vehicle Payment is currently £750 and is available once per customer. You can choose to send this directly to your dealer to help towards your Advance Payment or have this paid, in full, to you - after receiving your vehicle.
-
Can my son or daughter drive the car?
Yes, they can if they are a named driver, and they pass all checks to be a driver on the car. Only drivers named under the permitted driver’s section of your Certificate of Motor Insurance are covered to drive your vehicle.
For petrol, diesel, and hybrid vehicles, you can only get a vehicle with an ABI Insurance Group rating of 16 or lower and a power output of 120 brake horsepower (bhp) or less. For electric cars, you can only get a vehicle with an ABI Insurance Group rating of 21 or lower and a power output of 140 bhp or less.
-
Do I need my driving license?
Yes, all named drivers will need to have their driving licenses. This is because they will be checked on the process of submitting an application.
-
Can I visit the dealership for more information?
Yes, our dealerships are located in Cardiff, Cwmbran, Bridgend and Swansea (opening May 2024) and we have accredited Motability executives to help with any queries you may have, arrange a test drive, discuss adaptations and more.
-
Can I change my Motability car during the term?
If you need to change your car during the term you can contact Motability and discuss your early termination. Motability might claim it as a valid termination which means you can then change your car during early. The review might lead to a fee of £250.
-
What if we have already got a car?
We buy cars off customers, so if you are looking to get a price - we can value the car while they are looking into the Motability scheme. Please note, we do not offer part exchange with Motability.
-
What if I lose my allowance?
You’ll get a support package if you’re not eligible for the Scheme anymore because of an unsuccessful Disability Living Allowance (DLA) to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) reassessment.
-
Can I book a test drive?
Yes, we offer test drives on all our cars that are a part of the Motability scheme. Test drives can range from a quick 30-minutes to a 24-hour test drive. Get I touch to find out more.
-
Do I need to be in the vehicle when it is used?
Your vehicle needs to be used by the disabled customer or for their benefit. This does not mean they need to be in the vehicle for every journey.
-
Do I get my advance payment back?
No, this is a fixed fee that must be paid for you to obtain the car. On some occasions you will receive money towards your Advance Payment, and for keeping your car in good condition at the end of the 3 years.
-
Can I get a car in any colour?
Yes, all colours are available in the scheme, and they do not add to the payments.
-
How do I add or change the named drivers on my insurance policy?
You can add drivers to the insurance during the application or via ringing Motability afterwards. You can also add an open policy during the application process or at a later date, if needed.
EV FAQ's
-
Is an electric car right for you?
Getting an electric car is a big decision. You will need to decide if it’s right for you right now and that you are able to charge the vehicle easily, like at home for instance.
-
Why choose an electric car?
Basically, there are two main reasons. Firstly, they are cheaper to run (about a third the cost of petrol or diesel cars) and obviously it is a greener more environmentally friendly alternative. The charging infrastructure is getting bigger each month and right now might be the most cost-effective time to change.
-
Improving range of electric cars
Electric cars have a variety of battery ranges – from 100 to 300 miles. For some people that is plenty, however others need the flexibility of longer range and shorter stop offs when re-fuelling. If you fall into the latter bracket perhaps hybrid is what you should be looking at.
-
Automatic driving
If you can only drive an automatic car, electric cars could be a great option as they all have automatic gearboxes.
-
Charging your electric car
Motability will arrange and pay for a home charge point and standard installation. You will need to pay extra if a non-standard installation is required. Home charging is considerably cheaper than petrol or diesel, however you may want to speak to your electricity provider about any special tariffs they can offer.
At Nathaniel Cars, we proudly offer a wide range of Motability options tailored to meet your needs. While we currently do not provide Nissan Motability, Renault Motability, Citroen Motability, Vauxhall Motability, Dacia Motability, Hyundai Motability, or Kia Motability vehicles, we are committed to helping you find the perfect vehicle that fits your lifestyle.