Motability question

MouldyOldDough

I am considering applying for a Motability car (I do receive enhanced PIP) but am unsure as to the rules

I am aware that any journeys must benefit the disabled claimant but would my wife be insured to drive, without me, say to meet up with a friend in a local garden centre ?

This would benefit me - because my wife would get a break from caring for me - which, in turn would help her and thus myself ?

SiliconChip

While the documentation doesn't seem to be entirely clear I would say that what you suggest would be permitted and covered by the insurer. But to make sure you can call RSA Motability on 0300 037 3737, and hopefully they would give you the definitive position.

MX5huggy

I’m sure you need a different packet of seeds each time she goes to the garden centre, sometimes you might want some rare seeds then on getting there find they don’t have them in stock.

I know you are an EV enthusiast so Mobility is a good plan they are pushing EV’s on to most of their customers.

chrisw

They are two separate issues, the insurance and Motability's lease policy. 

Yes, she would be insured to drive as you suggest. 

Motability's policy is that the vehicle should be used for the benefit of the claimant. In theory, they could withdraw the vehicle if it wasn't, however in practice this is to prevent an able bodied person taking advantage and using it as their own car. The occasional sole use is fine and the argument you've used regarding benefit could be a valid one, Motability are unlikely to be aware or even care in these occasional instances.

unforeseen

ISTR  a post on this forum where the police took a stricter line on whether the journey was for the benefit of the claimant. 

sevenhills

unforeseen said:

ISTR  a post on this forum where the police took a stricter line on whether the journey was for the benefit of the claimant. 

That sounds very strict, are these cars ultra low mileage when they are sold on?
Surely they are just used as a family car, if the car is gained due to a wheelchair user child.

Bigwheels1111

This is one of the reasons we did not get a mobility car.
The other is they can just change their mind and take back the car.
I know 10 people with mobility cars, they are not always used for the person it’s granted to.
I don’t know how they would find out though.
I pay my car tax, to negate this issue.

chrisw

unforeseen said:

ISTR  a post on this forum where the police took a stricter line on whether the journey was for the benefit of the claimant. 

Unlikely. The nominated drivers are each insured for social, domestic and pleasure and commuting with business use considered on request. Nowhere does it specify that it must be for the benefit of the claimant, that would be difficult to quantify as above.

sevenhills said:

That sounds very strict, are these cars ultra low mileage when they are sold on?

Not necessarily. Users are allowed up to 20k miles per year. So could be 60k after 3 years or up to 100k after 5 years.

Bigwheels1111 said:

The other is they can just change their mind and take back the car.

No they can't, unless you lose your entitlement to higher rate mobility allowance. 

Grey_Critic

Back in the day most of the Motability cars that came through our workshops did not seem restricted to the named recipient. Lots were people carriers for children but rare to actually see a child.

The best one I saw was the Grandma who got a Ford Escort as a Motability car with the grandson listed as the main driver.

He uses to take her to ASDA for her shopping..

One day the car came in for a service. The car was a 1300 4 door in Blue It really did look the bees knees with a full body kit - lowered suspension and Chromed wheels - and of course the regulation very loud exhaust.

We were required to inform Motability who inspected the vehicle - Grandson had done an excellent job of customising  but the Man ( unlike the one from Del Monte) said NO!!!

Motability said the car had to be restored to its original condition.

Grandson unfortumately had sold all the parts he had replaced and it was an expensive job to return it back to spec.

sheramber

https://www.motability.co.uk/get-support/faqs/do-i-need-to-be-in-my-vehicle/

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.

It means other named drivers in the same home can use the vehicle for:

• Shopping
• Visiting family
• Other routine activities

As long as the disabled customer benefits.

Remember – only drivers listed on your Certificate of Motor Insurance are covered to drive your Scheme vehicle.

Bigwheels1111

chrisw said:

unforeseen said:

ISTR  a post on this forum where the police took a stricter line on whether the journey was for the benefit of the claimant. 

Unlikely. The nominated drivers are each insured for social, domestic and pleasure and commuting with business use considered on request. Nowhere does it specify that it must be for the benefit of the claimant, that would be difficult to quantify as above.

sevenhills said:

That sounds very strict, are these cars ultra low mileage when they are sold on?

Not necessarily. Users are allowed up to 20k miles per year. So could be 60k after 3 years or up to 100k after 5 years.

Bigwheels1111 said:

The other is they can just change their mind and take back the car.

No they can't, unless you lose your entitlement to higher rate mobility allowance. 

No they can't, unless you lose your entitlement to higher rate mobility allowance. 

Exactly my point.

A friend who lost their leg 30 years ago was found they could walk unaided and lost the car.

Well i think he could hop for 10/15 feet.