ABI
The Association of British Insurers, the organisation which represents the insurance industry in the UK and sets the insurance group ratings into which every car is placed.
Adaptations
Adaptations cover a range of mechanical and electronic devices that can be fitted to your car to help make travelling easier. They generally assist with accessing the vehicle, storing equipment or driving.
Advance Payment
This is a one off payment from the customer to the Motability Scheme dealership. It covers the shortfall between the weekly mobility allowance and lease cost.
Appointee
Appointees are assigned by the Department for Work and Pensions or Veterans UK , and are solely responsible for the collection and use of state benefits for the disabled person. The appointee is responsible for everything to do with that claimant’s benefits.
Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP)
A new allowance called 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. As of 12 April 2017, this is £58.00 per week, the same rate as HRMC DLA and PIP. For more information, visit Veterans UK .
Blue Badge
The Blue Badge is a central government scheme which provides parking concessions for people with severe walking difficulties. It is administered by local authorities. For details of how to apply contact the relevant council’s social services department or for more information visit GOV.UK
Certificate of Entitlement
This is a letter from your benefits agency to prove you are in receipt of the allowance.
Contract hire
Contract hire is the term used to describe the type of leasing agreement contract that the Motability Scheme offers.
Customer Reference Number (CRN)
This is an eight digit number that is assigned to each Scheme customer throughout all agreements they have. A new Agreement Reference Number (or ARN) will be given to each new agreement. These numbers are displayed at the top of letters sent to the Scheme customer by Motability Operations and on the lease agreement.
Data Protection Act
The Data Protection Act is a law that protects and gives rights to individuals’ personal information. It applies to computerised and paper or manual records.
Driving Mobility (formerly the Forum of Mobility Centres)
Driving Mobility is a charitable network of 17 independent mobility centres across the UK, offering information, advice and assessment to individuals on driving and adaptations. Visit drivingmobility.org.uk
Good Condition Bonus
This is a sum of money awarded to Scheme customers that hand the car back in a good condition at the natural end of the lease. The amount received depends on how long the lease has lasted for.
Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance (HRMC of DLA)
Provided by the Department for Work and Pensions , this allowance can be used to cover the cost of a Motability Scheme lease agreement.
Highway Code
For your own safety, and of those around you, you must comply with the Highway Code. You can find information for scooter and powered wheelchair customers on the on the Highway Code rules at GOV.UK.
Insurance excess
An excess is a contributory amount you pay towards repairs when you make a claim. If another party is at fault then you may not have to pay this, or it may be recoverable.
Long Term Lease Extension (LTLE)
If you have medium to heavy adaptations on your Scheme vehicle, it may be possible for you to keep the car for either one or two years. All the benefits of the Motability Scheme and your weekly payment from the relevant benefits agency remain the same.
Loss of use benefits
If you have been without your Scheme car for over seven days, with no replacement vehicle or alternative solution to keep you mobile, you may be entitled to some money back. For further information contact the Motability Scheme on 0300 456 4566.
Low Mileage Lease Extension (LMLE)
If, at the end of your Motability Scheme agreement, you have driven less than 15,000 miles, you may be eligible for a LMLE. This would give you the option of keeping the same vehicle for a further 12 months. All the benefits of the Motability Scheme and your weekly payment from the relevant benefits agency remain the same.
Mobility Centre Assessments
If you have never driven with an adaptation before, it may be worth visiting a mobility centre for an assessment. See also Driving Mobility (Former the Forum of Mobility Centres) above. These centres offer independent, professional information and advice to individuals and can help determine which adaptation would best suit your particular needs. There are a number of mobility centres across the UK. To find your nearest centre, call 0800 559 3636 or visit drivingmobility.org.uk
If you do have an assessment, you may have to pay a charge.
MOT
MOT stands for 'Ministry of Transport'. The MOT test is to ensure that all cars are maintained to the same level, and requires a yearly check (on cars over three years old) to ensure they comply with all legal limits. The cost of the MOT is included in a Motability Scheme lease agreement.
Motability Foundation
Motability Foundation is a national charity (No. 299745), set up in 1977 on the initiative of the Government. Motability Foundation has all-party support and is incorporated by Royal Charter. Our objective is to help disabled people with their personal mobility.
Motability Operations
Motability Operations is a company which was created in 1978 to operate the Motability Scheme under contract to Motability. All activities are overseen and regulated by Motability, the Charity.
Nominee
Due to the Data Protection Act we are unable to speak to anyone but the named holder of the agreement. However, with your authority we can add a 'nominee' to the agreement who may speak, and make changes to the account, on your behalf.
Open Drivers Policy
To accommodate those with many different carers who may change regularly, it may be possible to have multiple drivers on the insurance, known as an Open Policy. For further details, please contact RSA Motability on 0300 037 3737. Documentary evidence or copies of driving licenses may be required.
Optional extras or modifications
You can order factory fitted options or accessories when you order your car, but you will be responsible for the additional costs. If you have a problem with factory fitted options or accessories, please initially contact your managing dealer to discuss this.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
As part of its welfare reform programme, the Government has started to replace Disability Living Allowance (DLA) with a new benefit called Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for disabled people aged between 16 or over and have not reached State Pension age. As of 12 April 2017, this allowance is £58.00 per week. The Motability Scheme will work with PIP in the same way as it does with the DLA. For more information the PIP allowance, visit GOV.UK/pip.
Rica
This is an independent UK organisation which also publish a number of useful reports for people with disabilities and elderly people. Visit rica.org.uk
SORN
SORN is Statutory Off Road Notification, and is required for any vehicle that is off road and not being taxed.
Tax exemption
By agreement with DVLA, all Motability Scheme vehicles will automatically be classed as disabled and be exempt from road tax.
Test drive
We strongly recommend that you take a test drive. Even if you are not the driver, we recommend that you try getting in and out of the car, test the seating and ensure there is plenty of space for yourself and any equipment before making an application. Test drives can be arranged with your local Motability Scheme dealer. If there are any problems, contact the manufacturer customer services or the Motability Scheme to see if any help can be given.
War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS)
Provided by Veterans UK , this allowance can be used to cover the cost of a Motability Scheme lease agreement.
Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAVs)
These are vehicles that have been converted to enable wheelchair users to access them while remaining in the wheelchair, either as a passenger or driver.
