Whether you choose to use the Contract Hire or the Hire Purchase schemes, here are the three simple steps to go through:
Motability
Founded in 1977, Motability is a national charity helping disabled people, their families and carers become mobile. As one of the founding manufacturers of the programme, Ford are delighted to have supplied over half a million Motability vehicles to date, and in 2009 to be awarded the Scheme’s Best Manufacturer award with annual Motability registrations over 10,000.
We know that having a car can give you the freedom of independence. With Ford Mobility, we can also provide you with real freedom of choice, with an extensive range of award-winning cars that deliver versatility and roominess without compromising on performance, driveability or style.
You can also take advantage of the largest support network of any vehicle manufacturer and benefit from the service of over 800 dedicated Ford Motability Specialists.
There are two different schemes available: Contract Hire and Hire Purchase
How the Motability scheme works
Step 1. Choose your car
Your Ford Motability Specialist can help you choose the car to suit you best. It is important you experience our cars first hand, and your Ford Dealer can arrange either an accompanied test drive, or a test ride if you’re going to be the passenger. We can also organise home visits.
Things you’ll need to consider include:
- Can you get in and out of the car easily enough?
- Is there enough room for everything you need to carry with you (e.g. mobility aids, wheelchairs, etc.)?
- Can you use the controls easily as they are, or do they need to be modified for you?
Step 2. Place your order
When you’ve decided on your car, your Dealer will set up your agreement by entering your details, and those of the car, onto Motability online. The price is now guaranteed against that vehicle from this point. A wide range of adaptations can be ordered at this stage and these will be ready for you when you collect your car. Motability check your eligibility with the Department of Work and Pensions and confirm back to your Dealer (usually within 48 hours) that they can place an order for your vehicle with Ford.
Your Dealer will then be able to advise you when your new car will be delivered – which could be as little as a few weeks.
Step 3. Collect your car
Once your delivery date is confirmed, your Dealer will finalise your insurance, loss and damage protection details.
When you go to collect your car, they will give you a thorough handover so you are familiar with the key features. You’ll also need to sign the hire agreement between yourself and Motability Operations, to finance your car.
Finally, if you have an Advance Payment, this will need to be paid to the Dealer (in one lump sum). Your tax disc will be provided with your car, while Motability Operations will hold the V5 document.
You are now free to enjoy your new car from Ford Mobility.
Motability Schemes. Which is best for you?
There are two different schemes available: Contract Hire and Hire Purchase. The most popular option is the Contract Hire scheme. The differences are listed below. If you’re not sure which one would suit you best, your Ford Dealer will be more than happy to help you choose. They’ll also be able to process the application and organise all the paperwork for you.
Contract Hire
This is probably the most straightforward and flexible option – which is probably why it’s more popular. You simply assign your allowance to Motability and get a brand new car every three years. Your allowance covers most of the running costs. All you have to do is fill your car with fuel.
Your agreement includes:
- A brand new Ford of your choice every three years
- Insurance, loss and damage protection, personal accident cover for named drivers and passengers
- Servicing, maintenance and repairs at your Ford Dealer
- Full breakdown assistance from the RAC
- Window and windscreen replacement at no extra cost
- A 60,000 mile allowance during the three years
- Free replacement tyres fitted by Kwik-Fit
- The most popular adaptations arranged through your Motability accredited Ford Dealer
There are many vehicles available at no additional cost to your allowance, but if you do want a higher specification vehicle or one of our larger cars, you will need to pay an additional one-off ‘Advance Payment’ when you sign for your new vehicle.
Hire Purchase
You’ll prefer the Hire Purchase scheme if you would rather own your car, rather than replace it every three years. You make a one-off payment, worked out between you and your Ford Dealer at the beginning of the term, and then use your HRMC-DLA to finance the balance. At the end of the term, you own the car.
With this option, you can take advantage of any discounts or promotions being run by Ford when you sign for your new vehicle. Your Ford Dealer will make all the necessary arrangements to transfer your allowance to pay for your car. Of course, you have to organise the insurance, breakdown cover, tax discs, servicing and repairs, just like for any other private car.
Scheme comparison
Still not sure which to choose?.
Eligibility. Do you qualify for a car using the Motability scheme?
If you’re receiving either of the following benefits, you could qualify for a car under the Motability scheme:
- Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance (HRMC-DLA)
- War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS)
Even if you can’t drive yourself, you could still get a car on the Motability scheme, by nominating a family member, guardian or your carer as your driver.
You should have received an Award Notice with details of your allowance from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP). If they haven’t sent you one, or if you’ve mislaid it, simply contact the DWP on 0845 7123 456.
Remember, if you’re thinking about selecting Contract Hire, you must have at least 12 months of your award remaining.
With Hire Purchase, it’s normally expected that you’ll be receiving the allowance for the full length of the agreement.
For more information on awards and benefits from the DWP please visit there website www.dwp.gov.uk.