Everything You Need To Know About Motability Car Insurance

Cover, Claims And Adding Extra Named Drivers To Your Insurance Policy

By: James Reeve
Posted on 5th Sep 2023 | Updated 10th Nov 2023

Together with their new insurance firm Direct Line Motability Insurance, Motability provide customers who lease a car or Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) through the Motability Scheme with a superb level of insurance protection for the duration of the lease. Direct Line Motability Insurance replaced RSA Motability Insurance - who had been the insurance provider to the Motability Scheme since 1995 - on 1 September 2023. Here we take a look at what’s covered by the Motability Scheme insurance policy, explain the key benefits, and try to answer some of the common questions people ask.

The Move To Direct Line Motability Insurance

• A more efficient renewal application process – Direct Line Motability Insurance will now carry out checks five months prior to your contract ending, meaning that when you view your application you’ll only see information regarding the ‘Award Check’ and ‘Driver Check’.
• Open insurance policy waiver – if you require full-time care or have a WAV with multiple carers who drive the vehicle, instead of having to supply a letter from your care provider to authorise your eligibility, you can now confirm this via an open policy waiver in your online account.
• Additional driver included – the number of drivers you can add when you make your application has increased to three (previously two). Add your named drivers via your online account or through your local dealership.
• EU/EEA licenced driver – you can now add a driver with a foreign licence to your vehicle without requiring a referral, which previously caused delays.
• Digital insurance portal – you can access the Direct Line Motability Insurance portal via your online account, meaning you can access a summary of your policy, manage your named drivers and have easy access to your important documents all in one place.

Making A Claim Or Updating Your Details

If you currently lease a Motability vehicle and you or one of the named drivers has been involved in an accident or incident that you need to report, you should notify the insurance company as soon as possible and register a claim. Contact Direct Line Motability Insurance When you call, they will advise whether any repairs are required to the vehicle and arrange for alternative transport (if needed). They are also likely to ask for your customer reference number, the date and circumstances of the incident you are calling about, as well as other details related to the claim.

What’s Covered By The Direct Line Motability Insurance Policy?

• Loss or damage to the Motability vehicle
• Accidental damage to the Motability vehicle
• Fire or theft damage to the Motability vehicle
• Repair or replacement of the windscreen or any windows
• Personal accident cover for the driver and any passengers
• In-car equipment permanently fitted or supplied with the car as standard
• Adaptations and modifications that Motability have agreed to and been told about
• Any accessories or tools supplied with the Motability vehicle
• Replacement locks (where keys have been stolen and the theft reported to police)
• Travel to and from a normal workplace
• Driving the Motability vehicle for voluntary or charitable work, provided you don't receive a fixed regular payment by the organisation

Who Can Drive The Motability Vehicle?

The insurance cover allows three named people to be nominated to drive the vehicle when you make your application, and that doesn’t have to include the Mobility Allowance recipient (the person that the Motability vehicle has been leased for). So, if you currently qualify for a Motability car or WAV but don't actually drive, you can nominate three drivers (who could be relatives, friends or carers) to drive the vehicle on your behalf. Restrictions do apply, including to drivers who are aged under 25. No one else is covered to drive the Motability vehicle, even if they have their own fully comprehensive insurance.

Can I Change My Named Drivers?

Yes. The fastest way to add or change a driver during your lease is via your Motability online account, but you can also call Direct Line Motability Insurance on 0300 037 3737. If the proposed driver passes the Motability checks, they'll be added to the insurance straight away. These helpful videos on the Motability website explain how you can make named driver changes via Motability Scheme online account. Changing Insured Drivers Via The Motability Online Account

What Are The Restrictions For Young Drivers?

Drivers under 25 are restricted to Motability cars with an insurance group of 16 or lower and with an engine that has a power output of 120 brake horsepower (BHP) or less (this rule does not apply to young people driving a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle). In addition, only one driver under the age of 21 is permitted. It's slightly different for electric car drivers. Motability Scheme customers who are under 25 who drive an EV are allowed to drive vehicles with an insurance group of 21 or lower and a power output of 140 BHP or less. Motability Cars For Drivers Aged 25 And Under

Can I Accrue A No Claims Discount While I’m With Motability?

No, although if you do leave the Motability Scheme, Direct Line Motability are able to send out a claim's history letter that some insurance firms will accept as proof of your claims history.

Can The Motability Vehicle Be Driven Abroad?

Yes. The insurance cover means you can travel to foreign countries in your Motability vehicle. You will need to contact the RAC Motability Assist Foreign Travel team a few weeks before you travel and complete a special form (VE103 Vehicle on Hire) to ensure you are fully covered, including breakdown cover. To take your Motability Scheme car abroad with a trailer or caravan within the European Union (and to Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein) you may need to obtain a Green Card (a document that proves your vehicle is insured if you are driving in Europe) before you travel. This should be issued automatically by the RAC Motability Assist Foreign Travel team when you request a VE103.

What Isn’t Covered By The Motability Insurance Policy?

Like all motor insurance policies, if you do have to make an insurance claim you will have to pay an excess. This is usually £100, though the amount varies and is dependent upon the age and the experience of the driver. In addition, the policy does not cover any personal belongings in the car, loss of keys, any non-standard equipment or modifications, any serious damage to the interior of the vehicle or any business use (other than travelling to and from your usual place of work). You should refer to your Direct Line Motability insurance cover booklet for the full details. Direct Line Motability Help & Contact Information

James has over 25 years of experience in the Motor Industry, with a strong focus on project management, customer service, and marketing. He spent two decades as Marketing Director at Pentagon Motor Group, where his leadership helped the team win the prestigious National Group of the Year title twice at the Motability Scheme Dealer Awards, along with numerous accolades from AutoTrader and other key industry bodies. James is also an associate member of the Guild of Motoring Writers.

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Motability applications must be received and accepted by Motability by 30 September 2024. To qualify for the Motability scheme you must be in receipt of the Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance, Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment, Higher Rate Mobility Component of Child Disability Payment (Scotland), War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement or the Armed Forces Independence Payment. Prices and vehicles shown may vary or be withdrawn at any time by manufacturers or Motability retailers and are subject to availability. Vehicles can be ordered at participating Motability retailers only. Motability Advance Payment figures shown may not be accurate on 1 January, 1 April, 1 July and 1 October for 3-4 days as Motability prices are updated quarterly. This site contains product affiliate links. We may receive a commission if you make a purchase or sale after clicking on one of these links.

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