Motability Scheme insurance through Direct Line doesn’t cover everything, including interior damage, personal belongings and excess payments
Motorists using the Motability Scheme could be hit with costs for replacing personal items or other additional charges they thought were covered by their insurance. The Motability Scheme is a lifeline for many disabled people and families, offering access to cars, wheelchair-accessible vehicles, scooters, or powered wheelchairs.
Those eligible can swap all or part of their enhanced mobility award from a qualifying disability benefit such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP). It’s important to note that no one on the Motability Scheme gets a ‘free car’, and most of the current 815,000 leaseholders often have to fork out an extra upfront payment.
When someone leases a car with a ‘full package’, they’re covered for a range of services, including maintenance, breakdown cover, insurance, and sometimes, MOTs. However, the insurance, which is arranged with Direct Line Motability, doesn’t cover everything that some other insurance options might.
How does Motability insurance work?
The Motability Scheme always sorts your insurance with its provider, Direct Line Motability. Like many other insurance schemes, it offers financial protection to motorists in case of an accident and allows up to three drivers to be added to the policy.
If you find yourself needing to make an insurance claim, this will be handled directly through Direct Line Motability.
What is covered under the insurance?
According to the information on the Motability Scheme website, the insurance obtained through the scheme can include:
- A temporary replacement car if you cannot drive yours because it was stolen or damaged
- Legal liabilities and ‘loss of use’ benefit
- Personal accident cover of up to £5,000
- Adaptations and modifications you agreed with us
- Replacement locks if your keys have been stolen
- Loss of keys
- Loss of, or damage to your car (this includes any standard in-car equipment)
What is not covered by Motability insurance?
Like many other insurance policies, the scheme offered by Motability doesn’t cover certain aspects, meaning you’ll have to foot the bill for any losses personally. While many of these exclusions are common across most insurance policies, there are also some items not covered that you might assume would be.
This includes:
- You or someone else driving without insurance or permission
- Your excess payment. You need to pay this before repairs begin
- Non-standard equipment or modifications you’ve added as optional extras
- Loss of any personal belongings
- Driving a car Motability did not give you
- Damage to the interior of the car
- Using the car for business reasons, unless it’s been agreed with their insurance provider
