BAS Brand Ambassador Helen Dolphin MBE looks at what Motability customers can expect over the coming weeks

As the UK starts to re-open after lockdown many car dealers in England have now opened their doors. This means for Motability customers who placed an order before lockdown, some dealers may be able to deliver your vehicle. Your dealer will contact you to make an appointment for you to collect your new car. If your vehicle needs adaptations fitted, it will be sent to the vehicle adaptation company. Many companies like BAS are already open and carrying out vehicle adaptations so you shouldn’t have to wait too long to get them fitted.

For Motability customers who are in the final three months of their lease or have had their lease extended due to COVID-19, you can now place an order for your next vehicle. You may not have had much opportunity to look at new vehicles so don’t feel you have to rush into this. Do read my article on things to consider when choosing a new vehicle on the BAS website https://basnw.co.uk/things-to-consider-when-buying-your-new-vehicle-even-in-isolation/

If you are not quite ready to choose a new vehicle yet, Motability will automatically extend your lease for six months if they do not hear from you. You will also automatically receive a Certificate of Motor Insurance or a temporary cover note from RSA Motability (RSAM) covering this six-month period. If you have already had your lease extended during lockdown, a further lease extension can be applied but you will need to contact Motability.

If you want to visit a dealership to look at a new vehicle you will need to make an appointment so that they can dedicate enough time to help you find the right car and let you know how COVID-19 is affecting their services.

Do be prepared for the fact that the length of time it takes for your car to be delivered could be longer than normal due to the disruption experienced by car manufacturers during this time. It is worth checking with the dealership if the car you are interested in is in stock or whether it will need to be ordered from the manufacturer, which may well mean a delay.

At the moment Motability is unable to take applications from new customers looking to join the Scheme as they are first trying to clear the backlog from existing customers, however new applications will be accepted from the 1st July. The Grants Team at Motability (the Charity) are also currently unable to process applications for financial help including help for those needing a WAV. If the lease on your current WAV is expiring and you rely on a grant for your next vehicle, Motability will extend your lease.

Motability Scheme customers who are experiencing temporary and exceptional financial need in relation to COVID-19 are able to access an advance of the £600 Good Condition Bonus (GCB) usually paid at the end of a lease.

The situation with Motability is constantly changing so do keep an eye on their website for all the latest updates and information https://news.motability.co.uk/scheme-news/updates-from-the-motability-scheme-regarding-covid-19-coronavirus/