PIP and Motability - How to Get a Car Through Your PIP Award

If you receive the enhanced rate of the PIP mobility component, you can use it to lease a car, powered wheelchair, or scooter through the Motability scheme. You give up your mobility payment (currently £77.05 per week) and in return you get a brand new car with insurance, servicing, breakdown cover, and road tax all included.

Who Qualifies for Motability?

You need the enhanced rate of the PIP mobility component with at least 12 months remaining on your award. Standard rate mobility does not qualify. Enhanced daily living does not qualify on its own - it must be the mobility component specifically.

To get enhanced mobility, you need to score 12 points on the mobility activities. The most common way is through Activity 12 (Moving Around), where descriptor f ("cannot either stand or move more than 1 metre without assistance") or descriptor e ("cannot stand or move more than 20 metres") each score 12 points.

What Does Motability Include?

For your weekly mobility payment, you get:

• A brand new car (replaced every 3 years)
• Fully comprehensive insurance for up to 3 named drivers
• All servicing, maintenance, and MOTs
• Road tax
• Breakdown cover (RAC)
• Tyre and windscreen replacement
• 60,000-mile allowance over 3 years

Some cars have no additional cost beyond your mobility payment. Others require an advance payment (a one-off upfront fee) ranging from a few hundred to several thousand pounds depending on the car you choose.

How to Apply

You don't apply to Motability directly. Visit a Motability dealer (most major car dealerships participate), choose your car, and the dealer handles the paperwork. You'll need your PIP award letter showing enhanced mobility and the remaining length of your award.

What Happens If Your PIP Changes?

This is the biggest worry for Motability customers. If your PIP is reduced from enhanced to standard mobility at review, you lose your Motability car. You typically get around 7 weeks to return it. If your MR or tribunal reinstates enhanced mobility, you can get a new car.

Can Someone Else Drive the Car?

Yes. You can name up to two other drivers on the policy. The car doesn't have to be driven by you - many people with severe mobility issues have a family member or carer as the main driver. The car must be used for your benefit, meaning it should help you get around.

Alternatives to Cars

Motability also offers powered wheelchairs and scooters. If you don't need a car, you can use your enhanced mobility payment for a powered wheelchair with the same all-inclusive package. The Wheelchair and Scooter Scheme works the same way as the car scheme.