Allied Vehicles are an accredited supplier of vehicles through the Motability Scheme and the largest supplier of wheelchair accessible vehicles in the UK. As a Motability Premier Partner (the highest level of Motability specialist) we meet high standards for speed, efficiency and customer service.

Our goal is to make the process of purchasing an appropriate vehicle quick and easy for you. This guide will help you to purchase your desired vehicle through the Motability Scheme. You will be advised throughout the process by one of our trained and experienced Mobility Advisers.

What is Motability?

Motability is an independent not-for-profit organisation, which provides mobility solutions for people with disabilities.

How does the Motability Scheme work?

The Motability Scheme can use your mobility allowance to help you obtain a suitable motor vehicle. There are two main options within the scheme:

• A new car on a three-year or five-year contract hire lease.
• A new or used car on hire purchase, over a term of two to five years.

Once you have chosen which option you wish to use, you then agree to pay over all, or part, of your allowance to Motability Operations for the duration of the contract hire or hire purchase agreement. Motability Operations is the organisation which operates the Motability Scheme on a not-for-profit basis and is owned by the UK's largest banks.

Who is eligible?

To be eligible for any of the Motability Schemes, you must receive EITHER:

• Higher Rate Mobility Component (HRMC) of the Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
• War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement (WPMS)

You need to have at least 12 months award length remaining when you apply. An application for a car can also be made on behalf of a child aged three or older, who is entitled to the mobility allowance. Even if you don't drive, but receive the allowance, you can apply for a car as a passenger and propose two other people as your drivers. If you are under 65 and have a disability but are not currently receiving the Higher Rate Mobility Component of the DLA you may be entitled to this allowance. Contact Motability to find out about possible options.

What is Contract Hire?

Most Motability customers choose contract hire as they find it's the best option to obtain and pay for a brand new car. They like the convenience of a single, regular payment that includes comprehensive insurance, maintenance and breakdown cover. At the end of the hire agreement (usually 3 or 5 years) the vehicle is simply returned to Motability.

What is Hire Purchase?

Hire purchase is a form of credit. You agree to buy the vehicle from your chosen supplier and use all or part of your DLA or WPMS to pay monthly by direct debit for the period of the agreement. You have the right to possess and use the goods from the time the contract is made. The finance company has a security interest in the goods until all amounts owed by you are paid. (Note: From 1 April 2005, the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act will apply to all new "credit sale" contracts. "Credit sale" is the new term for agreements formerly called hire purchase or conditional sale agreements.)

Hire purchase may appeal if you are likely to exceed 45,000 miles in three years. Also, if your chosen vehicle has a relatively high specification and therefore a larger advance payment you may be interested in purchasing the vehicle outright, so that you retain an asset at the end of your agreement.

What is an Advance Payment?

If the cost of the car you have chosen is higher than your full allowance can cover, you will need to pay the difference as an advance payment at the start of the agreement. This can vary from £100 to several thousand pounds, depending on your chosen vehicle.

What about other funding?

If you need to raise part of the cost yourself we can help you to find the best deal from a range of finance options. We will work with a range of finance companies and put forward credit applications on your behalf. You may even be eligible for a grant from Motability towards your Advance Payment (ask your Mobility Adviser for details).

How can Allied Vehicles help me?

Allied Vehicles specialise in the production of fully wheelchair accessible cars and MPVs which are Motability accredited. We will work with you to help you choose your ideal vehicle and make the necessary arrangements with Motability.

Allied Vehicles offers an extended a five-year contract hire, which helps to keep down your monthly payments. Our Mobility Advisers, based locally throughout the UK, are trained and experienced in meeting the needs of wheelchair users. They can also provide information on vehicle insurance and finance companies.

For further information and advice on purchasing a vehicle through the Motability Scheme call 0800 916 3018 or enquire here.