Disabled people using the Motability scheme to lease cars or buy other equipment to help them get around have been told not to worry if their deal and insurance are due to run out in the next few months.
Under the scheme most people who qualify through Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payments lease a vehicle for three years, often with adaptions for disabled drivers, or designated drivers.
Mike Betts, Chief Executive Officer of Motability Operations Ltd said: “The latest Government announcements are undoubtedly having a major effect on the Scheme. We are doing all we can to keep you mobile, but dealers will be unable to process any further orders, or manage handovers, or car returns.
“If you are coming to the end of your lease, we will automatically extend this for six months and you will automatically receive a Certificate of Motor Insurance or a temporary cover note from RSA Motability (RSAM) covering this six-month period. If circumstances allow, we hope that at some point we may be able to shorten this six-month extension. Meanwhile to support your motoring, the RAC will continue to offer an emergency breakdown service, and RSAM are able to handle insurance claims, although non-essential service, maintenance and repairs have been cancelled as dealers close.”
They have issued a frequently asked questions sheet to inform customers of what is going to happen