How to book an MOT, service and repairs for a Motability Vehicle

Throughout your lease with the Motability Scheme, it is your responsibility to ensure your vehicle is kept in the best condition to keep it running correctly.

The Motability Scheme covers the cost of each service and any routine repairs, thanks to its all-inclusive package.

We are here to take you through how to book aftersales appointments for your Motability car and why it is important to stay up to date with your appointments.

How to service your car:

It is recommended that you service your car every year or when your vehicle has hit a certain number of miles (whichever comes first).

You can check when your service is due in your online account, or feel free to contact our team, and we can assist you.

By using our online booking portals, you can arrange the recommended service, and our team will ensure the process goes smoothly, so you can get back on the roads in no time.

Each of our dealerships offers a range of services and amenities to support you while your vehicle is at our dealership.

Whether you choose to hire a loan car, wait at our dealership in our comfortable customer lounge and enjoy our hot drinks and free WI-FI, or you drop off the vehicle and collect it once it is ready. Whatever you choose, our team will remain in communication with you, so you are aware throughout the experience.

What is included in a service?

Depending on which service your vehicle needs, a service will typically include a full inspection of the key components of your vehicle, including:

• Engine oil

• Windscreen washer fluid

• Engine cooling system

• Lights

• Tyre tread

• Tyre pressure – including the spare tyre

• Brake pads or filters

Services are designed to ensure your vehicle is safe for the roads and provides a top-up of anything your vehicle needs to function.

If you had any adaptations fitted at the start of the lease, we will let you know if any regular maintenance is required. However, this will be part of the all-inclusive package, so you won't need to cover the costs.

Make sure to bring your vehicle's logbook with you, so we can stamp it to show you have kept up with your servicing schedule.

How to MOT your vehicle:

At the end of your three-year lease, you must book a MOT appointment at our dealership to ensure your vehicle meets the legal standards.

We will contact you when your MOT is due, towards the end of your lease, to book your appointment at our dealership.

If you are concerned about anything to do with your vehicle, do not hesitate to let us know, and we can take a closer look during this appointment.

What happens if your vehicle fails an MOT test?

If your vehicle fails its MOT test, do not stress. Our team will contact you to let you know why it has failed and what work is requiredfor it to pass.

If it was a major fault, you will need to get the work done immediately for it to pass and take it home. The Motability Scheme will cover the costs of the MOT and repairs, to help you get back on the roads quickly.

For any advisories, these repairs are only recommended, and you may take it home and get it fixed another time.

How to book a repair on a Motability car?

If you have a problem with your vehicle, whether that is an unusual noise, a warning light or there is damage, our team is here to assist you.

At our dealerships, our workshops are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment that can take on any task to fix your vehicle.

From diagnoses to visual checks to repairs, we can make sure your vehicle is back to its functioning self.

You can give our team a call or use our enquiry forms to book an appointment.

What happens if I damage my Motability car?

If you spot any damage to your vehicle, whether it's minor or major, you must report it to Direct Line Motability (DLM). They will assess the damage and let you know what needs repairing.

To report the damage, you can log on to your account with the Motability Scheme. Find 'Insurance' in the menu and visit the DLM insurance portal. You will automatically sign in, allowing you to go to 'Claims' to get started.

The portal is available all day, every day, allowing you to claim online when you need to. Alternatively, you can call the DLM directly on 0300 037 3737.

What happens if I scratch my Motability car?

If you notice a mark on your Motability car, you must report this to Direct Line Motability (DLM), even if it's small.

They will assess the damage to understand the severity and let you know whether you need to get it repaired.

If the damage is minor, DLM may take details for their records as a 'Repair not Required' (RNR) instead of logging a claim. They will let you know whether this is required.

You can register an insurance claim in your Motability Scheme online account. Go to 'Insurance' in the menu, visit the DLM insurance portal. You will automatically be signed in, then you can go to 'Claims' to start.

Please do not try to repair the damage yourself, including 'touching up' the paintwork with pens or aerosols.

What happens if I crash my Motability car?

If you have been in a car accident, you need to register a claim with Direct Line Motability (DLM), even if you can't see any damage on your vehicle.

You can register a claim in your Motability Scheme online account. Go to 'Insurance' in the menu, then visit the DLM insurance portal. You will automatically be signed in, so you can go straight to 'Claims'.

DLM will let you know if your vehicle needs any repairs and will arrange other transport, if possible.

What happens if my Motability car breaks down?

If your vehicle has broken down, you are covered by RAC Motability Assist.

The RAC Motability Assist breakdown cover is only valid on your Scheme vehicle and not on your other vehicles you travel in.

You can report your breakdown online on the RAC website. You will only need to enter a few details to report the breakdown. You will get a confirmation call and text, plus regular updates throughout the process.

RAC will start by finding a local patrol to get you help straight away. You will get a confirmation call and text, plus regular updates on the patrol's arrival.

Alternatively, you can call RAC Motability Assist on 0800 73 111 73.

They will try to get someone to you as soon as possible.

​If you are on the road or a motorway, try to:

• Get the vehicle on a hard shoulder or close to the kerb, away from traffic.

• Switch off the engine and put your hazard lights on.

• If it’s safe and you can, get all passengers out of the car and move to a safe place away from the road.

• Leave all animals in the vehicle for their safety.

• If you cannot use your phone, use emergency telephones on the motorway and make a free emergency call.

• Give your full name, vehicle registration, exact location and details of the breakdown to the operator. Let them know if you or your passengers use a wheelchair, need urgent medical attention or have other needs.

​​If you are on a smart motorway:

• If the hard shoulder is being used as an active motorway lane, call 999, then call RAC Motability Assist.

• If the hard shoulder is not being used as an active motorway lane, try to get your vehicle as close to the kerb as you can or to an Emergency Refuge Area. Call RAC Motability Assist once you are safe.

RAC Motability Assist's helpline and roadside assistance are available all day, throughout the year and have helpful staff equipped to deal with mobility concerns.

What happens if my Motability car is written off?

If your Motability vehicle has been written off, it means your vehicle is damaged beyond the point that repairs do not make financial sense.

The Motability Scheme will do its best to source a suitable replacement vehicle as soon as possible or offer alternative solutions to get you back on the road. 

If you are offered a hire car, you will have to find, apply and get your next Scheme vehicle within three months. This means you need to collect or get it delivered before then.

You will need to apply for your next Scheme vehicle within 14 days if our insurers have told you your vehicle has been written off.

We understand this is a stressful time, so if you find yourself in this situation, our team are here to help. If you have a preferred vehicle in mind, call our dealership or leave an enquiry form, and we will help with your application as soon as possible.

Let us know what your situation is, so we can find the most suitable vehicle that matches your needs and is also possible to have within the lease deadline.

Why should you keep your Motability scheme in the best condition throughout the lease?

Keeping your vehicle in the best condition throughout the lease not only ensures your vehicle functions well but also means you could qualify for the Good Condition Payment at the end of your lease.

The Good Condition Payment is a payment you can receive at the end of your lease from the Motability Scheme if you follow the below guidelines:

1. Take good care of your vehicle: You keep up with your service schedule and fix any damage or repairs before you give back your vehicle.

1. Return important items: You will need to return the parcel yourself, both sets of keys and the charging cable if your vehicle is electric. If you no longer have these items, please call us to get a replacement.

1. Get an MOT: In England, every vehicle must get an MOT once it hits three years old. You must return your vehicle to the Motability Scheme with a valid MOT at the end of your lease. Contact the team to book an appointment before your MOT status expires.

1. Have settled any outstanding debts/charges: Any outstanding debts or charges with the Motability Scheme will need to be paid before you hand it back. This could also include hire car fines, speeding tickets, damage or repairs to the vehicles you are responsible for.

1. Complete your lease: You would have agreed to either three or five years, and you will only get the Good Condition Payment once the lease is fully completed. You will not receive the payment if the Motability Scheme decides to end it early.

Once your lease has ended and you have completed these actions, we will take a photo and write a description of the condition of your vehicle and share it with the Motability Scheme. They will then contact you whether you qualify for the Good Condition Payment.

Book an appointment with Snows

If you need any help booking an aftersales appointment with a Snows dealership, our team are on hand to help. Feel free to call us on our direct lines or use our enquiry forms, and we will manage your enquiry.