COVID-19 update: When should I order my next car?

We’ve had lots of questions from customers who have had their leases extended during lockdown, or who are now approaching the end of their lease, about when they can place an order for their next car. We’ve tried to answer some of your questions here.

I had my lease extended during lockdown can I place an order now?

The short answer to this is yes, you can place an application now if you wish.

Of course we know there may be some reasons why you can’t, or don’t want to order a new car just yet. Your dealer may still be closed, you may be shielding and therefore unable to visit a dealership or you may just want to stay in your car until the end of the six-month extension. Whatever your reason, if you’re not quite ready to order your car now you can stay in your car for the full six-months. You don’t have to call us to let us know. When you are ready, just get in touch with your dealer and make an appointment to see them.

I am approaching the end of my lease, when should I order my next car?

You will be able to place an order for your next vehicle when you are in the final three months of your lease.

Don’t worry if you’re not ready or able to place another order, we will automatically lease extend your vehicle for six-months if you haven’t placed an order when your lease is due to end. You do not need to contact us to let us know as we will automatically apply this extension if you don’t place an application.

I need to apply for a grant, before I can order my next vehicle, what should I do?

Unfortunately due to the COVID-19 situation, the Grants team at Motability (the Charity) are currently unable to process new applications for financial help. As and when this situation changes they will publish information on their website motability.org.uk/grants.

If you’re waiting for a decision on a pending grant or need to apply for financial assistance and therefore not able to place an application we will automatically extend your current lease for six months, you do not need to contact us to let us know.

I’m ready to order my next car, what do I do next?

If you’re still undecided on the car you want to order you can browse the vehicles currently available on the Scheme by using our car search tool. Once you’ve narrowed down your choice you will then need to contact your local dealer to make an appointment. We would always recommend making an appointment to visit a dealership so the Motability Scheme specialist can dedicate enough time to helping you choose the right car. But it’s particularly important now with social distancing measures in place. When you make the appointment, the dealer will be able to let you know how COVID-19 is affecting their services. You can find out more about this in our ‘Social distancing and dealership visits‘ article.

I do not want to place a renewal application at the end of my lease, how do I hand my car back?

Please contact your dealership to find out whether they are open and make an appointment to return the vehicle. If you have not yet reached the original lease end date you will not be able to return your car early, however if you are now in your six-month extension you will be able to make arrangements with your dealer now. If your dealership is closed please contact us on 0300 456 4566 so we can discuss arrangements.

Our Customer Services team are dealing with a high volume of calls at the moment. We hope we have managed to answer your question here, but please bear with us if you do need to call.

Alternatively you may find what you’re looking for in our COVID-19 FAQs article.

From the Motability Scheme


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