2021 dawned and with it came lockdown 3.0 for the UK. Once again non-essential retail, bars and restaurants have all closed. Car showrooms have also had to close but car delivery services and click and collect cars have been allowed to remain open.

This means consumers can continue to buy cars over the phone or online, but test drives are not allowed to take place. Servicing and repair centres have also been allowed to remain open which means that unlike in lockdown 1.0 where the government introduced an MOT exemption, this will not be applied throughout this lockdown.

For many people looking to buy a car although the lockdown maybe annoying they can easily put their plans on hold. However, for consumers who have leased a car, be that on a Motability scheme or not may have more pressing needs if their lease is coming to an end.

If you are feeling anxious about your Motability scheme and how you should proceed, then don’t worry, help is at hand. You can visit the Motability website for more detailed answers to any questions you may have. Just follow the link for more information – https://news.motability.co.uk/scheme-news/updates-from-the-motability-scheme-regarding-covid-19-coronavirus/

Here’s a general overview which may help.

All the main manufacturers like Mercedes Motability cars, Hyundai, Ford to name a few will be responding to any questions you may have either on the phone or by email. In the first instance, it’s probably best to contact your dealership to see if they can help with your query.

The Motability Scheme is open throughout this lockdown which means any handover of new Scheme cars can take place providing your dealership can do so safely, in compliance with the new restrictions.

The Motability Scheme is also accepting new applications as long as the dealership you have chosen is open and can place the application on your behalf. You should contact them direct to make sure they have the necessary processes in place to do this virtually or in person, again complying with the new restrictions.

If your lease is due to expire within the next 3 months, then don’t panic. Due to the COVID situation if you do not return your car on the date your lease is due to expire then your lease will automatically renew for a further 6 months, this is on top of any previous extension you may have due to the other lockdowns. Your insurance renewal certificate or a temporary cover note will automatically be sent to you in the post to cover the extended 6 month period.

Of course, if you are in the final 3 months of your lease and you know which car you would now like to place an order for then please proceed as normal and contact your local dealership. They will be able to confirm if they are able to process the order for you.

Alternatively, if you do not want to renew your car lease then contact your local dealership who will be able to make the necessary arrangements with you to collect the car. If they are closed then contact Motability immediately. You can find their details on the website – https://www.motability.co.uk/contact/