The Ultimate Guide to Car Mobility Programs
Almost all car manufacturers offer a reimbursement of up to $1,000 to support drivers and passengers with physical disabilities. Customers typically have to install eligible, adaptive equipment on their new vehicle within six months to a year after their purchase to qualify.
While most companies offer a one-time reimbursement of up to $1,000, BMW offers a much higher $2,500 return. GM offers extra bonus incentives on top of a $1,000 reimbursement (GM includes Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac). They offer up to 2 years of OnStar Safety and Security coverage and Remote Access Plan through GM Mobility.
Let’s take a closer look at how to qualify and the requirements for each of these mobility savings programs. At the bottom, we also list all the current car discounts for people with disabilities offered by each manufacturer.
Car Deals Aren’t The Only Way to Save!
How to Qualify for a Mobility Discount
To qualify for a mobility discount you must have purchased and installed eligible adaptive equipment after you bought your new car as well as provide documentation from a physician or a permit.
What Qualifies as Adaptive Equipment?
Most manufacturers qualify adaptive equipment as any vehicle modification to assist with the transportation needs of people with a disability or those who have a family member with a disability. Eligible adaptive equipment generally must be:
- Permanently installed in vehicle
- Installed for a driver/passenger with a permanent disability
- Purchased from and installed by a licensed equipment installer
Adaptive equipment generally applies to the following categories:
- Lowered floors and ramps
- Lifts, hoists, and carriers
- Running boards
- Driving controls
- Power seats
Most manufacturers will offer reimbursements for modifications that are approved by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.
A lot of mobility programs will only cover up to a certain amount for certain modifications. For example, GM will only reimburse up to $200 for steps or running boards. In addition, some manufacturers require original medical documentation detailing the physical disability for certain modifications.
When to Install Adaptive Equipment
Almost all manufacturers require that customers install their adaptive equipment within a certain time period. Most have to be installed after 6 months to 1 year of the vehicle purchase or lease.
Other manufacturers like Acura, BMW, and Honda have a much looser time frame and allow adaptive equipment modifications to be made until the warranty period expires.
It is highly recommended that you check with your state’s drivers licensing agency for current driving regulations. Before selecting a vehicle you should consult with a driver evaluator (Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist) to evaluate your driving abilities and determine what modifications need to be made.
When to Apply for Mobility Reimbursement
After making the necessary modifications, you must apply for reimbursement within a certain time frame. There is a lot of variation between mobility programs; ranging from 60 days to 1 year since the time of install.
Manufacturers that go through FCA Driveability, which includes Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep have one of the shortest time frames of 60 days after the equipment install to apply. While Ford, Lincoln, Audi, and BMW have an extended time period until customers have to apply for reimbursement.
Most applications are available online or can be requested in-person at your local dealership. It can take up to 4 to 8 weeks after submitting the application to receive the one-time reimbursement.
It is also recommended to go through a certified installer, and a good place to start is with the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA).
Requirements for Mobility Reimbursement Application
Requirements vary heavily from program to program, but they generally include:
- Copy of lease or purchase contract from an authorized dealership
- Copy of driver’s license
- A doctor’s note or permit
- Itemized and paid invoice from licensed equipment installer
- Company info
- VIN
- Description of adaptive equipment
- Date of adaption
- Itemized cost of parts and labor
- Proof of payment for adaption
- Copy of completed and signed reimbursement application
The vehicle must be registered and operated by the customer with the physical disability. If leasing, you must include a copy of the letter of authorization from the lessor.
Best Mobility Deals and Car Discounts for People with Disabilities
Below are some of the best car deals for people with disabilities.
| Manufacturer | Program Name | Reimbursement | Eligibility | Install Equipment Within | Apply Within |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acura | Acura Customer Mobility Assistance | $1,000 | New vehicle | Warranty of purchase/lease | 6 months of install |
| Audi | Audi Mobility Assistance Program | $1,500 | New or CPO vehicle | Ongoing of purchase/lease | Ongoing of install |
| BMW | BMW Mobility Program | $2,500 | New or CPO vehicle | Warranty of purchase/lease | Ongoing of install |
| Buick | General Motors Accessibility Program | $1,500 w/ 2 years OnStar | New and unused 2024-2025 vehicle | 6 months of purchase/lease | 6 months of purchase/lease |
| GMC | General Motors Accessibility Program | $1,500 w/ 2 years OnStar | New and unused 2024-2025 vehicle | 6 months of purchase/lease | 6 months of purchase/lease |
| Cadillac | General Motors Accessibility Program | $1,500 w/ 2 years OnStar | New and unused 2024-2025 vehicle | 6 months of purchase/lease | 6 months of purchase/lease |
| Chevrolet | General Motors Accessibility Program | $1,500 w/ 2 years OnStar | New and unused 2024-2025 vehicle | 6 months of purchase/lease | 6 months of purchase/lease |
| Chrysler | Chrysler Driveability Program | $1,000 | New vehicle | 6 months of purchase/lease | 60 days of install |
| Dodge | Dodge Driveability Program | $1,000 | New vehicle | 6 months of purchase/lease | 60 days of install |
| Ford | Ford Upfits Accessibility Program | $1,000 | New vehicle | 1 year of purchase/lease | 1 year of install |
| Honda | Honda Customer Mobility Assistance | $1,000 | New vehicle | Warranty of purchase/lease | 6 months of install |
| Hyundai | Hyundai Mobility Program | $1,000 | New or CPO vehicle | 6 months of purchase/lease | 60 days of install |
| Infiniti | Infiniti Mobility Assist | $1,000 | New vehicle | 6 months of purchase/lease | 90 days of install |
| Jeep | Jeep Driveability Program | $1,000 | New vehicle | 6 months of purchase/lease | 60 days of install |
| Lexus | Lexus Mobility Assistance Program | $1,000 | New vehicle | 1 year of purchase/lease | 90 days of install |
| Lincoln | Ford Upfits Accessibility Program | $1,000 | New vehicle | 1 year of purchase/lease | 1 year of install |
| Mazda | Mazda Mobility Program | $1,000 | New or CPO vehicle | Ongoing of purchase | 90 days of install |
| Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz Mobility Program | $1,000 | New or CPO vehicle | 6 months of purchase/lease | 60 days of install |
| Nissan | Nissan Mobility Assist Program | $1,000 | New vehicle | 6 months of purchase/lease | 90 days of install |
| RAM | RAM Driveability Program | $1,000 | New vehicle | 6 months of purchase/lease | 60 days of install |
| Subaru | Subaru Mobility Assist | $1,000 | New vehicle | 1 year of purchase | 180 days of install |
| Toyota | Toyota Mobility | $1,000 | New vehicle | 1 year of purchase/lease | 90 days of install |
| Volvo | Mobility by Volvo | $1,000 | New or CPO vehicle | 6 months of purchase/lease | 6 months of purchase/lease |
