The Ultimate Guide to Car Mobility Programs

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Geoff Cudd

Geoff Cudd

I am a serial entrepreneur and a consumer advocate. When I’m not helping car buyers, I love working on ventures that have a positive impact.

I run a cause marketing agency and serve on the board of Vayu Global Health where we are disrupting the medical industry and preventing the needless deaths of mothers and babies during childbirth.

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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.

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.

Updated: January 15th, 2022 (These offers may vary based on location, credit score, and financing terms and are not guaranteed.  So use my free service to Check Discount Car Prices to get the best prices that include current manufacturer offers and incentives.)