Car Insurance for the Disabled

Car insurance for the disabled is usually no different from car insurance for someone without a disability. There are many drivers on the road with disabilities these days, and the Americans with Disabilities Act prevents any car insurance company for discriminating against a person with a disability. However, insurance companies must consider the safety of other drivers when insuring any car or driver for the road, so certain disabilities may require additional coverage.

If You Have a Disability

Car insurance for individuals who are in a wheel chair or who live with a disability such as hearing loss are covered by the same auto insurance companies as others, provided they have a valid license and a car adapted to their needs. If you are an individual with a disability, start your search for car insurance by checking with an agent or auto insurance company and disclose your disability. Unless your driving record indicates your disability hampers your ability to drive, or a doctor has contacted the Division of Motor Vehicle in your state and has advised them to revoke your driving privileges due to a medical condition or disability, an insurance company should have no problem with insuring you.

In some cases, if your driving record notes your disability, you may need additional documentation to verify your ability to drive such as a letter from your physician. Always be up front about your disability and provide any documentation your car insurance company needs to get the best car insurance rate possible. If you are medically cleared to drive with your disability, and can get car insurance, take the time to shop and compare car insurance quotes in order to find the best policy for you. Take advantage of the Free Advice quote center to get started.

Coverage for Special Features

Car insurance for the disabled should protect the value of special features such as, wheelchair lifts or ramps, power chairs and hand controls any other customizations to your vehicle. The standard settlement for a car coming from a factory would not be sufficient to repair or replace the specialized conversion equipment in your car in the event of a major accident, so insurance companies have special endorsements (also called riders) to cover the cost of any conversion or additions. These riders will make the premium a little higher, but are well worth the additional cost to know that you are properly insured and won’t face a financial loss in the event of an accident.

TIP: Advise your agent or insurance company of any specialized equipment to your vehicle such as wheelchair lifts or ramps, power chairs and hand controls any other customizations to your vehicle. Insurance companies have special endorsements (also called riders) to cover the cost of any conversion or additions.

Underwriting for Car Insurance for a Disabled Driver

Each car insurance company applies its own set of underwriting rules in assessing whether to insure any individual, and determine what car insurance rates to charge. Typically, insurance underwriting will ask questions about the driver’s disability to get a sense of what, if any, risks it causes. As with drivers who are not disabled, the lower the risk a disabled driver poses then the lower their premiums will be.

EXAMPLE: If you have a risk of seizures, companies will ask about the type of seizure, its severity, and the seizure free period, all of which are important variables for an underwriter to determine whether or not to insure you. Some may ask for documentation from your doctor confirming the management of the illness and a list of medication you take, to be sure it does not affect you adversely (sleepiness, effects on your vision, etc). If the seizures are manageable with medication, then you may be insurable, and get a reasonable rate on your car insurance.

If your illness or disability impairs your ability to drive, you may not be able to get car insurance. If your disability causes problems after you have received car insurance, then your insurance company can cancel your car insurance policy. So, in the example above, should you have a seizure while driving you may have your license suspended or revoked and your insurance cancelled, unless you are proven medically fit to drive.

Overall, car insurance for the disabled should not be a hassle if you are medically fit to drive. Click here to get started by shopping for car insurance quotes at Free Advice.

For more information about getting the right car insurance policy to fit your needs, check out the following articles:

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Case Studies: Car Insurance for the Disabled

Case Study 1: Insuring a Driver With a Disability

Sarah, a driver with a disability, approached an insurance company to get car insurance. She disclosed her disability, provided necessary documentation, and proved her ability to drive safely. The insurance company insured Sarah without any issues, considering her disability did not pose a significant risk.

Case Study 2: Coverage for Special Features

John, who uses a wheelchair, customized his vehicle with features like a wheelchair lift and hand controls. To ensure the value of these special features is protected, John obtained an endorsement or rider on his car insurance policy. This additional coverage accounted for the cost of the conversions and provided John with peace of mind in case of an accident.

Case Study 3: Underwriting for Disabled Drivers

Mark has a medical condition that occasionally causes seizures. He disclosed his condition when applying for car insurance. The insurance company assessed Mark’s risk based on the type, severity, and frequency of his seizures. Since his condition was manageable and did not significantly affect his ability to drive safely, Mark was able to obtain car insurance coverage at a reasonable rate.