People who believe people with disabilities cannot drive are wrong. They are unaware of the nature of disability and the incredible advances in technology which now allow more people with disabilities to drive.
Companies whose success depends on their ability to assess the risk that a given driver presents, such as insurance companies, are just as likely today to cover a competent driver with disabilities as they are for someone with no disabilities. Since 1990, when the Americans with Disabilities Act was enacted (ADA), discrimination against people with disabilities has been banned in all aspects of American life.
You should not be concerned if you are disabled and have questions about getting car insurance. Despite the ADA’s protections insurance companies still base their policies on additional risk factors and costs. Although some of these factors (like your driving record, gender, and car type) are not directly related to your disability, others, less commonly considered, may be associated with physical handicaps. Here are some tips to help you get the best coverage and keep your expenses down.
Car insurance for a disabled person
Although insurance companies cannot discriminate against applicants with disabilities through charging high premiums, it’s possible for your disability to require additional coverage. It’s not always due to the disability, but because of any upgrades required for your vehicle. Some of the following disabilities fall under this category:
- Paralysis: A wheelchair lift can increase the car’s value, which could lead to higher premiums.
- A higher risk may exist for epilepsy and fainting spells.
- Vision impairment: You could be considered an additional risk
- A vehicle upgrade may be necessary to accommodate hearing impairment.
In a perfect world all premiums would be equal, however, there are situations where you may have to pay more for your insurance. There are some things you can do to protect yourself from this when shopping for car insurance with a disabled driver.
Do your research. It’s a great way to ensure that you get the best price for your situation by shopping around.
A rebate is another thing you should be looking out for. Many times, car manufacturers or insurance companies will offer a rebate for modifications and upgrades to your vehicle. Although you might end up paying higher premiums, your car manufacturer or insurer may offer discounts and rebates to offset these expenses.
Considerations when looking for car insurance for a disabled person
Here are some other tips to help you find auto insurance for a disabled driver.
Driving requires medical clearance
Most disabled drivers do not require medical approval to drive. The local DMV will evaluate your ability to drive and make a decision about any restrictions they may place on your license. Many insurance companies will require written clearance from a doctor stating that you are not a risk to other drivers.
Risk reduction
Your provider may raise your premium if your disability impacts your driving. They might also ask you to take steps to reduce the risk you are putting others at risk. You may need to seek further medical attention or have your car equipped with the technology necessary to make you safer. Or you might be required to participate in a driver rehabilitation program, where an occupational therapist will determine the best way forward.
You may need additional insurance if you have expensive technology installed in your vehicle to enable you to drive with a disability. Your existing policy may not cover the cost of replacing or fixing expensive upgrades in the event you are involved in an accident. You can increase your coverage to ensure that you don’t have to fork out any additional money.
Honesty in applying
Be honest when you are looking for insurance providers. Your premiums will be affected if you answer questions about your medical history and current medical condition. If you lie about your fitness and then get into an accident, your provider may drop you.
Modifying your vehicle
To ensure you receive fair premiums, make sure your vehicle has all the necessary technology to accommodate your disability. Although this is not always true, most providers will insist on you making the necessary modifications to your vehicle as proof that there is no risk.
These requirements may vary from one provider for the next. You should speak with each provider to find out exactly where you stand. Here is a list with common modifications and an estimate of the cost of having them installed.
- Extension of emergency brakes: $80
- Pedal extenders: $180
- Steering knob: $90-175
- Manual wheelchair ramps: $100-300
- Right foot accelerator: $100-300
- Hand control by mechanical means: $250+
- Transfer seats: $3.300
- Wheelchair lift: $1,500-14,000
How to finance vehicle modifications
Your provider will likely cover the modifications you make to your vehicle. This is a case-bycase process. Before you spend a lot on expensive equipment, make sure you have the funds available to pay for it. In general, however, insurance companies are more likely to cover modifications like steering devices, wheelchair restraints or lifts and hand controls, and power-assisted seating.
However, your insurance provider will not provide coverage if you don’t have collision or comprehensive coverage. Your provider will not cover any vehicle upgrades you make, no matter how small or expensive.
You still have options if your provider is unable to pay for the modifications you make to your vehicle. For example, worker’s compensation may cover the cost of any equipment you require, provided you can prove your disability was caused by an injury sustained on the job. This is a complex process that requires a lot of legal work and does not guarantee a positive result.
Non-profit organizations can also help with the cost of vehicle modifications. You can find out more about these organizations by contacting your state government which provides services for persons with disabilities.
A number of car manufacturers also offer rebates up $1,000 for vehicle modifications as long as the vehicle is less than one-year old. You can often find local dealerships such as those listed under the “resources” section of this NHTSA brochure to help you with that.
Check out your state’s laws regarding vehicle modification if all else fails. Many states will waive sales tax on these modifications if you provide a prescription from a doctor. Others may consider the modifications to be a tax-deductible expense. You can get more information from a qualified tax professional.
Financial resources
Your insurance company may not cover all costs related to modifications you make to your vehicle. However, there may be other resources that could help you finance these changes. It is important to look into both loan and direct funding options.
Check with local organizations to see if they can help you with funding modifications. Consider a loan if funding is not available. You can start by doing a quick google search. These are just a few examples of resources that can help:
- The Adaptive Driving Alliance : This provides a wide range of national organizations that can assist with making decisions about vehicle modification, funding, and financing options.
- The Mobility Resources: This is a very helpful guide that provides a state-by-state look at “various grants or other assistance programs” to assist with vehicle modification and other assistance for persons with disabilities.
- The National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association is a good guide to many resources for funding and loans.
- Ability Expo – This ambitious project aims to bring together “necessary services and products under one roof” for people with disabilities, their caregivers, seniors, and other healthcare professionals. It lists a variety of useful resources that can be used to seek funding for vehicle modifications.
The VA
For information on modifications to your vehicle, if you are a veteran looking for assistance, contact the Department of Veteran’s Affairs. They can help you apply for adaptive equipment and connect you to insurance companies that offer discounts.
P.A.S.S.
Plan to Achieve Support (P.A.S.S. ) is a social insurance agency that helps individuals with disabilities save money so they can return to work.
Vocational Rehabilitation
The State Department of Vocational Rehabilitation can assist you with transportation from and to work if you are unable to buy the necessary equipment. If your car is being modified and you don’t have any other means of transport, this is a great option.
Bottom line
The ADA was enacted thirty years ago. This began the legal effort to make the world more inclusive for people with disabilities. However, technology has accelerated this process. Today, it is much easier for disabled people to drive motor vehicles. Ironically, the pandemic has made it much easier for disabled people to drive motor vehicles.
While there will always be circumstances that make it difficult for disabled people to get auto insurance, the gap is closing. There are many resources available to help people with disabilities understand the best way to modify vehicles and how to get financial assistance.
