Car insurance is important for everyone on the road. Not only is it a legal requirement, it can also offer you some serious peace of mind. It’s a comforting feeling to know that you and your fellow drivers will be covered in the case of an accident. So, what do you need to know about car insurance for disabled drivers? Read on to find the answers to all the important questions you may have.
Why should I get disabled driver insurance?
Insurance is a necessity for all drivers, including those with a disability. If you do not have insurance and are involved in an accident, you will have to cover the resulting costs, including damage to your vehicle and that of any other vehicle(s) involved; damage to property if applicable; and medical costs (which can be extremely high). You can also face legal repercussions. It’s just not worth the risk to drive without insurance – the stakes are simply too high.
There are numerous types of insurance, with various levels of protection and coverage (such as personal liability coverage, collision and comprehensive coverage, etc.). Make sure to familiarize yourself with your policy documents so you are aware of exactly what your policy entails.
Car insurance for disabled drivers
Car insurance for disabled drivers is much the same as for anyone else. Disabled drivers are protected by law against discrimination in several fields by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and car insurance is no exception. It is unlawful for insurance providers to charge more based on your disability itself, or to refuse you coverage simply for being disabled.
That said, other factors may affect the price you pay for insurance. If your physical disability requires you to drive a larger vehicle, such as a minivan, your premium may be higher than those driving smaller cars. This is standard practice for insurers and does not reflect discriminatory behavior. As with every driver, your age, driving history, and previous experience behind the wheel will also affect the cost of your insurance.
Insurance may cost more for those who have modified their vehicles with adaptive driving equipment to make them easier to drive. This is because adapted or modified vehicles may contain expensive equipment, affecting the overall value of the vehicle and therefore the amount an insurance company would have to pay out in the event of an accident.
In fact, disabled drivers with modified vehicles are usually advised to take out additional insurance to specifically cover these pieces of equipment in the case of an accident. Vehicle adaptations and modifications can be incredibly expensive to replace, and are vital for many disabled drivers – so it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Finally, those who have a medical condition that affects their safety while driving (such as epilepsy) may incur a higher insurance premium, as they are more at risk of being involved in an accident on the road. If you have a medical condition of this type, it’s very important to disclose it at the time of purchasing your insurance, as failure to do so may impact your protection and coverage if you are in an accident. It’s also incredibly important to have an up-to-date disabled driver’s parking permit in order to park in disabled parking spots and stay on the right side of the law.
How can I get disabled driver insurance?
Most of the major insurance providers in the US will cater for disabled drivers, offering competitive rates. The best way to ensure you receive the best price and type of insurance for you is to do some research, comparing different providers and what they have to offer. You could also speak to your local insurance broker about your options.
Additionally, there are many blogs and other resources online written by disabled drivers with experience insuring their own vehicles, which may provide some useful feedback and help you decide on your own disabled driver insurance.
Now that we’ve covered all the basics surrounding car insurance for disabled drivers, we hope you have a clearer idea of what’s available to you. Hopefully you’ll be able to find an insurance policy that works for you, and gives you the security and peace of mind you need on the road.