A Guide to Disability Auto Insurance
There are more than 25 million individuals in America living with a disability. Today, everyone has to drive to be independent. Modern technology and design can be used to make cars easier for people with disabilities to drive. Auto insurance is also essential to protect disabled drivers.
There is a lot of misinformation about disability auto insurance and the cost thereof. This article will help clear things up.
What is Disability Auto Insurance?
The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits insurers from charging higher rates for disabled individuals.
Disabilities may include:
- Neurological illnesses
- Mental illnesses
- Wheelchair bound
- Amputees
- Paraplegics
- Deafness
- Blindness
- Epilepsy
- Cerebral palsy
- Stroke
How Are Auto Insurance Premiums Affected by Disability?
Insurers may attempt to charge higher premiums for disabled drivers in the following ways:
Safety Hazard
Most insurance companies say that drivers who are disabled are more likely to get into accidents. They therefore see them as dangerous for other motorists, passengers, and pedestrians. As a result, automobile insurance for drivers with impairments becomes more expensive.
Additional Cover
You cannot expect your insurance provider to pay for the modifications required to drive an automobile, even if you can afford them.
You will thus need the following extra coverage:
- Mobility Auto Insurance: In the event that your car has to be repaired following an accident, this is for the payment of the interim transportation costs.
- Coverage for Special Equipment: This is for the purpose of covering your vehicle’s modifications. It is crucial to remember that the majority of companies do not include scooters, wheelchairs, or walkers in this. Please check the coverage in detail before making any purchases.
- Roadside Assistance: This will assist you without charging you in the event that you are in an accident or require assistance with a tyre replacement or petrol.
Modifications to Vehicles
Drivers with disabilities may need the following automobile modifications in order to operate a vehicle:
- Keyless ignition
- Pedal extenders
- Seat belt extenders
- Modular seats
- Automatic entrances
- Hand controls for motorists with amputated or missing limbs
- Brake extenders for emergencies
- Unique mirrors
These improvements are expensive, and so are the quantity of their coverage and claims. As a consequence, the cost of the drivers’ insurance coverage is higher.
Coverage for Drivers and Passengers with Disabilities
The best auto insurance for handicapped drivers is full coverage since everything is covered.
You will get the following coverages with your comprehensive insurance policy:
Medical Payments and Personal Injury Protection: To cover the cost of medical expenditures if you and your passengers are hurt in an accident.
Comprehensive and Collision: Any kind of car damage is covered.
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Protection: Coverage for physical injury and property damage in the event that the at-fault driver is unable to pay your costs.
Personal Liability: Protects the driver’s and their property’s health.