Understanding Car Insurance for Your Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle

Purchasing a wheelchair van or accessible SUV is an exciting part of the journey to greater mobility and independence, and getting the right car insurance for your wheelchair accessible vehicle is critical. Not only does car insurance safeguard your investment, but it also serves as a protective measure for the customized mobility equipment and accessibility features drivers with disabilities depend on.

Do I Need Insurance for a Wheelchair Van?

In most states, all drivers, regardless of disability, are required to have liability insurance, at minimum. The only state which does not require drivers to have insurance is New Hampshire, but people who choose not to buy car insurance in the state must prove they have sufficient funds to cover damages in the event of an accident. Liability insurance covers damage to the other person's vehicle, and their potential medical costs, in the event you are at fault in an accident.

Do Disabled People Pay More for Insurance?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits insurance companies from discriminating against people based on a medical condition. Your disability itself will not cause your car insurance rates to be higher. However, the unique characteristics of wheelchair accessible vehicles can affect auto insurance rates. Accessible vehicle modifications can increase the overall value of the vehicle, which can lead to higher premiums.

Do I Need to Tell My Insurance about My Accessible Vehicle?

Yes, you need to tell your insurance about your accessible vehicle. In the event of an accident, insurance needs to account for the cost of repairing or replacing accessible vehicle modifications, as these cost more to repair or replace in comparison to non-adapted vehicles. This ensures the vehicle can be restored or replaced to its fully accessible state, which is crucial for drivers with disabilities.

If a person has a wheelchair accessible vehicle but doesn't inform their car insurance about the modifications, it could lead to complications in the event of an accident. The insurance company might deny coverage for the modifications, arguing that they were not disclosed and therefore not included in the policy. This could result in the person having to pay for repairs or replacements of the vehicle modifications out-of-pocket. Additionally, the insurance company might refuse to cover any damage or injuries caused by vehicle modifications, which could lead to further issues.

It's important to inform your insurance company about any modifications to ensure that your policy accurately reflects the value and risk profile of your vehicle.

How Much Does Car Insurace Cost for Handicap Vehicles?

The following can affect car insurance costs for anyone, regardless of disability:

• The Car You Drive: The newer or more expensive the vehicle is, the more it will cost to insure.
• Age and Driving Experience: Younger drivers may have higher insurance premiums since mature drivers usually have more driving experience and therefore, fewer accidents.
• Driver's Record: Your driving history impacts the cost of car insurance. The fewer accidents and traffic violations you have, the lower your insurance cost.
• Annual Mileage: How much you drive affects your car insurance costs. Insurers use estimated annual mileage for traditional plans, while usage-based and pay-per-mile policies track actual miles driven. Generally, lower mileage can lead to reduced premiums.
• Location: Where you live impacts car insurance costs. Different geographic areas have varying risks of theft, vandalism, and accidents, which can affect your premiums. Additionally, local and state laws may consider other factors that influence car insurance costs.

Vehicle modifications, and the extent of those modifications, affect insurance costs. A driver with simple hand controls will generally pay a lower premium than one with electronic mobility controls (EMC). Similarly, a driver with a manual ramp will generally pay less for insurance than one with a powered ramp.

Key Types of Coverage for Your Accessible Vehicle

When exploring car insurance for your handicap van or SUV, you’ll encounter many types of auto insurance coverage. Common types of car insurance include:

• Liability Coverage: Required by law in nearly every state; liability coverage typically covers injury or property damage to others if you are found to be at fault in an accident.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM): Required in about half the U.S. states, this coverage protects a person if they are hit by a driver who has no auto insurance or insufficient coverage.
• Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Required in some states, PIP covers medical bills for the driver and passengers, regardless of who is at fault in an accident. Additionally, PIP may cover lost wages if a person must stop working because of a car accident.
• Comprehensive Coverage: This coverage protects your vehicle from non-collision incidents, such as theft, vandalism, fire, and weather-related events. Comprehensive coverage is usually required if you're lending, leasing, or financing a vehicle.
• Collision Coverage: Although not required by law in any state, this covers damage to your own vehicle resulting from a collision with another vehicle or object, regardless of who is at fault. Collision coverage is typically required for people who are lending, leasing, or financing a vehicle.

Will Insurance Help Pay for a Handicap Van?

Health insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid, as well as car insurance, will not help pay for the purchase of a wheelchair accessible van. However, car insurance may cover repair or replacement costs for adaptive equipment in the event of an accident. Custom parts and equipment (CPE) coverage, offered by many car insurance providers, is an add-on to traditional auto insurance policies that may cover aftermarket modifications to vehicles. While CPE is not required, it can be beneficial for those who drive wheelchair vans.

BraunAbility also offers protection plans designed specifically for wheelchair accessible vehicles. While these protection plans are not a form of insurance, and a driver will need to carry standard auto insurance, the addition of a BraunAbility protection plan can cover both standard and specialized parts of the vehicle, including powertrain components, technology systems, and mobility equipment. BraunAbility protection plans also include benefits like towing and rental reimbursement. By combining both BraunAbility protection plans and standard auto insurance coverage, you can ensure comprehensive protection for a wheelchair accessible vehicle.

BraunAbility Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles

Whether you’re a driver or a passenger, car travel is a common daily activity and selecting a vehicle that meets your needs is crucial to maintaining mobility and independence. To learn more about BraunAbility accessible vehicles, contact your local mobility dealer.