Car Insurance for Drivers with Disabilities
- The ADA prevents insurance companies from upcharging drivers based solely on disability status, but rates may be higher to cover mobility-enhanced vehicles.
- Use The Zebra to find affordable car insurance for your unique needs.
Car insurance for disabled drivers
Drivers with disabilities often want to know if their car insurance premiums are higher due to reporting disability. The answer is a bit complicated— the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits insurance companies from charging higher rates based solely on disability status[1], however, if drivers need auto modifications like wheelchair ramps, pedal extenders, or others, they will need additional coverage to protect those custimizations, which will increase monthly premiums.Â
The following sections will cover everything you need to know as a disabled driver seeking car insurance.Â
Key Takeaways:
- Drivers with disabilities are offered the same car insurance policies as other motorists.
- Disabled drivers can also opt for add-ons like custom parts and equipment (CPE), which covers damages to specialized or modified vehicles.
- Though federal law prevents companies from charging disabled drivers higher car insurance rates solely due to their disability, rates may be higher if a medical condition poses a safety risk or if insuring mobility-adapted vehicles costs more.
How much is car insurance for disabled drivers?Â
Car insurance may cost more for disabled drivers for two reasons:
- Mobility modifications need supplemental insurance to protect
- Drivers with limited motor functions or vision pose a greater risk
While the ADA prohibits basing rates solely on disability, insurers can still use other personal factors to determine risk and set premiums much like they do with all licensed drivers.
It's also worth noting that if you are physically unable to drive a car, you will likely be rejected by insurance companies. In this case, assuming you are a full-time passenger, adding yourself as an excluded driver on a policy is the best move.Â
Your insurance company cannot determine if your disability impedes your ability to drive safely — that is something left to your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) as well as a medical professional. If you're uncertain about your own limitations, contact your state DMV for more information.Â
What kind of car insurance does a disabled driver need?
To ensure the best protection, disabled drivers should consider adding comprehensive and collision coverage alongside the recommended liability, bodily injury, and property damage coverages. Together, these are often called "full coverage." Comprehensive coverage is particularly important for disabled drivers, as it is often required to include optional coverages designed to protect against risks associated with disabilities or modified vehicles.
Additionally, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is worth considering, as it offers a greater level of financial protection. Some states mandate this coverage.
Disabled drivers should also consider the following car insurance endorsements:Â
This endorsement can cover anything from custom sound systems to wheelchair lifts. Add this supplemental coverage to ensure your mobility modifications are covered in an accident. Read more about special modifications to vehicles.
Special modifications to vehicles
If your disability requires specific modifications to your vehicle, you need to consider this aspect of your insurance coverage and add on CPE coverage.Â
To qualify for CPE, you must already have comprehensive and collision coverage. If your modifications exceed $1,000 in value, you’ll need to add extra coverage to ensure adequate protection. Many insurance companies allow you to raise the coverage limit for custom equipment to $4,000–$5,000.
Typical modifications to vehicles include:
- Amputee rings
- Pedal extenders
- Push-pull hand controls
- Floor-mounted steering
- Wheelchair lifts and ramps
- Siren detectors for the hearing impaired
- Wheelchair-adjustable seats and seat belts
Personal injury protection, or PIP, can be helpful after an accident for providing medical after an accident. Although it’s required in no-fault states, this coverage will apply regardless of fault. PIP covers the cost of:
- Medical expenses
- Surgical treatmentÂ
- Ambulance fees
- MedicationÂ
- Rehabilitation feesÂ
- Lost wages from missed work
If PIP is not available in your state, medical payments coverage is a good alternative and commonly available across the U.S.
Updating data...
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium | Avg. PIP Premium |
|---|---|---|
| GEICO | $1,563 | $486 |
| Progressive | $1,556 | $421 |
| Allstate | $2,466 | $409 |
| State Farm | $1,468 | $303 |
Source: The Zebra
PIP is available in 18 U.S. states plus the District of Colombia. In this table, PIP rates are in 6-month terms.
"While you may not be legally obligated to disclose your disability to an insurance agent or carrier, it is recommended you provide this information to ensure you have the proper level of coverage in your policy - especially if have made modifications to your vehicle'" says Mark Friedlander, Director of Corporate Communications at the Insurance Information Institute.Â
Discover car insurance options tailored for drivers with disabilities
Additional resources for coverage
If your vehicle modifications are totaled in an accident and you’ve either exceeded your insurance company’s custom equipment coverage limit or lack this coverage entirely, there are resources available to help you secure financial assistance.
Reimbursement programs
Some auto manufacturers provide reimbursement programs for specialty vehicles and equipment. These programs can help cover the cost of van conversions, scooter lifts, wheelchair lifts, hand controls, tie-downs, turning automotive seats, or other adaptive equipment. Reimbursement amounts vary by company, typically ranging from $500 to $1,200. Here are some companies that participate:
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If you're looking for some extra help, check out these resources:
- Department of Veteran Affairs:Â If you were disabled while serving our country, the VA may have some options for you in terms of getting your car accessible.
- The Mobility Resource:Â The mobility resource is an internet marketplace for finding wheelchair accessible vans across the US.
- Accessibility Center:Â A website showcasing new trends in accessibility with over 100 dealerships across the US.
- Accessible Vans of America, LLC:Â This is specifically for rental accessible vans.
- Adaptive Driver Education:Â Provides training for your adaptive equipment.
"During the underwriting process, most companies will ask, 'Do any drivers on this quote have any physical or mental impairments?' prior to finalizing a quote. It's best to speak to an insurance agent directly to understand your options."
Nick Fernandez — Senior Manager of Agency
How to find cheap car insurance for people with disabilities
Because disabled drivers are offered the same type of car insurance as other drivers, there is no such thing as "disability car insurance."Â Still, there are ways to help lower your insurance premium and take advantage of discounts and programs that can help.Â
Search for discounts
Though there isn't a disability-specific discount, you may qualify for other discount opportunities like low mileage, homeowner, multi-policy, and more.
Seek assistance from special programs
In addition to the resources listed above, you may be able to get financial assistance in modifying your vehicle through various disability, health care, or grant programs.
Explore other policy options
If you don't drive much, a usage-based insurance plan is a cost-effective option for coverage.
What's the Best Insurance for Modified Cars? | The Zebra
Modified car insurance covers any customizations you add to your vehicle. Find out if you need modified car insurance as well as what the impact of your additions will have on your rates and insurance coverage.
Car insurance for disabled drivers FAQs
Compare car insurance quotes today!
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, AS Amended. ADA.gov
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About The Zebra
The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.
- The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
- The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
- The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
- The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.