A Guide to Car Insurance for Disabled Drivers

Information Officer Janet Moore of Disabled Motoring UK Magazine (DMUK) takes a look at what disabled drivers should consider when looking for the right car insurance.

Drivers with disabilities sometimes, for whatever reason, have problems finding car insurance at what they consider to be the right price. It is important to find the right policy for your needs and to realise that, as with all motor insurance, the cheapest quote doesn’t necessarily come with the best cover.

Drivers who qualify for the Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or enhanced Personal Independence Payment (PIP) are eligible to join the Motability Scheme, where a new car can be leased and the arrangement includes insurance cover. Those not eligible or who prefer to buy their own vehicle will also need to source insurance in the marketplace.

As a result of assessment for PIP some people who have previously had a Motability car may find they are no longer eligible for the Scheme, with its integral insurance. They too will have to search for their own insurance.

Where to Find Insurance

When you’re looking for your insurance, you can try a comparison service such as www.gocompare.com, disabled car drivers. Some insurers may offer discounts for Blue Badge holders, so be sure to ask. Fish gives a discount to Disabled Motoring UK members. We may all find, to our cost, that the cheapest premium isn’t the one that covers everything that we need or want so shop around to make sure you’re getting exactly the cover you need.

What to Consider

It’s important to establish the policy cover particulars, especially with cars that carry wheelchairs, hoists or ramps, or those that have been adapted with swivel seats or hand controls. The car itself may be insured, but does that cover include the adaptions too? Understand the extent of the cover in the event of an accident or theft and whether or not a replacement vehicle will be provided. Will the replacement be fully adapted? If no suitable replacement is available, does the policy offer an allowance to cover the costs of taxis whilst your car is off the road? There can also be an issue with personal assistants or carers. Can they be added as named drivers or any driver options? Do they have business use cover?

Adaptation Issues

Some insurers use vehicle modifications or adaptions as a reason not to quote. Most insurers do comply with the Equality Act 2010, which makes it an offence for them to refuse cover on the grounds of disability, or to discriminate by charging higher premiums to drivers with disabilities. Some drivers do still come up against what feels like discrimination and may choose to challenge this, but don’t forget you always have the option of taking your business elsewhere.

Disabled drivers should ensure that, if they are using comparison sites, they select the right modifications. Some insurers may view modifications in the ‘petrol head’ sense and and consequently charge high premiums, so be sure and clearly explain your vehicle modifications.

DVLA Notification

Insurance will be invalid if a notifiable illness or disability has not been mentioned to the DVLA. Disabled drivers, or those with certain health conditions, should make sure that they are registered with the DVLA for the right type of licence.

The DVLA must be informed of notifiable medical conditions and disabilities and told if they get worse. The list of notifiable medical conditions can be accessed at www.gov.uk/health-conditions-and-driving, although anyone whose condition is notifiable should have been advised by their GP.

Moving from Motability

A driver who had full No Claims Discount (NCD) on their driving history before they joined the Motability Scheme only receives a Motability “Claims History” from RSA Mobility (RSAM) on leaving the scheme. Any NCD held prior to joining the scheme is lost.

On leaving the Motability Scheme, ask RSAM for the Claims History letter. If you are leaving the Scheme because of an unsuccessful PIP re-assessment, you will automatically be sent a claims history letter. Unfortunately not all insurers will accept this claims history in lieu of a notification of NCD.

You may feel you want to go back to a familiar insurer but if your circumstances have changed and/or they won’t accept the claims history, then try other insurers. Time spent finding the right cover that suits you and your car could save money and time lost should you ever have to claim.

For more handy tips, advice and stories or to discover more about DMUK, click disabled motoring here.

Allied Vehicles receives a commission of £50 for any insurance policies purchased through links to Fish Insurance on our website or other marketing materials. We do not endorse Fish Insurance or specifically recommend any of their products. Customers are advised to carefully consider their individual needs and ensure that any insurance policy is suitable for their circumstances before proceeding.