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Drivers with disabilities aren’t eligible for special discounts on
car insurance
. In fact, the cost of coverage could even be higher due to safety risks and vehicle modifications. However, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects disabled drivers from discrimination by car insurance companies.- It’s illegal for car insurance companies to discriminate against drivers with disabilities.
- Insurance providers may see drivers with certain health conditions as a safety risk.
- Vehicle modifications can raise the cost of coverage.
- Insurance discounts and usage-based policies can save disabled drivers money.
- It’s illegal for car insurance companies to discriminate against drivers with disabilities.
- Insurance providers may see drivers with certain health conditions as a safety risk.
- Vehicle modifications can raise the cost of coverage.
- Insurance discounts and usage-based policies can save disabled drivers money.
Auto insurance companies can’t discriminate against disabled drivers—but they often charge more
The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) says that it’s illegal for insurance companies to charge drivers with disabilities a higher rate or deny them coverage solely on the basis of their disability.
However, the reality is that disabled drivers often see higher insurance premiums than able-bodied drivers. There are two main reasons for this:
- Insurance companies can charge a higher rate for drivers whose health conditions pose a safety risk.
- Depending on your accessibility needs, you may need additional coverage to insure an adapted vehicle.
Cheapest auto insurance companies for drivers on SSI
Disabled drivers on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can face some of the greatest challenges in finding affordable car insurance.
Finding cheap insurance on a fixed income of $841 to $1,261 per month might feel impossible, but comparing car insurance quotes can help you find the best car insurance that fits your budget.
Check out the table below to see the average monthly premium in every state:
[table]
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Car insurance discounts could save you money
If you don’t live in one of the states above—or if you don’t meet the eligibility requirements for subsidized insurance—discounts could be the key to finding reduced auto insurance rates.
Most insurance providers offer discounted rates for things like maintaining a
clean driving record
, bundling auto and homeowners insurance, and paying your bill online. For instance, you could get…- …up to 26% off your rate if you stay accident-free for a specific period of time (usually three years).
- …6% to 14% off your total cost if youpay up frontinstead of in semi-annual or monthly installments.
Check with your insurance company to see which discounts are available to you.
Usage-based insurance
One of the most effective ways for disabled drivers to save on the cost of insurance is through usage-based insurance, which bases the cost of coverage on how much you drive.
Using a telematics app or device could save you up to 40% on your car insurance, depending on the provider.
If you don’t drive often and practice safe driving habits when you do, usage-based insurance could be the key to significantly low rates—even if you’re paying a higher rate for a modified vehicle.
MORE: Cheap car insurance for low-mileage drivers
State-sponsored programs for affordable car insurance
The following states offer subsidized auto insurance for low-income drivers, including drivers with disabilities and social security recipients:
- California: The California Low Cost Auto (CLCA) insurance program offers discounted rates to drivers with clean driving records who fall under a certain income threshold.
- Hawaii: Assistance to the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (AABD) provides free auto insurance, along with other benefits, to elderly and disabled adults who fall below 34% of the 2006 federal poverty line.
- Maryland: The Maryland Auto Insurance Fund (MAIF) gives low-cost liability coverage to drivers who’ve been denied by other providers.
- New Jersey: The Special Auto Insurance Policy (SAIP) is New Jersey’s so-called “dollar a day” plan, which offers bare-bones medical coverage to certain drivers on Medicaid.
Not all disabilities affect car insurance premiums
In some cases, your disability might not affect your car insurance rates at all! But disabilities that significantly affect mobility, vision, hearing, or consciousness can all complicate insurance.
You’re likely to pay a higher rate if you have any of the following conditions:
Your insurance company may learn about your condition due to a change to your driver’s license or an incident in your driving history (e.g. a car accident caused by a heart attack), or you may choose to disclose it to them.
How to finance vehicle modifications
In certain cases, your insurance company might require you to install certain modifications in your vehicle to reduce your risk on the road—or you may already have adaptive equipment.
The table below shows common vehicle adaptations for disabled drivers and passengers along with the typical cost of installation.
Modification | Description | Average cost to install |
|---|---|---|
Hand controls | Allows a driver to operate the accelerator and brakes using hand-operated controls on or near the steering wheel | $500 to $5,000 |
Scooter/wheelchair ramps or lifts | Allows a passenger or driver using a wheelchair or scooter to enter the vehicle | $1,500 to $30,000 |
Transfer seats | Helps a wheelchair user to transfer from the wheelchair to the driver’s or passenger’s seat | $3,000 to $8,000 |
Pedal extenders | Bring the gas and brake pedals closer to the driver’s feet | $125 to $200 |
Left foot accelerator | Allows a driver to operate the gas pedal with their left foot instead of the right | $150 to $800 |
Seat belt adjustments | Provides extra protection for drivers or passengers with mobility limitations | $30 to $400 |
Amputee rings | Clamp onto steering wheel to assist drivers with below-elbow amputations | $80 to $400 |
Steering wheel knobs | Attach to steering wheel to allow easier steering with one hand | $10 to $300 |
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Resources for financing vehicle modifications
As you can see, making a vehicle accessible can be incredibly expensive—which is why it’s important to seek out nonprofits and government organizations that can help offset the cost of modifications.
- The Mobility Resourceis an adaptive driving marketplace that helps drivers find state grants for the car modifications they need.
- You can also find financing options and resources through theAdaptive Driving Alliance, a national network of wheelchair-accessible dealers.
Manufacturers that offer rebates for adaptive equipment
In some cases, you may also be able to get a rebate from your vehicle’s manufacturer for adaptive technology.
Reimbursement typically ranges from $500 to $1,200—not enough to cover the cost of more expensive equipment such as wheelchair lifts, but enough to offset some of your expenses. Manufacturers with reimbursement programs for special equipment include:
- Acura
- Buick
- Chevrolet
- Chrysler
- Dodge
- Ford
- GMC
- Honda
- Hyundai
- Infiniti
- Ram
- Subaru
- Toyota
- Volkswagen
- Volvo
What to do if you can’t afford the modifications you require
Finally, if you’re having trouble covering the cost of the vehicle modifications you need, reach out to
your state’s Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)
agency. These offices provide services for people with disabilities and will be able to direct you to the resources you need, including alternative transportation options if necessary.
No matter what types of modifications you make to your car, be sure to tell your insurance company about any new equipment. If you don’t, it won’t be covered in the event of a loss.
Adapted vehicles need extra insurance coverage
If your vehicle has been modified to include adaptive equipment, you’ll want to consider these additional types of coverage:
- Custom parts and equipment coverage (CPE): This type of endorsement can be added to your insurance policy to cover your vehicle’s special equipment. Without a CPE endorsement, you won’t be able to get any coverage for the essential equipment in your vehicle.
- Mobility car insurance coverage: This add-on helps to reimburse the cost of alternative transportation if your adapted vehicle is in the shop for repairs following a covered incident.
However, for the most part, a car insurance policy for a disabled driver will include the exact same coverages as an able-bodied car insurance policy:
- State-mandatedliability coverage
- Any other coverage required by your state, such asuninsured motorist coverage,medical payments (MedPay), orpersonal injury protection (PIP).
Your rights as a disabled driver
While special equipment coverage and notes from your healthcare provider can both raise the cost of car insurance with a disability, it’s important to remember that your civil rights are protected by the ADA.
Here are some important things to remember about your rights as a disabled driver:
- An insurance provider can’t deny you or unduly raise your coverage if your medical condition is well-controlled.
- You may need to provide a written statement from a medical professional certifying that you’re allowed to drive.
- Your insurance company can’t prevent you from driving—only your doctor and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) can declare you unsafe to drive.
What to do if you’re being discriminated against
If you feel that you’re not being given a fair rate—or if an insurance company tries to deny you coverage just because of your disability—you should report the company to
your state’s department of insurance
. The bottom line: it costs more to drive with a disability
Hawaii is the only state that offers car insurance discounts specifically for disabled drivers. Outside of that limited program, most disabled drivers will need to navigate the insurance-buying process on their own, which may include adding extra endorsements to cover special adaptive equipment or getting written clearance to drive from a medical professional.
Car insurance can be expensive if you or a passenger have disabilities. To keep your costs low, use a
trusted insurance comparison tool
to compare quotes and weigh your coverage options from different providers. Disability car insurance resources
“Jerryis an awesome tool to find rates personalized to your specific needs! I’m literally still sitting at the dealership and already finalized my new insurance so I can drive my new car off the lot.” —Charity R.
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By R.E. Fulton
Licensed Insurance Agent —Senior Content Writer
- Auto insurance companies can’t discriminate against disabled drivers—but they often charge more
- Cheapest auto insurance companies for drivers on SSI
- Car insurance discounts could save you money
- Usage-based insurance
- State-sponsored programs for affordable car insurance
- Not all disabilities affect car insurance premiums
- How to finance vehicle modifications
- Resources for financing vehicle modifications
- Manufacturers that offer rebates for adaptive equipment
- What to do if you can’t afford the modifications you require
- Adapted vehicles need extra insurance coverage
- Your rights as a disabled driver
- What to do if you’re being discriminated against
- The bottom line: it costs more to drive with a disability
- Disability car insurance resources
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