Best Auto Insurance for Wheelchair-Accessible Vehicles in 2024
Auto insurance for wheelchair-accessible vehicles can get expensive, but shopping with insurers that offer policies for modified cars can help you get cheaper rates on car insurance. Esurance is about $333/mo for full coverage modified car insurance, but Hagerty and Safeco may offer a better price.
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Daniel Walker
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Jul 17, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Jul 17, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- Insurance companies base rates on a client’s level of risk and may take into account the modifications you make to a wheelchair-accessible vehicle
- To get the best rates, completely reveal your disability and any changes you’ve made to your car
- Insurance rates are about average for the most common types of wheelchair-accessible vehicles
It is estimated that the cost of purchasing a brand new wheelchair-adapted car with adapted equipment for a disabled driver is $80,000, and insurance companies will employ different criteria to determine the monthly auto insurance rates for wheelchair-accessible vehicles.
This may result in a higher-than-average bill for auto insurance on a vehicle that can accommodate wheelchairs. Make sure you have the appropriate coverage if you need disability auto insurance, and compare quotes from the best auto insurance companies for modified cars if you’ve made changes to your vehicle to make it wheelchair accessible.
What should you take into account before you buy auto insurance for wheelchair-accessible vehicles? Continue reading to learn more about car insurance for automobiles with wheelchair accessibility, and consider the following ideas as you shop for affordable insurance quotes for your wheelchair-accessible car or van.
What to Look For When Buying Auto Insurance for Wheelchair-Accessible Vehicles
As long as your impairment does not significantly impact your ability to drive safely, you can get auto insurance with a disability.
People who are physically disabled are equally protected by the law. According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), insurance companies are not discriminating when deciding whether to provide coverage based on vehicle modifications, a severe impairment that raises your risk factor, or other circumstances that enhance your risk level.
To get the cheapest car insurance rates, you must be honest about your handicap and shop for quotes from multiple companies to see which can offer you the lowest rates.Schimri YoYo Licensed Agent & Financial Advisor
Keep in mind that you are still entirely responsible for driving safely and following all traffic laws, and your disability does not give you a pass from the law. Speak with insurers, ask questions, and compare rates. There’s no reason you can’t get the right insurance for wheelchair-accessible cars if you provide the right information about your disability.
Questions to Ask About Wheelchair-Accessible Auto Insurance
Here are some inquiries you might want to make as you shop around for quotes and compare auto insurance for wheelchair-accessible vehicles. Asking these questions in advance can make it easier for you to compare and shop for the best coverage:
- What does the company regard as a vehicle modification?
- What are the average rates for a disabled motorist or a driver with a particular disability?
- How can I lower my insurance rates?
- Can I get a discount for my disability?
- Do you provide full coverage for any handicapped equipment I may have outside my car?
These queries will all help to clarify your policy options with various insurance companies. If the quotes you get are too expensive, you might want to look at other insurers in your area.
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How to Get Auto Insurance for Wheelchair-Accessible Vehicles
Follow these recommendations while searching for auto insurance on a wheelchair-accessible vehicle to get a better bargain and protect you on the road.
- Be honest. Declare all modifications made to the van when applying for an insurance policy. Your insurance prices may fluctuate as a result of several developments.
- Buy equipment coverage or van conversion add-ons. Make sure your insurance will cover any equipment for those with disabilities, including wheelchairs. If not, ask for insurance add-ons that cover equipment and conversions.
- Describe your disability. To ensure that there are no questions regarding your level of danger when driving, disclose your exact disability.
- Get all the information. Don’t be afraid to ask too many questions. Having complete knowledge enables you to make the best possible choice for coverage and can help you properly compare various insurance options.
To find out whether an insurer can provide supplementary coverage for something not specifically protected by your primary policy, consider shopping with at least three different companies. Finding a workable alternative shouldn’t be too difficult because most of the big auto insurance providers also provide van conversion insurance.
Rules for Disability Auto Insurance
Auto insurance coverage for wheelchair-accessible cars and vans requires full transparency and disclosure between you and the insurance company. Be sure to fully reveal all of your vehicle’s changes while looking into how to insure a wheelchair-accessible vehicle. Your rates may be affected differently by various adjustments.
Other rules for disability car insurance are
- Disclose all modifications. Is your handicapped vehicle’s hand controls covered by insurance? Yes, as long as you tell your insurer about this alteration. Your insurance company must be informed of all alterations made to the vehicle, including amputee rings, pedal extenders, siren detectors, wheelchair ramps, and wheelchair-adjustable seats and seatbelts.
- Certified modifications only. It’s crucial that these modifications are correctly installed by a certified technician. It would be awful if you were in a car accident and later learned that your equipment wasn’t insured because it wasn’t installed properly.
- Ask about equipment coverage. Verify that your insurance policy covers any special equipment for the disabled, such as wheelchairs. Any equipment you bring with you, including wheelchairs that will be set up outside your car, needs to be protected.
Don’t be afraid to request more information about a policy if your car is wheelchair accessible. When applying for insurance, it’s important to ask the necessary questions so that you can properly compare the various types of coverage and choose your policy.
The Basics of Wheelchair Van Insurance
There is no denying that many disabled persons drive today thanks to cutting-edge technology that keeps improving. Although there are increasingly more options available, such as SUVs and pickup trucks, most wheelchair-accessible vehicles are minivans.
However, it’s a common misconception that wheelchair van insurance is handled differently than auto insurance for other types of wheelchair-accessible vehicles. Whether you have a disability or not, accidents and claims history are what auto insurance companies look at most.
For instance, even if your auto insurance is unlikely to cover the cost of your vehicle’s initial modifications, it will still pay for conversion repair or replacement if the vehicle is totaled or harmed by a natural catastrophe if you carry the right policy.
Ultimately, the amount of collision insurance and comprehensive coverage you choose will determine the level of protection that wheelchair van insurance can offer. For example, if you don’t carry a comprehensive policy, it’s unlikely that circumstances other than accidents will be covered.
It is advisable to discuss your situation with the insurance company to determine exactly what kind of coverage is offered. Depending on where you live, you will have different options. So, it’s important to shop around with as many local companies as possible to get the best policy for a wheelchair van or another type of wheelchair-accessible vehicle.
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The Bottom Line on Auto Insurance for Wheelchair-Accessible Vehicles
You may pay higher rates for auto insurance if you have a disability that will influence your ability to drive or if you use a wheelchair. Keep in mind that your age, gender, location, marital status, credit score, and driving history all affect how much you pay for auto insurance on wheelchair-accessible vehicles.
Ask about any discounts you may qualify for if your rates are too high. Numerous discounts are typically available from insurance companies, which can greatly reduce your auto insurance price.
Look around for the best deals on auto insurance until you find the plan that best suits your needs and protects your interests. One of the easiest ways to make sure you don’t overpay for auto insurance is to compare quotes online. Enter your ZIP code below to see rates and policy options from multiple companies in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is vehicle accessibility?
Accessible vehicles are modified to assist those with disabilities, such as wheelchair ramps and docks and hand controls.
What’s the difference between handicap-accessible and wheelchair-accessible vehicles?
Handicap-accessible does not automatically mean wheelchair accessibility. Wheelchair-accessible vehicles will come with ramps and locking docks specifically designed for wheelchairs, while handicap-accessible cars may or may not have these features.
Does Medicare cover wheelchair-accessible vehicles?
Yes, but coverage will vary by state. You’ll need to verify with your state’s Medicare programs to see if you qualify. Sometimes a trained medical practitioner must assess whether a lift is necessary.
Are wheelchair vans covered by Medicaid?
Medicaid often does not cover the cost of vans. You would need to check with your state health administration to learn exactly what is covered as this is a government-funded program.
Are hand controls covered by insurance?
As long as you tell your insurance company in advance, they are protected. However, it depends on your particular circumstances, including where you live and your insurance company. For additional information, contact the insurance office in your area.
Is auto insurance for disabled drivers free?
There are several programs to assist low-income families in paying for low-income auto insurance, even if it’s unlikely that you’ll discover free disability auto insurance. Some organizations can also provide disabled drivers and passengers with a wheelchair van as a donation.
Is auto insurance for wheelchair-accessible vehicles the same as standard policies?
Yes, wheelchair-accessible vehicles can be insured just like regular vehicles. Auto insurance companies provide coverage for wheelchair-accessible vehicles, taking into account their unique modifications and features. It’s important to inform the insurance provider about the specific details of the vehicle to ensure proper coverage.
What makes a car wheelchair accessible?
A wheelchair-accessible vehicle will be modified with ramps, docking locks, and more to safely secure the wheelchair for passengers or the driver.
Are there any specialized providers of auto insurance for wheelchair-accessible vehicles?
While there are no specific insurance providers exclusively for wheelchair-accessible vehicles, many regular auto insurance companies are experienced in insuring these vehicles. It’s recommended to research and compare insurance providers, considering their expertise in handling wheelchair-accessible vehicle coverage and their understanding of the unique needs of the policyholder.
Why are wheelchair-accessible vehicles so expensive to insure?
Modified vehicles are always more expensive to insure due to the higher price of repairs and replacement parts.
How many people drive wheelchair-accessible vehicles?
Driving is a habit for 60.4% of persons with impairments, compared to the 91.7% of drivers without disabilities. Those with disabilities who are working are three times more likely to live without a car. Additionally, even if a vehicle is present in their household, they are less likely to drive it.
SUVs vs. wheelchair-accessible vans: which is cheaper to insure?
Vans and SUVs both come with high safety ratings that can keep car insurance rates low, but auto insurance for wheelchair-accessible vans will cost slightly less than SUV insurance.
What is the best wheelchair-accessible SUV?
The modified Chevy Traverse is one of the most popular models because its ramp is bigger than other SUVs. The Chevy Suburban, GM Yukon XL, and Cadillac Escalade ESV are also popular wheelchair-accessible vehicles.
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Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
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Daniel Walker
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.