Our guide to insurance for disabled drivers
There are around 1.9 million disabled drivers in the UK and 400,000 adapted vehicles[1]. If you’re a disabled driver, you shouldn’t pay more for your car insurance policy than a non-disabled driver.
In this guide we’ll explain how to go about getting the right car insurance policy for you, at a price that’s fair.
Do I need to contact the DVLA?
It’s essential that you inform the DVLA if you have developed a medical condition or disability that affects your ability to drive safely, or your condition or disability has deteriorated since you received your driving licence. If you don’t, you could face a fine of up to £1,000 or even be prosecuted if you were to be involved in an accident where you’re at fault[2].
The Disability Discrimination Act 2005 and The Equality Act 2010
Insurers legally can’t penalise you for being disabled, and cannot refuse to insure you because of your disability. This is a recent development, as these protections have only been firmly enshrined in law by the Disability Discrimination Act 2005 and the Equality Act 2010.
Disabled drivers spend 47% less time behind the wheel compared to non-disabled drivers, according to the disability charity the Papworth Trust. Statistically, they are involved in fewer accidents too, so they may be considered a lower risk. [3] Most insurers today are aware of this and know that disabled drivers will have modifications to their cars to enable them to drive safely, not to enhance the look or performance of the car.
Motability Scheme
If you are using the Motability Scheme[4] to get a new car, you won’t need to get car insurance. This is because the car will already come with insurance. To qualify for the Motability Scheme, you need to receive one of the following:
- Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Daily Living Allowance
- Enhanced Rate Mobility Component of the Personal Independence Payment
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement
While you are on the Motability Scheme you can’t build up a no claims bonus. The car must be new and you can only keep it for three years. If you become disabled after you turn 65, you won’t qualify for the Motability Scheme.
Getting car insurance
You will need to get insurance if your car isn’t on the Motability Scheme. If you have a policy already and it is due to expire soon, start shopping around for quotes now.
If you’re a Blue Badge holder, some insurers may give you a discount. You can get quotes from standard insurers and disabled driver car insurance specialists. Both types of insurers will ask you specific questions about your disability and car modifications.
You need to be 100% honest and not withhold any information. They will then consider a number of factors when deciding how much to charge you for your insurance policy.
The insurer will consider various factors, including how many years no claims bonus you have, if you have any penalty points on your licence, how many years you’ve been driving, the car insurance group of your car, where you live and the crime rate of your area.
If you’d like to share the driving with your carer or personal assistant you’ll need to let your insurer know. Their driving record could impact the price you pay, especially if they’re inexperienced, have had claims and/or have points on their licence.
Before taking out any car insurance policy, you should carefully read the policy documents to make sure that the cover offered is adequate for your circumstances. For instance, if your insurer would provide you with a courtesy car in the event that your car was damaged and was off the road, you’d need to make sure it would have the right modifications to allow you to drive it.