Auto Insurance with a Disability

The Americans with Disabilities Act (1990) was created to ensure that disabled Americans are not treated unfairly or discriminated against as a result of their disabilities. This protection extends to all aspects of life, including auto insurance rates.

The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits auto insurance companies from unfairly increasing insurance rates for disabled people. This does not mean, however, that insurers cannot charge higher premiums, but it does mean that if they charge higher rates for disabled people, those increased rates must be based on sound statistical data that shows an increased risk for people with a specific type of disability.

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What Disabilities Might affect your Premiums?

Disabilities or medical conditions such as epilepsy, heart conditions and diabetes may not affect your ability to drive, but they may affect whether or not an insurance company agrees to cover you. However, they may not charge increased premiums based on your health.

In the case of epilepsy, most states impose some restrictions on driving. In general, a person with epilepsy must have been seizure-free for a certain length of time before being eligible to drive and obtain insurance.

If you are Diagnosed with a Disabling Condition

If you’re diagnosed with a disabling condition, it is important to notify your insurance company of this fact. Failure to provide this notification may result in a claim being considered invalid if you should have to make one in the future.

Physically disabled people such as amputees may need to drive a modified car that allows them to drive effectively, and this in itself may increase premium costs slightly if such modifications increase the value or cost of the car. However, as long as a physically disabled person is able to drive effectively, their premiums cannot be increased solely on the basis of their disability.

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**Auto Insurance Finder is not an insurance broker or carrier. Content on this site is for comparison and informational purposes only. The products and services listed on this site may not be available in all states.

Last Updated: November 10, 2009