Car insurance for disabled drivers

What car insurance do I need as a disabled driver?

It depends on what equipment and modifications you have and finding a car insurance policy that can cover everything you need it to. Car insurance can cover a range of equipment and modifications, such as:

• Wheelchair hoists or ramps
• Modified pedals
• Adapted controls
• Scooter or wheelchair storage
• Steering wheel controls.

You'll need to declare any modifications when you search for car insurance quotes, as it ensures you have the right cover in place. However, not doing so can invalidate your insurance. That's because standard car insurance doesn't offer cover for whatever modifications you may have to help you drive.

Which car insurance add-ons are essential for disabled drivers?

Disabled drivers may benefit from specific car insurance add-ons that help maintain mobility and minimise disruption if their vehicle is unavailable. Useful extras can include adapted courtesy vehicle cover, enhanced breakdown assistance, and cover for specialist equipment or modifications. Choosing the right optional features can provide greater reassurance and ensure that any adaptations essential for driving are properly protected.

If you can't find car insurance with the necessary cover in place to suit your needs, you can also search for specialist policies. Insurance brokers may also be able to find policies that include the cover you require.

Is car insurance more expensive for disabled drivers?

No. That's because insurers aren't legally allowed to charge car insurance premiums that discriminate against disabled drivers. Under the Equality Act 2010, insurers cannot charge more due to disability.

Just like any other driver, your premiums are calculated based on a range of factors, including your driving history, age, address, mileage and more. However, your premiums may rise if your car's modifications increase the vehicle's value/repair cost.

What is the Motability Scheme, and who is eligible?

The Motability Scheme enables disabled drivers to lease a new vehicle or wheelchair-accessible vehicle (WAV) in exchange for their qualifying mobility allowance. Car insurance, tax and breakdown cover are included as part of the scheme, with leases available over three or five years.

In terms of eligibility, you can apply to join the scheme if you receive one of the following disability allowances:

• Enhanced rate mobility part of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• Higher rate mobility part of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
• War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS)
• Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP)
• Enhanced rate mobility part of Adult Disability Payment (Scotland)
• Higher rate mobility component of Child Disability Payment (Scotland).

To apply, you'll need to have at least 12 months of allowance remaining. To check how long you have left, you can contact your allowance provider or check your allowance award letter.

If you lease a car through Motability, you'll receive additional benefits, such as:

1. Fully comprehensive car insurance (social and commuting use)
2. Breakdown cover
3. Windscreen cover and tyre replacement
4. Valid car tax (VED)
5. Servicing and MOT
6. Any agreed adaptations you require
7. Cover for up to 3 named drivers
8. For electric vehicles (EV), cover for the cost of a home charging point

Does having a Blue Badge affect the cost of my car insurance?

Having a Blue Badge does not automatically reduce your car insurance premiums. That's because a number of factors are used to calculate the cost of your car insurance, including your age, driving history, mileage, address and more.

However, some insurers may offer you a lower premium based on a Blue Badge giving you access to secure parking spots, mitigating the risk of accidents and damage.

Who is eligible for a Blue Badge?

You can apply for the Blue Badge scheme if you have a disability or health condition that affects your mobility. You're eligible for the scheme automatically if:

• You get the higher rate of the mobility component of DLA
• You claim PIP and score eight points or more under the ‘moving around’ activity of the mobility component
• You're registered as blind
• You receive a War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement
• You have received a lump sum benefit from the Armed Forces and Reserve Forces Compensation Scheme (within tariff levels 1-8)
• You receive the mobility component of PIP and have obtained 10 points specifically for descriptor E under the ‘planning and following journeys’ activity, on the grounds that you are unable to undertake any journey because it would cause you overwhelming psychological distress

There are other circumstances whereby you may be eligible for a Blue Badge. This is usually decided by your local council, who will assess the evidence you present in your application.

How do you apply for a Blue Badge?

To apply for a Blue Badge, you can do so online or by contacting your local council. When applying, you'll need to provide:

1. A recent digital photo showing your head and shoulders
2. Proof of identification (such as a birth certificate, passport or driving licence)
3. Proof of address from the last 12 months (such as a Council Tax bill or government letter)
4. Proof of benefits (if you get any)
5. Full details of your medical condition (if you’re not considered automatically eligible for a badge)

You’ll also need to know:

• Your National Insurance number (if you have one)
• Full details of your current Blue Badge (if you’re reapplying)

It can take a while for your application to be processed by your local council, and you may be asked to undertake a mobility assessment.

A Blue Badge costs up to £10 in England and £20 in Scotland. It’s free in Wales.

What are the main benefits of having a Blue Badge?

A Blue Badge can provide you access to disabled parking spaces, either as a passenger or driver. It's intended for on-street parking only, private car parks tend to operate under different conditions.

Depending on your location and local council, you may also be exempt from certain parking restrictions. Some of these benefits include:

• Yellow line(s) parking up to a designated time
• Reduced road tax (VED)
• Exemption from congestion charges and various tolls

Do I need to tell the DVLA about my disability or medical condition?

Yes, it's a legal requirement to notify the DVLA of any medical condition or disability you have that may affect how you drive. You must declare information that can affect your ability to drive safely if you have a pre-existing condition or anything you develop after you receive your driving licence.

Here are some examples of medical conditions you must declare to the DVLA:

• Strokes
• Syncope (fainting episodes)
• Heart conditions
• Epilepsy
• Diabetes
• Sleep apnoea.

To find out if you'll need to declare your medical condition, you can check online.

If you fail to inform the DVLA of any medical condition you have, you can be fined up to £1,000. In addition, if you have an accident, you could be prosecuted, and your car insurance provider may cancel your policy, leaving you liable for costs.