Choosing Better Insurance Coverage

Few things are more important than having the right insurance coverage. About ten years ago, I was involved in a near-fatal crash where I experienced traumatic physical and emotional injuries. It was really challenging for me to endure the hospital stay and subsequent physical rehabilitation, but with the help of my medical team and my insurance company, I was able to overcome the challenge and completely recover. This blog is all about the importance of choosing the right insurance plan so that you can get on with your life and enjoy those precious years with your family and your friends.

Do You Have a Physical Disability? Why You May Pay More for Auto Insurance and How to Keep Rates Low

Insurance Blog

According to some statistics, disabled motorists pay more for car insurance coverage than those who aren't disabled. This isn't discrimination; it's just that disabled drivers have needs and face risks that are more expensive to insure. As a disabled motorist, it's good to know what these risks and needs are so you can shop for inexpensive coverage. Two main reasons for the increased premiums are modification coverage and mobility coverage.

Modification Coverage

Depending on your impairment, you may need different forms of vehicle modification to continue driving your car. For example, if both of your legs have been amputated, you need to modify the brake and accelerator controls so that you can control them with your hands. The modifications cost money, and if they are damaged in an accident, your car would cost more to repair than a comparable car without the modifications. For this reason, if your auto insurance covers these modified parts (meaning you have custom parts and equipment coverage), you will pay higher premiums than drivers of unmodified cars.

Mobility Coverage

A big advantage of car insurance is that, with the right coverage, your insurer will provide you with a temporary means of transportation while your car is being repaired. The usual arrangement is that the insurer reimburses you for the rental cost of a car similar to yours. Therefore, if you are driving a modified car, the insurer will have to pay the rental for a similar while yours is being fixed. As you can imagine, such modified cars may cost more to rent than unmodified cars. Insurers take care of such costs by charging slightly higher premiums for this coverage.

How to Get and Keep Inexpensive Coverage

Be as honest as possible with your insurance company. For example, there is no need taking steps to hide your disability from the insurer; they will find out about it sooner or later. If the insurer suspects that your disability makes you a dangerous motorist, you may need a medical clearance form that certifies you are a fit diver.

Insurance companies differ in how they assess risk. This means one company may charge you a higher rate for your modified equipment than others. Therefore, talk to your insurance agent about your modifications so they can factor this in while helping you shop for insurance. That way you are more likely to land an insurance package that fits your needs and doesn't cost an arm and a leg.

For more information about car insurance for those with disabilities, talk to companies such as Biglow & Company.

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12 July 2016