When I got my kids a dog, I had no idea that it could affect my homeowners insurance. I happened to run into my insurance agent in the store when I was buying dog food and he asked me what kind of dog we had. When I told him, he said I should stop in the office the next day. I had no idea that things like this could affect premiums, so I started asking what else could do it as well. I created this site to help others understand some of the finer points of homeowners insurance and what they should think about to manage their rates.
Disabilities, even those involving limb or hearing loss, doesn't automatically bar someone from driving. Additionally, the Americans with Disabilities Act prevents insurance companies from charging you more for coverage or discriminating against you in any other way because of your disability. However, there are times when your condition may impact your coverage. Here's what you need to know about this issue.
You May Need Additional Coverage
Although the insurance company can't charge you more for the same coverage because of your disability, you may need to obtain additional insurance to cover modifications made to your vehicle. For instance, if you have a wheelchair lift or pedal extenders installed, you may need to add on an equipment rider to pay for damage to these items caused by an accident. Other possible riders you may need include one that cover modifications to the vehicle and another that pays for specialized transportation while your vehicle is out of commission.
Another issue is you may need to opt for higher policy limits if the modifications you make to your vehicle increase its value. If your van is normally worth $20,000 but the modifications boosts its value to $45,000, you need to make sure your policy limits are high enough to completely cover the cost of repairing or replacing it.
Your Eligibility for Coverage May Change
As noted previously, the Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits insurance companies from discriminating against you simply because you have a disability. As long as you are cleared to drive by your healthcare provider and the DMV, the insurance company can't use your disability to reject your application for a policy.
However, like people without a disability, your eligibility for coverage is tied to your ability to drive safely on the road. If your healthcare provider and/or the DMV feel your condition has deteriorated to a point where you would be considered a road hazard, you may not be approved for further coverage by your or any other insurance company.
You may be required to submit paperwork on a regular basis (usually when it's time to renew or after you're involved in an accident) stating you're still able to drive safely. Each company is different, so be certain you know your provider's rules and adhere to them as much as possible to avoid an interruption in your policy.
Another issue is your policy may be changed or cancelled in certain situations. If the DMV suspends or revokes your license due to an accident caused by your disability, your policy may be cancelled since generally you must have a valid drivers' license to purchase insurance. At the very least, you may be required to switch to a different type of coverage to protect other people who may drive your vehicle.
For more information about these issues or assistance with choosing the best coverage for you, contact an auto insurance company like Clifford P Beauvais Insurance Agency.
Share25 April 2017
