{"id":9739,"date":"2023-01-24T09:29:07","date_gmt":"2023-01-24T15:29:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/c1mdevsite.com\/clockmobility.com\/?p=9739"},"modified":"2023-01-25T03:00:09","modified_gmt":"2023-01-25T09:00:09","slug":"insurance-for-wheelchair-accessible-vehicles","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/c1mdevsite.com\/clockmobility.com\/insurance-for-wheelchair-accessible-vehicles\/","title":{"rendered":"Insurance for Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Auto insurance has always been a tricky subject, and it\u2019s no less tricky for wheelchair-accessible van owners. Since handicapped vans are modified versions of factory models, they can require additional insurance coverage. To help you prepare for the road ahead, we\u2019ve put together a comprehensive guide to wheelchair-accessible van insurance and discussed different factors that will affect your coverage and the cost of your policy.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

How Does Insurance for Wheelchair-Accessible Vehicles Work?<\/span><\/h2>\n

To understand how and why wheelchair-accessible vans are treated differently than other vehicles, it\u2019s important to know the basics of how auto insurance works. When you get an insurance policy, you pay a monthly premium in exchange for coverage against accidents and damage caused by others. Your insurer also covers any losses that may come up as a result of theft or vandalism.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Regarding wheelchair-accessible vans, you might think that since the chassis is covered by insurance, the mobility devices inside are also covered. Unfortunately, that\u2019s not the case. What your insurance plan covers all depends on your policy, what kind of vehicle you have, and your state\u2019s requirements.<\/span><\/p>\n

Some comprehensive and collision policies will cover the cost of damage done to your vehicle but not the cost of damages done to after-market equipment or modifications. Others may cover the cost of damage done to mobility equipment as long as you explain to your insurance provider what kind of equipment your vehicle has and how much it is worth when you initially set up your policy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

To make certain that your wheelchair, modifications, and any other mobility equipment is covered in the event of an accident, you may want to consider custom parts and equipment coverage (CPE).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

CPE is an addition to your policy that covers costs associated with repairing or replacing any damaged parts or equipment in an accident or incident that is not usually covered by a standard policy. It is important to note that comprehensive and collision policies are often required by state law, but CPE is optional. However, even though it may cost more, CPE may go a long way toward helping you save thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses after an accident.<\/span><\/p>\n

To get the best coverage, it is crucial to provide accurate information and disclose all modifications and adaptive features when you set up your policy. This should include but is not limited to, information regarding your wheelchair\/scooter, wheelchair\/scooter lift, ramps, restraints, kneeling systems, driving aids, and more. If you do not disclose everything or misrepresent facts, your insurance provider may deny your claim or charge you with insurance fraud.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Can My Disability Affect My Auto Insurance Coverage?<\/span><\/h2>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”2\/3″][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]While it’s true that auto insurance for wheelchair-accessible vans is a bit different than the average auto insurance policy, it is important to note that your disability has nothing to do with the coverage you get. Similarly, an insurer cannot deny your claim or offer less coverage because of your disability status. The only time your disability status could affect your coverage is if you have a medical condition that could potentially increase the chances of an accident. In this case, insurers may offer reduced coverage or require additional underwriting conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n

Although a disability cannot affect the cost of insurance coverage, the modifications in your vehicle can. When you have a vehicle that has been modified with accessible equipment, it can affect your premium\u2019s insured declared value (IDV). IDV is the total amount that an insurer would pay if they had to settle a claim for damages to your vehicle. This amount is based on the market value of a vehicle minus depreciation and other factors like wear and tear.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you have a high IDV because of accessibility modifications or upgrades on your vehicle, then you can expect higher premiums for auto insurance coverage and higher deductibles for any claims made during an accident or other incident that caused damage to your vehicle.\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/3″][vc_empty_space][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][vc_single_image image=”9746″ img_size=”full” alignment=”right” onclick=”link_image”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” css=”.vc_custom_1674567649161{background-color: #ddd8c3 !important;}”][vc_column width=”1\/6″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”2\/3″][vc_empty_space]