Broken Wrist: Am I Still Covered By Car Insurance?

If you've broken your wrist, you might be wondering if you're insured to drive. While a broken wrist doesn't impact your license status, it's important to consider your ability to drive safely and maintain control of your vehicle. Factors like the type of splint or cast, your driving capacity, and your vehicle's transmission type will influence your decision. It's crucial to consult your doctor and insurance company for personalized advice, as failing to notify them could result in legal and financial consequences if you're involved in an accident.

Driving with a cast

The size and type of cast or splint are important factors to consider. A wrist splint or a wrist-and-thumb splint may not be safe to drive with, as they can restrict your movement. The material of the splint is also a consideration—a rigid thermoplastic splint will allow less movement than a neoprene splint with no metal supports. If you are unable to use two hands, you may not be able to drive, even with an automatic car.

In some cases, driving with a cast may invalidate your insurance. It is important to check with your insurance company before driving. If you drive against the advice of a doctor or surgeon, your insurance may not cover you in the event of an accident. If your doctor determines that you are unfit to drive, you must comply and arrange alternative transportation.

It is also important to note that certain professions, such as bus and truck drivers, are held to higher medical standards. If you are unable to drive due to your cast, you may need to take a practical driving assessment to determine your driving ability. This assessment is not a test of competency but rather an evaluation of your capacity to drive safely.

Ultimately, the decision to drive with a cast should be made based on your ability to control the vehicle safely and in accordance with the advice of your doctor and insurance company.

Driving with a splint

Firstly, the size and placement of the splint are important. Finger-based splints, such as mallet finger or cap splints, are generally considered safe to drive with as they only immobilize one or a few finger joints. In contrast, wrist splints or wrist-and-thumb splints are more cumbersome and may restrict your ability to fully turn the steering wheel, change gears, or use the indicators. The material of the splint also matters—neoprene splints without metal supports offer more functionality than rigid thermoplastic splints.

Secondly, the type of vehicle you drive is a factor. Motorbikes, for example, may be more challenging to operate with a splint due to the need for simultaneous clutch and gear changes. Driving a manual car with a left-hand splint can be more demanding than an automatic car, as you must be able to change gears smoothly.

Thirdly, your insurance coverage is a vital consideration. Some insurance companies may not cover you if you are in an accident while wearing a splint, so checking your policy's Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) is essential. Additionally, driving against medical advice or while affected by your injury may invalidate your insurance.

Lastly, your confidence and driving capacity are key. If you are not confident driving with a splint, it is best to refrain from doing so. Your treating hand therapist, GP, or surgeon can provide guidance on whether it is safe for you to drive with a splint. Ultimately, as a driver, you are responsible for ensuring you are fit to drive and have safe control of your vehicle.

Doctor's advice

Doctors' advice on driving with a broken wrist will vary depending on the patient's condition and the type of vehicle they drive. As a general rule, insurance companies will not cover you if you drive against the recommendations of your doctor or surgeon. Doctors should record their advice in the patient's notes, and the patient should follow this advice.

If you have recently had surgery, your doctor will likely advise against driving, especially if you are taking strong pain medication that may impair your ability to drive safely. In addition, the type of splint you are wearing can impact your driving ability. For example, finger-based splints are generally considered safe to drive with, while wrist and wrist-and-thumb splints are more cumbersome and may not be safe. The material of the splint is also important to consider; neoprene splints with no metal supports allow much more function than rigid thermoplastic splints.

If you have a broken wrist, it is important to consider your driving capacity and your vehicle. Those who drive manual cars may find it challenging to change gears with a broken wrist, while this is not an issue for those with automatic cars. It is worth noting that even if you are technically allowed to drive with a broken wrist, you must still be in a position to have proper control of the vehicle. If you are unable to achieve this, you should not drive until you can safely control the vehicle.

If your recovery is expected to take longer than three months, you should inform your insurers and follow their guidance. However, if your disability is considered short-term, you may be advised that you are fit to drive but should exercise caution during the early stages of your recovery. Ultimately, the decision to drive with a broken wrist should be made in consultation with your doctor, taking into account your individual circumstances and driving abilities.

Insurance company policies

It is important to note that insurance companies will not cover you if you drive against the recommendations of your doctor or surgeon. Your doctor will determine whether you are fit to drive and how much your injury will impact your ability to operate a vehicle. If they advise against driving, you must comply and find alternative transportation.

In the event of an accident, insurance companies may investigate its cause. If it is determined that your broken wrist was the primary cause of the accident, you may not be covered by your insurance. This is because driving with a broken wrist can compromise your ability to drive and put yourself and others at risk. Therefore, it is crucial to assess your driving capacity and confidence, the type of vehicle you drive, and the size and material of your splint or cast before getting behind the wheel.

Different standards apply for drivers of private and commercial vehicles. Professional drivers, such as bus and truck drivers, are typically held to higher medical standards due to the demands of their work and the potential for more serious consequences in the event of an accident. As such, they may be required to meet specific health or medical requirements to continue driving after an injury.

Vehicle type

The type of vehicle you drive is an important consideration when determining whether you can drive with a broken wrist. Different vehicles have different requirements for hand and wrist movement, which may be challenging if your wrist is injured.

If you drive a manual car, you will need to be able to change gears with your hands while also steering the vehicle. This could be difficult if your broken wrist affects your ability to grip and turn the steering wheel or shift gears smoothly. In such cases, driving a manual car with a broken wrist may not be advisable.

On the other hand, if you drive an automatic car, the challenge of shifting gears is eliminated. However, you still need to consider whether you can safely steer the vehicle, operate the indicators, and perform emergency maneuvers with your broken wrist. Some automatic cars have twist dials that may be challenging to operate with a broken wrist, especially if it is in a cast or a bulky splint.

The size and type of splint or cast you have can also impact your ability to drive certain vehicles. For example, a wrist splint or a wrist-and-thumb splint may be more cumbersome and restrict your wrist movement more than a smaller finger-based splint. The material of the splint also matters; rigid thermoplastic splints may allow less function than more flexible neoprene splints.

It is important to note that professional drivers, such as bus or truck drivers, are typically held to higher medical standards to ensure the safety of themselves and others. If you are a professional driver, you may need to meet stricter requirements to be cleared to drive with a broken wrist, even if it is in a cast or splint.

Ultimately, the decision to drive with a broken wrist depends on your individual circumstances, including the type of vehicle you drive, the severity of your injury, and the type of cast or splint you have. It is always advisable to consult with your doctor or surgeon and your insurance company to ensure you are safe and covered before getting behind the wheel.

Frequently asked questions