Broken Finger: Can You Still Drive And Stay Insured?

Whether or not you are insured to drive with a broken finger depends on a variety of factors, including the type of splint you are wearing, your driving capacity, your insurance, your vehicle, and your confidence. It is important to check with your insurance company to confirm whether they have any prohibitions against driving with a broken finger. As a general rule, insurance companies will not cover you if you drive against the recommendations of a medical professional or if you are taking medication that may impair your driving. The size and type of splint you are wearing are also important considerations, as some splints may restrict your movement and affect your driving ability. If you are unsure, it is best to consult with a medical professional or your insurance provider to clarify whether you are insured to drive with a broken finger.

Check with your insurance company

It is important to check with your insurance company about driving with a broken finger. While some insurance companies may not cover you if you are in an accident while wearing a splint, this may depend on the type of splint you are wearing. For example, finger-based splints are generally considered safe to drive with, while wrist and thumb splints may not be. The material of the splint is also a factor, with neoprene splints allowing more function than rigid thermoplastic ones. You should also check if your insurance policy includes any exclusions or prohibitions against driving with a broken finger.

Your insurance company may also want to know if you are following the recommendations of your doctor or surgeon. If you have recently had surgery, your insurance may not cover you if you drive against their advice. It is important to ask your doctor or surgeon if they believe it is safe for you to drive, and to follow their recommendations. If they advise that it is safe, you may want to ask for written confirmation that you are fit to drive. This could be useful in the event of an accident, as it could help demonstrate that you were not driving against medical advice.

In addition, the type of vehicle you drive may be a factor in whether your insurance covers you while driving with a broken finger. For example, professional drivers such as bus or truck drivers may be held to higher medical standards than those who drive cars. The demands of driving a manual car compared to an automatic may also be a consideration if your broken finger is on your left hand.

Finally, it is important to note that you may be required to notify the relevant authorities if your broken finger will affect your driving for an extended period. For example, in the UK, you must tell the DVLA if you will be unable to drive for more than three months due to a broken limb. Not disclosing a medical condition that affects your driving can result in fines or prosecution in the event of an accident.

Doctor's advice

Doctors' advice:

Whether you're insured to drive with a broken finger or not, the first thing you should do is consult your doctor or surgeon. They will be able to advise you on whether it is safe for you to drive and can provide you with a document confirming your fitness to drive if necessary. If you are unsure, you can also ask your treating hand therapist or GP. It is important to follow your doctor's advice, as driving against their recommendations may affect your insurance coverage.

If you have a splint or brace on your broken finger, there are several factors you should consider before driving. Firstly, check the size and type of splint you have. Finger-based splints, such as mallet finger splints and cap splints, are generally considered safe to drive with. However, wrist splints and wrist-and-thumb splints may be more cumbersome and may restrict your driving ability. The material of the splint is also important; neoprene splints with no metal supports allow more function than rigid thermoplastic splints.

In addition to the type and size of the splint, you should also consider your driving capacity, insurance, vehicle, and confidence. If you are a professional driver, such as a bus or truck driver, you may be held to higher medical standards. Driving a manual car with a left-hand splint may also be more challenging than driving an automatic car.

It is important to check with your insurance company to confirm that you are covered while driving with a broken finger. Some insurance companies may not cover you if you are involved in an accident while wearing a splint. Review your insurance policy carefully and ask your insurance provider if you are unsure.

Finally, depending on your location, you may be required to notify the relevant authorities if your condition affects your driving. For example, in the UK, you must inform the DVLA if you are unable to drive for more than three months due to a broken limb. Not disclosing a medical condition that affects your driving can result in fines or legal consequences. Always prioritize your safety and the safety of others, and do not drive if you feel that your driving ability is impaired in any way.

Vehicle type

The type of vehicle you drive is an important consideration when determining whether you can drive with a broken finger. Different vehicles have different requirements for hand and finger movement, and the impact of a broken finger may vary depending on the type of vehicle you are operating.

If you drive a manual car, for example, you may need to use your left hand more than if you were driving an automatic car. A broken finger on your left hand could impact your ability to change gears and operate the clutch smoothly. This could potentially affect your driving performance and safety.

For professional drivers, such as bus or truck drivers, the standards for medical fitness are typically higher. These drivers are held to stricter standards to ensure the safety of themselves and others. A broken finger could potentially impact their ability to operate large vehicles safely, especially if it affects their grip strength or range of motion.

The size and type of your splint or brace can also depend on the type of vehicle you drive. For example, a finger-based splint, such as a mallet finger or cap splint, is generally considered safe to drive with, regardless of the vehicle type. However, a wrist splint or a wrist-and-thumb splint may be more cumbersome and could potentially interfere with your ability to operate certain vehicle controls. The material of the splint is also a factor—neoprene splints with no metal supports allow for more function than rigid thermoplastic splints.

It is crucial to consider your driving capacity, insurance coverage, and confidence in addition to seeking professional advice from your doctor, therapist, or surgeon to ensure that you can drive safely with a broken finger, regardless of the vehicle type.

Splint type

When considering driving with a broken finger, it is important to take into account the type of splint you are wearing, your driving capacity, your insurance, your vehicle, and your confidence.

The size and type of splint you use will depend on the nature of your injury, and your doctor or healthcare provider will advise you on the best option. Finger splints come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials. They are used to stabilise and immobilise the injured finger, holding it in one position to protect and support it as it heals.

Gutter splints are usually made of stiff metal or plastic, shaped like a U or half-circle that goes under and around your finger. Ulnar gutter splints are a variation that starts at the forearm, covering the wrist and wrapping around the ring and little fingers. Two-finger splints surround the injured finger with metal or plastic and then tape or bandage it to the neighbouring finger. Stack splints fit over the end of the injured finger, covering the tip, the palmar side, and the sides.

The size of the splint and the joints it restricts are important considerations when deciding whether it is safe to drive. Smaller finger-based splints, such as mallet finger splints and cap splints, generally allow for safer driving. On the other hand, wrist splints and wrist-and-thumb splints are bulkier and may hinder your driving ability. The material of the splint is also a factor; neoprene splints without metal supports offer more functionality than rigid thermoplastic splints.

It is important to note that some insurance companies may not cover you if you are in an accident while wearing a splint, so always check your policy. Additionally, if you are located in the UK, you must inform the DVLA if your condition will affect your driving or if you will be unable to drive for more than three months due to your injury.

Driving capacity

Driving with a broken finger can be challenging and depends on several factors, including your driving capacity, insurance, vehicle type, and confidence. Let's delve into these aspects to provide a comprehensive understanding of driving with a broken finger:

Your physical ability to drive with a broken finger is crucial. Assess your range of motion, grip strength, and comfort. Can you comfortably reach and control the steering wheel, gear stick, and pedals? Are you able to effectively operate indicators, headlights, and wipers? Ensure that your broken finger won't hinder your ability to perform these essential driving tasks. Additionally, consider the type of splint or brace you may need to wear. Finger-based splints, such as mallet finger splints and cap splints, generally allow for safe driving, as they immobilize specific finger joints without impacting your overall hand function. However, larger splints that extend from the hand to the elbow or restrict wrist and thumb movement may significantly hinder your driving ability.

Vehicle Type:

The type of vehicle you drive is an important consideration. Driving a manual car with a broken finger, especially if it's your left hand, can be more challenging due to the need for gear changes. In contrast, driving an automatic car may be more feasible, as it reduces the demand on your hand and fingers. Additionally, consider the size and position of the steering wheel, pedals, and other controls in your vehicle. Ensure that you can comfortably reach and operate all the necessary mechanisms.

Insurance Coverage:

Review your insurance policy carefully to understand your coverage. Contact your insurance company directly and seek confirmation regarding any concerns you may have about driving with a broken finger. While insurance policies typically cover driving with a minor injury, it is essential to disclose your condition and ensure they do not have any specific prohibitions. Some insurance companies may not cover you if you drive against medical advice or with known restrictions. Be transparent about your situation to avoid complications in the event of an accident.

Confidence and Comfort:

Assess your confidence and comfort level with driving. Even if your physical abilities allow it, consider whether you feel mentally prepared to handle the responsibilities of driving. Driving requires quick reactions and sound decision-making, so ensure that your broken finger won't distract you or cause discomfort while driving. If you have any doubts, it may be wise to refrain from driving until you feel completely ready.

Medical Advice:

Always seek the advice of your doctor, hand therapist, or surgeon regarding your driving capacity. They can provide personalized guidance based on the severity of your injury and your recovery progress. Follow their recommendations to ensure your safety and compliance with legal requirements. Remember, driving with an unmanaged injury could not only compromise your safety but also invalidate your insurance coverage if you are deemed unfit to drive.

Frequently asked questions