Auto Insurance And Wheelchair Carrier Coverage: What You Need To Know

If you're looking to modify your vehicle to accommodate a wheelchair, you may be wondering whether your auto insurance will cover it. Unfortunately, auto insurance does not typically cover the cost of purchasing a wheelchair-accessible vehicle or modifying an existing vehicle. This includes wheelchair lifts, which are considered vehicle modifications. While auto insurance for wheelchair-accessible vehicles can be more expensive, it is still possible to obtain coverage from insurers that offer policies for modified cars. It's important to be transparent with your insurance company about any vehicle modifications and your specific disability to ensure proper coverage.

Does Medicare cover wheelchair carriers?

If you're looking to modify your vehicle to accommodate a wheelchair carrier, you might be wondering whether your insurance will cover it. Unfortunately, Medicare does not cover wheelchair carriers. Medicare has many exceptions, and wheelchair-accessible vehicles are one of them. This doesn't only apply to Medicare, either. Auto insurance will never help pay for a new vehicle purchase, and health insurance providers will likely cover the cost of the wheelchair but not a wheelchair-accessible vehicle or wheelchair lifts.

However, Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) does cover wheelchairs and power-operated vehicles (scooters) as durable medical equipment (DME) that your doctor prescribes for use in your home. To qualify for this coverage, you must meet specific requirements set by Medicare. Firstly, you must have a face-to-face examination and obtain a written prescription from a treating provider before Medicare covers a power wheelchair or scooter. Additionally, Part B only covers power wheelchairs and scooters when they are medically necessary.

To obtain Medicare coverage for a wheelchair or scooter, you must meet the following requirements:

• The doctor treating your condition must submit a written order to Medicare, called a Certificate of Necessity, stating that you have a medical need for a wheelchair or scooter for use in your home.
• You have limited mobility and meet specific conditions: you have a health condition that causes significant difficulty moving around in your home, and you're unable to perform daily living activities (such as bathing, dressing, or using the bathroom) even with the help of a cane, crutch, or walker.
• You are able to safely operate and get on and off the wheelchair or scooter, or you have someone who is always available to help you use the device.
• The doctor treating you for the condition that requires a wheelchair or scooter and the supplier both accept Medicare.
• Your doctor or supplier has visited your home and verified that you can use the equipment within your home, ensuring it fits through doorways and isn't blocked by floor surfaces or obstacles.

It's important to note that even if Medicare covers your wheelchair or scooter, you may still need to pay a portion of the cost. After meeting the Part B deductible, you typically pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount if your supplier accepts assignment. Additionally, you may need to rent or buy the equipment, depending on your specific situation and Medicare's determination.

Will auto insurance cover a wheelchair-accessible vehicle?

Auto insurance for wheelchair-accessible vehicles can be expensive, but it is available. It is important to note that auto insurance will not cover the cost of purchasing a wheelchair-accessible vehicle or modifications made to a vehicle to accommodate a wheelchair. This includes wheelchair lifts, which are not covered by Medicare or auto insurance.

However, auto insurance for drivers with disabilities can cover accidents involving a wheelchair-accessible vehicle, and it is recommended that you disclose any vehicle modifications to your insurer to ensure they are covered. Insurance rates for wheelchair-accessible vehicles are based on the driver and the vehicle, and adaptive vehicles may have higher insurance rates due to their higher cost of repair or replacement.

While auto insurance may not cover the initial cost of a wheelchair-accessible vehicle, it can provide long-term protection for your vehicle. It is also worth noting that Medicare and other medical insurance providers may cover the cost of a wheelchair, but not the vehicle itself.

To find the best rates for auto insurance for a wheelchair-accessible vehicle, it is recommended to shop around and compare quotes from multiple companies. Being transparent about your disability and any vehicle modifications is essential to ensure proper coverage.

In addition to auto insurance, there are other options for financial assistance when purchasing a wheelchair-accessible vehicle, including veteran assistance, state assistance programs, and auto loans.

What is the cost of a wheelchair carrier?

The cost of a wheelchair carrier varies depending on the type of vehicle and the specific modifications made to accommodate the wheelchair. According to Mobility Express, adding a wheelchair lift to a pickup truck, SUV, or minivan can cost around $30,000. The cost can vary depending on the type of ramp and flooring chosen. Rear-entry ramps are typically more affordable, while power ramps, necessary for drivers who use wheelchairs, are more expensive. Rubber flooring, while more expensive, offers better grip and is easier to clean than carpeting.

When considering the cost of a wheelchair carrier, it is also important to factor in the price of the vehicle itself. The cost of a brand-new wheelchair-adapted car with specialised equipment for disabled drivers is estimated to be around $80,000. However, there are options to reduce the financial burden. Some auto manufacturers offer mobility rebates, and there are also national and local funding options available, such as grants and donations. Additionally, auto loans and state assistance programs can provide financial assistance in purchasing an accessible vehicle.

It is worth noting that auto insurance policies typically do not cover the cost of purchasing a wheelchair-accessible vehicle or the modifications required. However, they can provide coverage for accident repairs and conversion replacement if the appropriate add-ons are included in the policy. Being transparent about your disability and the vehicle modifications with your insurance provider is essential for ensuring proper coverage.

How to find funding for a wheelchair carrier?

There are several options for funding a wheelchair carrier, and the process will vary depending on your location and circumstances. Firstly, it is important to do your research and be patient, as the process of securing funding may take some time. You should also prepare all the necessary documents, such as your driver's license, financial information, and medical records, to ensure a smooth application process.

One option is to apply for grants, which do not need to be repaid and can be combined with funds from other sources. There are national and state-level grants available, offered by various organisations, charities, and government bodies. For example, the National Organization for Vehicle Accessibility provides grants for accessible vans, wheelchair lifts, and car top carriers, contributing 25% of the cost up to a cap of $5,000. The Brighter Tomorrow Grant, offered by the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, provides goods and services to improve the quality of life of those with disabilities, with a maximum award of $1,000. The Christian Fund for the Disabled (CFD) is another grant with a maximum award of $1,500, which requires sponsorship from a church that is willing to match the funds.

In addition to grants, you can also explore funding from private insurance providers, special financing programs with your bank, or state-funded programs. If you have insurance through Medicare, Medicaid, or if you are a veteran, you may qualify for government funding for mobility scooters. Medicare covers up to 80% of the total cost or the maximum price per product allotted, while Medicaid covers medical care almost fully, although the requirements to qualify differ from state to state. For veterans, programs such as Tricare, Champva for Life (CFL), and Veterans Directed Home and Community Based Services (VD-HCBS) offer financial assistance for medical devices and equipment.

Another option is to check with dealers and manufacturers, as some offer rebate programs or discounts on adaptive equipment. For example, Toyota's Mobility Assistance Program offers a cash reimbursement of up to $1,000 for aftermarket adaptive equipment or conversion.

Finally, you can also consider fundraising as a way to fund your wheelchair carrier. Organisations such as HelpHOPELive, a non-profit that helps people raise money for medical needs, have partnered with companies like NMEDA to support individuals in purchasing handicap accessible vehicles. Other fundraising sites include Indiegogo and GoFundMe.

What is the best insurance for a wheelchair-accessible vehicle?

Overview

Wheelchair-accessible vehicles are typically more expensive to insure than standard cars due to the higher cost of repairs and replacement parts for modified vehicles. However, it is important to note that insurance companies cannot discriminate or charge higher premiums solely based on disability status.

Key Considerations

When looking for the best insurance for a wheelchair-accessible vehicle, there are several factors to consider:

• Disclosure of modifications: Be sure to disclose all modifications made to the vehicle, such as wheelchair ramps, lifts, restraints, and driving aids. This ensures that your insurance policy covers these adaptations in the event of an accident.
• Equipment coverage: Verify that your insurance policy covers both basic handicapped equipment (e.g., wheelchair lift) and special equipment (e.g., lowered floors, lockdown systems). You may need to purchase additional coverage for custom parts and equipment (CPE).
• Disability classification: Disclosing your specific disability helps ensure an accurate assessment of your risk level while driving. This information can impact your coverage and premiums.
• Comparison shopping: Compare quotes and policies from multiple insurance companies. Ask about discounts, coverage limits, and any additional benefits or exclusions.
• Honesty and transparency: Provide accurate and comprehensive information to your insurance company. Misrepresenting or withholding information can lead to denied claims or even insurance fraud accusations.

Recommended Insurance Companies

While there are no specialized providers exclusively for wheelchair-accessible vehicles, several companies offer competitive rates and comprehensive coverage for modified cars:

• Esurance: Offers full coverage for modified cars, with rates starting at approximately $333/month.
• Hagerty and Safeco: May offer more affordable rates than Esurance.
• Clock Mobility: Offers comprehensive coverage for wheelchair-accessible vehicles, including coverage for adaptive features and mobility equipment.
• Progressive: Emphasizes the importance of honest discussions about adaptive technologies and offers optional coverages like roadside assistance and increased coverage limits.

Additional Options

In addition to traditional insurance companies, there are other options to consider for financial assistance:

• Veteran assistance: If you are a veteran, you may qualify for rebates or donations to help with the cost of a mobility van.
• State assistance: Many states offer grant programs and financial assistance to help individuals with disabilities obtain the necessary equipment, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles.
• Auto loans: Financing options are available to help make the purchase of an accessible vehicle more affordable.

Frequently asked questions