In the United States, approximately 50 million individuals are reported having a chronic, or long-lasting, disabling condition making the segment of the population the country’s largest minority. With such a large population, there’s often confusion about whether or not an insurance company is legally required to offer coverage to individuals with disabilities without hiking up the premiums.
So, with such a wide audience currently being under-served, an insurance company using common sense would market products and services specifically to the niche. Myths surrounding auto coverage, however, tend to make insurance company providers a bit uneasy when offering policies.
What the Law Says…
Almost everyone is somewhat familiar with The Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Act of 1990, especially individuals with disabilities and advocates active in the disability community. While it’s often a misconception the people with disabilities are only guaranteed protection of rights regarding public transportation, the ADA also entitles the same individuals to vehicle coverage from an insurance company of their choice without the fear of discrimination.
Insurance companies are prohibited to deny auto coverage or require a higher premium based solely on the fact of a disability, unless there’s documented evidence to prove or suggest an individual’s disability increases the driver’s personal risk and/or to others while beyond the wheel.
For example, an insurance company may rightfully consider a diabetic with driver license’s restrictions prone to frequent hypoglycemic as a potential high-risk policy holder. On the contrary, an insurance company can’t raise premiums on an individual suffering a loss of limb. Why? Research indicates drivers with such disabilities are more cautious and less of a threat than non-disabled drivers.
The Insurance Company’s Rights
An insurance company has the right to select what policies and coverage offered. Premiums and deductibles are calculated based on individual driving records, insurance scores and those deemed as a potential high risk policy holder.
Although an insurance company is not allowed to discriminate against customers with disabilities, if the individual has serious infractions on a driving record (whether directly related to the disability or not), then the insurance company does have the legal right to deny or cancel existing coverage. .
Fortunately, the majority of reputable insurance companies understand the laws as well as the severe legal ramifications for intentionally denying a person with a disability vehicle coverage or charging illegitimate premiums.
The Individual’s Right
As a person with a disability it’s your right to notify your insurance company of things such as changes in your medical condition that may affect your ability to drive, vehicle modifications, and any existing restrictions on your driver’s license. You also have the right to request a quote for any insurance company of your choice and expect to receive the same level of customer service as others.
Related Links to Insurance Company Coverage:
-http://www.allstate.com/auto-insurance/auto-insurance-coverage-options.aspx
-http://californiaautoinsurancezone.com/Car_Insurance_For_People_With_Disabili ties.html
-http://ezinearticles.com/?Are-Car-Insurance-Companies-Discriminating-Against-the-Disabled?&id=2889671
