Car Insurance for Disabled Drivers in the UAE

Insurance for all vehicles is a necessity, not only as a safety measure but also as a legal requirement. Every car, two-wheelers, trucks and other personal and commercial vehicle need to have a valid insurance plan at all times. This includes specially modified vehicles for disabled drivers as well. Even though vehicle insurance plans are pretty much the same in terms of benefits for all kinds of vehicles, some extra protection is often needed for special vehicles designed for disabled drivers. Let’s cover all the important elements of car insurance for disabled drivers in the UAE and what kind of coverage will you need for your car for disabled drivers. 

What is Car Insurance for Disabled Drivers?

By definition, disabled driver insurance consists of special car insurance plans that are designed with a few added features to meet the special insurance needs of disabled drivers. Car insurance for disabled drivers is not very different from the generic kind of car insurance plans that we find in the UAE. The basic benefits covered are pretty much the same as normal car insurance plans. However, the main difference here is that car insurance for disabled drivers also covers special modifications made to the car for adapting it as per the driver’s needs. Where modifying your car for aesthetic purposes can lead to troubles in finding insurance, modifications made for disabled drivers get special coverage from the car insurance companies.

Available Car Insurance Coverage Options for Disabled Drivers

• Third-Party Car Insurance: As the name suggests, third-party disabled driver insurance plans only cover the third-party losses and damages in an accident where you are at fault. The cover includes repair expenses of the damages incurred by the vehicle as well as treatment expenses for third-party driver’s injuries. Repair expenses for any damages caused to own vehicle or injuries sustained are not included in this cover. 
• Comprehensive Car Insurance: Comprehensive car insurance is a combined cover with third-party liability coverage, accidental and collision cover for own vehicles, cover for theft and damages caused due to fire and other perils like natural or man-made disasters. In an accident where you are at fault, comprehensive disabled driver insurance would cover repair expenses for your as well as third-party vehicle and treatment expenses for you and the third-party driver. Apart from that, total loss of the car due to theft, non-repairable damages and other peril-caused damages are also covered. 

The disabled driver insurance plans are no different from the plans available for other drivers. The coverage pretty much remains the same. However, practical modifications of the cars are also included in the coverage and equally modified cars are presented when the courtesy vehicle or replacement vehicle benefits are used.

Car Insurance for Disabled Drivers Inclusions

Given below are some of the most common basic inclusions of car insurance for disabled drivers. Remember that basic benefits can change as per the plan you have chosen and the provider. 

• Third-party liability vehicular damages and injuries
• Damages incurred by own vehicle in an accident
• Damages incurred in a collision 
• Damages caused by a natural disaster
• Damages caused by a man-made disaster such as riots and vandalism 
• Theft of the vehicle
• Total loss of the vehicle in case of non-repairable damages
• Personal accident cover (may also be available as add-on cover)
• Roadside assistance 
• Breakdown cover (may also be available as an add-on)
• Windscreen protection cover
• Underinsured or uninsured drivers cover
• Courtesy replacement car cover

Additional Car Insurance Coverage to Consider 

• Coverage for modified or adapted parts – such as wheelchairs, customised mirrors, etc. 
• Mobility insurance cover to cover transportation costs when your car is undergoing repairs
• Legal cost benefit to cover any legal costs related to car insurance claims
• Breakdown cover if not included as a basic benefit
• Driving abroad insurance cover
• Personal accident cover if not included as a basic benefit
• Passenger accident cover
• Replacement of lost car keys
• Car accessory cover 
• No depreciation cover and NCB retention cover 
• Geographical extension 

Possible Auto Modifications for Disabled Drivers

Given below are some of the most common disabled driver car modifications that are covered by car insurance for disabled drivers:

• Amputee rings
• Hand controls, joysticks and steering knobs
• Parking brakes
• Power seats
• Steering devices
• Keyless entry & ignition
• Accelerator with Left-Foot Control
• Handbrake controls 
• Automatic doors
• Special mirrors
• Transfer seats and storage space for folks who use wheelchairs
• Pedal and seatbelt extensions
• Wheelchair ramps, adjustable seats and restraints
• Siren detectors

Is Car Insurance for Disabled Drivers More Expensive?

No, car insurance is not more expensive for disabled drivers than it is for other drivers, at least not based on the disabilities solely. Insurance companies are directed not to differentiate based on physical or other disabilities of the drivers as long as they are providing a certificate of being medically fit to drive. The insurance price of a disabled driver insurance plan may change according to the coverage you are buying and the add-ons you are choosing. There may be additional riders available to cover the modifications made to the car as well. If you choose to add these riders to your disabled driver insurance plan, the price will increase accordingly. 

Disabled Drivers Considered as High-Risk Drivers

It is true that insurance companies are not allowed to charge higher premiums on disabled driver insurance based only on disability. But some conditions may have you transferred to the category of high-risk drivers. Insurance providers can charge higher premiums if you have any of these conditions on the grounds that you are at a higher risk of being in an accident or causing one. These conditions and disabilities include:

• Paralysis: In addition to being a high-risk driver, you may have added equipment in your car such as a wheelchair, storage space, ramp, etc. This increases the market value of the car and hence, the insurance premium as well.
• Vision Impairment: This condition may lead to traffic rule violations and accidents.
• Epilepsy: Folks with epilepsy are prone to fainting and blackouts. If blacked out behind the wheel, a driver with epilepsy can cause serious accidents. 
• Hearing Impairment: Apart from basic inconveniences like not being able to identify car honks and horns, you may have to get modifications in the form of siren detectors, which increases the value of your car and hence the premium. 

Also Know Multi-Car Insurance in the UAE

Who Can Decide Whether You Are Fit to Drive as a Disabled Driver?

There are only two departments/entities that can determine whether you are fit to drive or not – the RTA and your medical advisor. You will need a clearance from your doctor in the form of a certificate that states you are fit to drive as a disabled driver in the UAE. The RTA will consider this certificate when issuing you a driving license. If you have any of the aforementioned conditions described on the certificate from your doctor, RTA will reflect that on your license. Insurance companies will have access to this information when you apply to buy car insurance for disabled drivers. Neither the insurance companies nor any other organisation/entity can determine your status as a driver apart from the aforementioned two. 

Tips to Follow to Buy Cheap Car Insurance for Disabled Drivers

Given below are some easy tricks and tips you can follow for choosing not only a comprehensive but also a cost-effective disabled driver insurance plan for your car:

• Choose Comprehensive Coverage: Comprehensive car insurance plans have evolved and become quite cost-effective over the years. The benefits offered do justice to the price of the plan. This makes opting for comprehensive car insurance a good idea to get cost-effective coverage with good benefits. 
• Consider Paying More Deductibles: Taking on a car insurance plan for disabled drivers with a higher deductible will help in decreasing the price of the plan without decreasing the coverage scope. Higher deductibles lower the risk for car insurance companies and hence the premium of insurance plans is also reduced. If you have a good driving record and are confident with your skills, choosing a high deductible car insurance plan can help you save a lot of money. 
• Keep the Car in Good Condition: The better condition your car is in, the lower rates you can get on your car insurance for disabled drivers plan. The condition of your car is a big deciding factor for insurance premiums. Cars that are well-maintained are less prone to breaking down or facing sudden failures. This means low risk for the insurance company, and hence, a lower premium rate on a better plan for you. 
• Drive Responsibly: Driving responsibly can easily earn you some additional benefits and discounts on car insurance plans in the UAE. Insurance companies have direct access to your driving records, which can be used to determine whether you are a high-risk driver or not. Maintaining a good record can earn you reasonable rates on your car insurance for disabled drivers plan, while a bad one can increase the price. 
• Consider Excluding Yourself If at High-Risk: If you are included in the category of high-risk drivers, consider excluding yourself from the insurance policy. Get a named driver or a different policyholder instead. Insurance prices can increase if a high-risk driver is marked as the policyholder. 
• Find a Usage-Based Plan: Usage-based plans work based on the daily usage of your car. Insurance companies install a tracking device in your car, which monitors the driving, traffic rule violations as well as mileage. If you drive less and drive safe, getting a mileage-based or usage-based plan can be a good idea. 
• Compare Policies Beforehand: Comparison is the key to buy the best car insurance for disabled drivers. Always obtain at least 3-4 top quotations and then compare the prices as well as the benefits. Choose the plan that offers the best value for your money. 

Car Insurance for Disabled Drivers FAQs