Vehicle Modifications and Insurance for Drivers With Disabilities (A Guide)

Driving provides independence for people with disabilities. Vehicle modifications and assistive technology make this possible. You'll need to choose the right modifications for your needs, understand your auto insurance requirements and know your legal rights as a driver with a disability.

Many vehicles can be modified to suit your needs. Before you invest, assess your modification approach.

Think about what you’ll need to make your driving experience accessible and comfortable. Ask yourself these key questions: what type of assistance do you need? Do you have a general idea of how much you have available to spend? Is a new, used or existing vehicle right for you?

Identify the modifications you'll need to drive safely. Disability types vary. People with physical disabilities require more vehicle modifications. Those with neurological disabilities need little to no modification and use vehicles' assistive technology. Your modification needs depend on what allows safe travel.

Occupational therapists or driving evaluators help determine what vehicle you need and how it should be modified. Qualified dealers provide the right equipment for modifications.

Vehicle modification costs can vary widely. Adding an emergency brake extender, for example, might cost less than $50. Another example is adding a ramp to a vehicle, which can cost people thousands of dollars. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that a new vehicle modified for a driver with disabilities can cost between $20,000 to $80,000 on average.

According to David Hubbard, CEO of the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA), here are some typical cost estimates for common vehicle modifications:

Not every vehicle can be modified to accommodate a driver with disabilities. A vehicle should meet your own needs, preferences and budget. Choosing the best vehicle to modify depends on your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) requirements. Consult a driver rehabilitation specialist to find the right vehicle and verify it meets requirements. You can search the American Occupational Therapy Association’s database to find a specialist near you.

Adaptive equipment requires professional installation. Look for vehicles with automatic transmission, spacious interiors, strong safety ratings, reliability and adjustable seats, steering wheels and controls.

Consider who else will use your vehicle, such as family members or caregivers. If you'll share your car, choose easily adjustable modifications.

Many cars include safety and driver-assistance features like voice activation, lane change detection and backup cameras. Ask your dealer about available features to avoid paying for duplicate modifications.

Dealers specializing in vehicle modifications can be found through the NHTSA’s database or the NMEDA.

Vehicle modifications can be expensive, depending on your needs. Fortunately, a variety of government programs and nonprofits provide assistance to make vehicles more suitable for individuals with disabilities. Workers’ compensation may also help you cover part or all of the cost, in addition to tax exemption benefits and reimbursement programs. If you’re planning to have vehicle modifications or purchase a car with assistive technology, do your research.

You can find financial support to help with modification costs. Check for local and national government financial assistance programs for people with disabilities, and ask around for organizations that provide financial help for vehicle modification.

Local projects offer grants to people with disabilities. Click or tap your state to see available programs.

If you’re looking for financial assistance, consider looking at nonprofits. Some organizations offer full payment, while others cover part of necessary expenses. Grants vary based on factors like your income, physical needs, insurance coverage for modifications and adaptive technology requirements. Contact your state government office handling disability services for details. The following resources can also help you get started:

• Help Hope Live: A nonprofit organization that helps individuals raise funds to cover expenses not covered by insurance. In the past, the organization has helped with unmet medical expenses related to cell and organ transplants or catastrophic injuries and illnesses.
• I GOT LEGS Foundation: Founded in 2016, I GOT LEGS Foundation is dedicated to reenabling athletes who are paralyzed to walk again. The nonprofit foundation also aims to provide funds to people with disabilities so they can buy necessary technology or equipment, including those for vehicle modification.
• SpecialKidsFund.org: This organization provides donated adapted vehicles to those in need and is best known for its wheelchair van assistance program. It currently processes requests for children and adults nationwide.
• The Mobility Resource: The Mobility Resource is a network that offers grants to people with disabilities who need funds to finance an assistive vehicle. It can also connect you to the nearest dealer of wheelchair vans and adaptive driving equipment.
• MobilityWorks: MobilityWorks will help you locate disability assistance and grants and other resources in your area, particularly disability assistance programs offered by government and nonprofit organizations.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offers special assistance to persons with disabilities. These include tax deductions, credits and income inclusions. Check the IRS Tax Benefits and Credits guide to learn more, and if you qualify, fill out the appropriate form and file it with the IRS. Many states have different laws, but most waive sales tax if you can show a doctor’s prescription.

Contact your state's taxation department for details. Adaptive equipment costs may be tax-deductible. Check with a qualified tax consultant.

Some vehicle manufacturers offer reimbursement programs for disability-related modifications. Automakers also offer rebates for adaptive equipment purchases, up to $1,000 for vehicles less than a year old. Find programs and requirements on company websites or ask their representatives. These resources list vehicle reimbursement programs and rebates:

• My Mobility Store: This mobility van dealer sells new and used mobility vans and equipment. It lists vehicle reimbursement programs from car companies.
• MPS Driving AIDS: This company sells mechanical and electronic driving aids for drivers with disabilities. It lists rebate programs from companies.
• Adaptive Driving Alliance: This alliance of vehicle modification dealers provides adaptive technology and equipment to seniors and drivers with disabilities. The group lists manufacturers offering rebates.
• National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association: Members know vehicle manufacturer rebates and help you apply. They provide pre-purchase advice about vehicles that accommodate your adaptive equipment needs.

Auto loans help cover vehicle modification costs for people with disabilities or parents of children with disabilities.
Programs offering auto loans for modified vehicles include Bank of America and Digital Federal Credit Union (DCU) for members and participants from communities, organizations and employers. Check local organizations for financing options.

Save money to finance vehicle modifications. Ask insurers about discounts for affordable car insurance. Insurance companies offer discounts for safe drivers, defensive driving course graduates and military members. Options to help with modification costs:

• Plan to Achieve Self Support (PASS): This Social Security Administration program helps people with disabilities save money to buy equipment needed to return to work.
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: The agency provides information for veterans needing vehicle modifications and connects them with insurers offering discounts.
• DriveAbility Program: This program offers reimbursements and financing for vehicle modifications. It lists resources for money-saving opportunities.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits insurers from refusing coverage or charging higher rates to drivers with disabilities. But vehicle modifications can increase your auto insurance costs. Some insurers charge more for modified vehicles because they have higher value than non-modified cars, even when modifications are medically necessary. Choose car insurance based on your needs and circumstances as a driver. You may need additional coverage.

Additional insurance coverage protects you against expenses for carrying or installing extra equipment. Insurers may increase prices if you have restricted vision, physical impairments or temporary or severe medical conditions. Insurers verify you're a safe driver who can drive safely. Vehicle improvements demonstrate this. Failing to disclose modifications to your insurer may affect your rates and renewal.

• Adaption coverage: Adaption coverage offers special protection for costly vehicle modifications.
• Equipment insurance: Equipment insurance covers equipment that is not part of your car, such as prosthetic limbs or wheelchairs. Your health insurance plan may cover these and other forms of medical equipment.
• Mobility insurance: Mobility insurance reimburses the cost of temporary transportation if your modified vehicle is being repaired after an accident.
• Personal Injury Protection (PIP): If your state does not require PIP, consider having it to protect yourself against possible medical expenses after an accident.

The ADA prohibits discrimination based on disabilities and medical conditions. Auto insurers can't deny you coverage or charge higher rates because of your disability or medical diagnosis. Some drivers still face discrimination. Report any discrimination you experience.

Adapted vehicles make driving safer for people with disabilities. Drive safely to prevent accidents and learn your new technology thoroughly. Check your vehicle before trips, stay current with maintenance and know your state and federal traffic laws.

A modified vehicle may require specialty know-how compared to standard cars. A variety of courses, driving schools and rehabilitation programs, and training can give you a better idea of what’s involved. Topics covered may include driving with controls, driver positioning, transfer seats and reduced effort braking systems. Many driving instructors are unfamiliar with the needs of the disability community, so it’s important to take a course with someone who knows about driving with a disability. Below are a few options to get started:

• State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV): Contact your state's DMV for adaptive driving training requirements and approved program providers.
• Center for Assistive Technology: The UPMC Rehabilitation Institute, in partnership with the University of Pittsburgh, operates the Center for Assistive Technology. The Center offers an Adaptive Driving Program for people with disabilities and medical diagnoses.
• American Safety Council: The council offers driver education and defensive driving programs online. You can attend classes via phone, tablet or computer.

Adapted vehicles are customized for individual needs. Modifications vary by disability type. Drivers with visual impairments need different adaptations than those with neurological disabilities.

Here are a couple of resources can offer you additional assistance.

• University of Iowa Health Care: This site offers information about driving with visual impairment. It also provides data on visual acuity standards for driving in seven states.
• HandicapDriverTraining.com: Serving all of Southern California, this training course offers a complete reassessment of driving skills, so clients and their families can be assured they are driving safely.

Vehicle modifications minimize driving risks. Maintain your car to keep it safe and reliable. Regular maintenance prevents equipment malfunctions and keeps you compliant with warranty guidelines. Here are maintenance tasks and recommended schedules:

Vehicles help people earn income and access services. But some people with disabilities can't drive. Check available transportation assistance programs in your area. Rides from family and friends work short-term, but establishing reliable alternatives ensures continued access to transportation. These resources broaden vehicle access:

• Volunteer Assisted Transportation (VAT): Based in Knoxville, Tennessee, this program provides rides for seniors and people with disabilities who need assistance traveling.
• Rides in Sight: This resource offers a database of transportation programs for older adults and people who are visually impaired.
• Need a Ride?: The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) organization operates transportation services nationwide, providing free rides to and from VA medical facilities.
• Special Transport Services: You may have access to door-to-door transport services depending on where you live. San Francisco's Paratransit, a van and taxi program, serves eligible people with disabilities.
• Uber ACCESS: People with disabilities can request door-to-door rides through ridesharing companies. Uber launched UberACCESS and UberASSIST in cities nationwide, offering rides with trained drivers and wheelchair-accessible vehicles.
• Taxis: Traditional taxis work for getting around your city or town.
• Public transportation: Buses, trains and subways are affordable options for commuters.

Find information about vehicle modification and car insurance online. Organizations provide assistance and support to people with disabilities.

• American Automobile Association (AAA): AAA offers defensive driving courses for seniors. Drivers who complete these courses may qualify for auto insurance discounts.
• AARP: This nonprofit empowers people to improve their quality of life. It offers driver safety resources and courses for adults aged 50 and older.
• American Safety Council: This online source provides driver education, workplace safety training and professional certifications.
• Armed Forces Insurance (AFI): AFI offers insurance information for active-duty, retired and honorably discharged military members.
• BraunAbility: BraunAbility links to dealers offering financial resources and disability vehicle grants. Check your options by state.
• Car ownership programs for low-income earners: Find car programs in your area for loans, purchases and low-income car insurance. Programs serve students, seniors and low-wage veteran earners. Contact programs directly to check eligibility.
• Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (EARN): EARN helps employers recruit, retain and advance employees with disabilities. It lists vocational rehabilitation agencies in each state.
• Grants.gov: This website offers resources and tools for federal grants. Download the mobile app on the Apple app store or Google Play.
• InCharge Debt Solutions: InCharge Debt Solutions lists financial help options for people with disabilities and medical conditions.
• National Aging and Disability Transportation Center (NADTC): NADTC increases transportation options for older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers. It offers grants to help communities assess transportation needs and develop accessible transportation services.
• National Center for Mobility Management (NCMM): NCMM operates as a national technical assistance center. It supports partnerships that enhance transportation options for people with disabilities, older adults and low-income families.
• National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA): This nonprofit trade association represents the automotive mobility industry. It provides options, resources and funding help for adaptive equipment.
• Paralyzed Veterans of America: This organization serves veterans needing accessibility and mobility resources.
• The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA): AOTA provides information about driving, mobility, rehabilitation and disability.
• The Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists (ADED): ADED's search tool helps you find certified driver rehabilitation specialists, modified equipment dealers and mobility equipment manufacturers.
• International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE): IBE addresses social issues affecting people with epilepsy, including driving-license restrictions. It provides support, information exchange and policy resources.
• The Center for Self-Determination: This nonprofit provides information and training about self-determination for people with disabilities, their families and allies. Guardianship resources help people who want to drive, since some guardianship types can nullify driver's license requirements in some states.
• Northwest Access Fund: The Northwest Access Fund lists resources to help you find support.