Does Insurance Pay For My Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle?

One of the most common questions that we hear from our customers is, does insurance pay for my wheelchair accessible vehicle? Purchasing a new or used mobility van that will accommodate your wheelchair can be a sizeable investment, so understanding your options to pay for it is important. Unfortunately, the answer is generally no, insurance will not help pay.

Auto insurance for wheelchair accessible vehicles does not help pay for your vehicle purchase. Typically, your auto insurance will help cover the costs of things like accident repairs and roadside assistance, but will not help contribute to the purchase of your new vehicle. Should you be involved in an accident, you will want to understand what your auto insurance coverage provides for in terms of repairing or replacing the wheelchair conversion. Speak with your auto insurance agent to discuss your needs and desired level of coverage to ensure that you choose the right policy.

Health insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid, also does not cover the cost of purchasing a new or used mobility van. Your health insurance will likely help pay for the wheelchair itself, but not for a new vehicle or conversion. It is always a good idea to check with your health insurance provider to be sure, but expect that in most situations your health insurance will not help pay for your vehicle.

So, if neither auto insurance nor health insurance will help with the cost of your wheelchair accessible vehicle, what are some other options available to you? Most states offer payment assistance through various grants and assistance programs. Requirements to qualify for these grants can vary from state to state and organization to organization, but with a little research you are likely to find programs for which you may be able to receive financial assistance.

A great step toward understanding all of your financing options is to speak with an experienced, knowledgeable wheelchair accessible vehicle dealer. They can steer you towards the new or used mobility van that is within your budget; walk you through options for auto loans for which you may qualify; inform you about grant or down payment assistance programs available in your state; as well as possible manufacturer rebates that might help finance your mobility van purchase. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and to set realistic expectations for what you can afford on a monthly basis–your dealer will listen to understand your situation, and then help choose the best options to help purchase your new vehicle.