Insurance can be a complicated topic in the United States, especially when it comes to motor vehicles. There are a number of requirements that can vary depending on where you live and the type of vehicle you drive, and it can be hard to find affordable premiums. People who receive Social Security disability benefits may wonder whether or not those benefits entitle them to free or reduced-cost car insurance along with qualifying for programs like Medicaid. Read on if you want to know whether or not there is free insurance available for disabled people.
Can people with disabilities receive free car insurance?
Many recipients of disability benefits wonder if there is free car insurance for disabled drivers. Unfortunately, supplemental security income (SSI) does not provide free car insurance. Since SSI recipients are on a fixed income, the cost of an insurance premium can often be particularly burdensome. That’s why it’s essential to look for other discounts that you may qualify for before purchasing your insurance.
Though some believe insurance rates are always astronomical for those who are disabled or elderly, you might be surprised to learn that the rates aren’t as different as you think. Being on SSI will not inherently inflate the rate you’re offered for car insurance, as not all disabilities are categorized in the same way from a risk management perspective. Conditions that affect eyesight, mobility, and reaction time are taken more seriously when it comes to motor vehicle insurance.
There are some things you can do to improve the rates you’re offered. You should always make any appropriate recommended modifications to your car to help with your disability. Taking a safe-driving class can also help bring down your monthly premium. If you have a disability that has been reported as a driving hazard, you may be considered a high-risk driver. However, high-risk drivers can still be insured and may even still be eligible for discounts.
Is car insurance required in every state?
It may surprise you to learn that car insurance isn’t required in all 50 states. Two states, Virginia and New Hampshire, declined to require insurance coverage for all motorists. There are rules and regulations that drivers are still required to follow, though, even if they aren’t required to purchase a full car insurance policy. In states that do require insurance, there are minimum coverage standards.
In Virginia, an uninsured motorist fee must be paid to the state prior to a driver being permitted on the road without insurance coverage. In New Hampshire, vehicle owners are able to post cash bonds. Still, you must be approved to have these requirements waived in New Hampshire. This approval may be denied to motorists with a history of DUIs or frequent traffic violations on their driving record.
It’s important to remember that paying the uninsured motor vehicle fee in Virginia or being approved to have insurance requirements waived in New Hampshire does not provide you with any coverage on the road. You will still be financially responsible in any accident where you are determined to be at fault.
Though your SSI won’t cover the cost of car insurance, there are other ways you can lower your monthly premiums if you’re interested. A safe-driving course is an easy way to save money in the long run. There are few things that will be more valuable for keeping your insurance costs down than a clean driving record. However, even drivers with medical conditions that are considered high-risk are able to be insured in most cases. If you need help finding affordable rates on a limited income, you should reach out to an insurance provider as soon as possible so you can get covered and hit the road.