Buying a Wheelchair Van and How To Insure Accessible Vehicle

Almost any vehicle can be equipped with a lift to make it wheelchair accessible, but a wheelchair van is unique. It is an alternative to vehicles with lifts because it can be modified so that the wheelchair user can either be a passenger, or its driver.

Wheelchair vans are very expensive, but many manufacturers offer financial assistance to those would not be able to afford them without help. An online search of handicap van manufacturing companies will provide you with information about their financial assistance programs. And you may save money by asking your insurance company to rewrite your policy for the lowest-cost coverage; alternatively, some non-profit groups offer grants toward the purchase of wheelchair vans. Here are some options:

·         Multiple leading institutions reviewed to get the best fit,

·         Find the best rates,

·         10-year loans (OAC) available,

·         Get a loan for both the van and the conversion,

·         Same day credit approval,

·         All the paperwork processed for you,

·         Wheelchair vans registration at no extra charge.

Before you actually buy a wheel chair, make sure the armrests, footrests, and any other add-ons you want will fit on the frame you have chosen. And, if you still need more information before you buy a wheel chair, consult a local dealer, or perform some online research.

Insuring a handicap accessible vehicles is somewhat like buying insurance for a traditional vehicle. There are two major things you want to be sure of as you shop for wheelchair accessible vehicle or handicap van insurance:

·         Know what kind of handicap vehicle you have.

·         Make sure your agent or insurance company knows what you have and what it cost.

Modifications are not the only factors that influence premiums.

·         Gender: Younger men pay more, as they tend to drive more aggressively and take more risks than females.

·         Age: Young drivers in general pay more (a lot more) until they turn 21 (sometimes 25) and then rates increase again when they become seniors.

·         Marital status: Single people pay more as they are more accident prone than married couples.

·         Driving record: Tickets and/or accidents drive premiums higher.

·         Type of vehicle: More expensive cars cost more to repair and that jacks up premiums.

·         Education: (1) Lower premiums by taking a defensive driving class and sending a copy of the certificate to your insurance company. (2) College and high school students receive discounts by maintaining a high GPA. (3) College grads pay lower premiums than those with less education.

·         Credit score: If you pay bills on time, you’re less likely to file an insurance claim, so your premiums are lower.

·         Occupation: The more stressful your occupation and/or the more time you spend driving means higher premiums.

·         Your location: Urban areas increase your premiums, as accidents and auto theft are much lower in rural areas. However, even moving 2 miles can possibly raise your insurance.

It really does not matter whether you shop online for insurance or have an agent. Just be sure they are asking a lot of questions about exactly what kind of mobility vehicle you have. Make sure they know it is a disabled access vehicle. Make sure they know the upfront cost of the vehicle. Make sure your agent knows how much your loan is for - if you financed the handicapped vans.