Buying a Wheelchair Van and How To Insure Accessible Vehicle Video

Buying a Wheelchair Van and How To Insure Accessible Vehicle Video.

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.

Dodge Grand Caravan Handicap Van Video

Dodge Grand Caravan Handicap Van in Better Life Mobility Center in San Diego, CA.

Dodge Grand Caravan Crew Handicap Van

While the Dodge Grand Caravan handicap van comes with sophisticated technology and is relatively efficient as far as mileage is concerned, the popularity of these vehicles is the reason that there are quite a few used, handicap equipped Dodge minivans on the market.

As far as the Dodge Grand Caravan is concerned, seats can be removed to provide easy access for those using wheelchairs. There are currently wheelchair lifts that are so compact when stored within the vehicle that space issues are usually not a concern. There are also modern lightweight ramps. Be sure to check weight limitations before purchase.

When looking for your mobility van or planning to have one modified, it is recommended that you deal solely with a known member of the National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association.

North star lowered floor wheelchair accessible minivan conversion represents the culmination of forward thinking philosophy: a power in-floor wheelchair ramp offers open, unrestricted entry and exit as well as greater interior maneuverability. A one-touch remote allows effortless ramp deployment at your fingertips while our Power Kneel gives you a lower ramp angle, making access easier. There are many seating options for both wheelchair users and other passengers, with our removable front seat bases. The SURE DEPLOY electronic primary back up system gives the customer a simple way to operate the VMI North star in-floor wheelchair ramp when the standard electronic control system is not functioning, or there is a total loss of power to the vehicle.

Standard in every handicap van with most common conversion is:

•Power in-floor ramp with non-skid surface,
•Lowered floor,
•Maximum interior headroom,
•Power door with easy manual operation,
•Complete undercoating and rust proofing,
•Emergency wheelchair ramp release,
•Removable front seat bases,
•Manual wheelchair tie-down system,
•Fully crash tested,
•Fully carpeted seat bases,
•Lower ramp angle,
•Remote control entry,
•SURE DEPLOY primary backup system.

As with any used vehicle purchase, it is important to find a reputable dealer. There are a handful of experienced vehicle dealers that specialize in handicap accessible vans, used or new. If you do find a used vehicle, it may come with a manufacturer warranty that is still valid as long as the vehicle is sold within three years of production, or within 36,000 miles.

Wheelchair accessible vans have had their floors lowered in order to provide extended headroom. The overall comfort and ease of use of modern-day handicap accessible, personal vehicles is far superior to outdated versions. Your best option is to find a vehicle dealership that sells accessible vehicles and to test out accessibility before purchasing. Examine your budget carefully and try to find the best vehicle in that budget that offers the features you need.

Usually a quick look on the Internet can supply you with several names, or you can find advertisements in the phone book.  You can also talk with a company specializing in the conversion of vans into handicap accessible vehicles to decide on what options will work best for your personal requirements.

For more information on Dodge Grand Caravan Crew mobility van or other Wheelchair Vans and Accessible Vehicles visit Better Life Center in San Diego, California.

Why Rent a Handicap Van?

If you get around using a wheelchair or scooter, you know how much easier life is when you have the right equipment. A fully loaded handicap van is not only a safer way to travel, it is more convenient and provides you a lot more independence.

You might need a wheelchair van rental in the following situations:            

• You need reliable transportation to make medical appointments in order to be released from the hospital and to heal faster.

• You need to learn to drive with a disability, and your vocational therapist is providing handicap driver training.

• You want to avoid depending on a transit services schedule during a crucial time.

• You want to arrive at a special event in style                                                                                

• You are going on a road trip and you need a reliable wheelchair van to take you there in comfort.

• You are going to San Diego or Las Vegas on business and you need a wheelchair van rental to get you to your meetings and hotel.

• You are in the market for a new handicap van and youʼd like to try out a few vans before you make that important decision.

• Your own handicap van has been in an accident and you need an insurance replacement while yours is being repaired.

• Your wheelchair van is being serviced, and you donʼt want to be stuck at home until itʼs finished.

If you are shopping for the best handicap van rental deal, hereʼs a checklist:

1. Be sure the wheelchair van rental dealership will pick you up or drop you off if you need a ride.

2. Make sure the handicap van rental has all the accessibility options you need to ride or drive safely.

3. If you are renting for more than 3 weeks, ask about long-term van rental deals.

4. If your insurance is covering the rental, ask if the dealership will bill your insurance company directly, saving you the hassle.

5. Ask what happens should your handicap rental van has a flat tire on the road or is in an accident. You shouldnʼt get stuck anywhere.

Why Choose a Mercedes Benz Sprinter

When shopping for a new vehicle, some people want sport, some value economy, and some long for luxury. Itʼs no different when shopping for a handicap van or vehicle. Your lifestyle is just as important as your mobility needs. If youʼre someone who values performance and luxury, the Mercedes Benz Sprinter might be the right wheelchair van for you.

First introduced in 1995, the Mercedes Benz Sprinter has evolved beautifully. Once you choose your colors, the rest of your mobility van will be completely customized for you. The best part? The conversion will not structurally modify the integrity of the van.

With this luxury handicap van, youʼll experience:

• Innovative safety features you expect from Mercedes,

• Tremendous fuel economy with its BlueTEC diesel engine,

• Accessibility with best-in-class side sliding door and full standing interior room,

• Seating for up to 12 people,

• Adaptive Electronic Stability Program (ESP), which combines ABS, Acceleration Skid Control, Load Adaptive Control, electronic brake force distribution, Brake Assist, Roll Over Mitigation, and under steering control.

Many Wheelchair Lift and Restraint Options

The Sprinter can be outfitted with many different kinds of wheelchair lifts and quality restraint systems, including:

• Ricon Slide-Away Wheelchair Lift: This sliding platform lift slides out of the way to allow unobstructed side door and passenger door use.

• Ricon S-Series Commercial Wheelchair Lift: This lift is perfect for commercial use. Itʼs quiet, compact, and lightweight, and includes handrails and occupant safety belts.

• The EZ Lock Wheelchair Docking System: This system is perfect for people who use their wheelchair as seating while in the accessible vehicle. EZ Lock securely locks the wheelchair to the floor.

• AL700 Titan Series Systems: These systems provide a clean, low profile design with yellow “locked” indicators and retractable blue webbing, which keeps the floor clear.

For more information on Wheelchair Vans or Wheelchairs visit reputable Mobility Center Better Life Mobility in San Diego, California.

Turning Automotive Seating

Bruno Turny & Turny Orbit

This revolutionary system for higher vehicles provides easy access to an automotive seat. The seat rotates, comes out of the vehicle, and lowers toward the ground, eliminating the climbing and twisting normally required to enter a higher handicapped vans. Both units are powered out and down; however, the Turny is rotated manually, while the Turny Orbit has powered rotation.

·         Makes entering and exiting your higher vehicle easy

·         User weight capacity of 330 lb/150 kg

·         Safe - uses automotive seat and seat belt; meets or exceeds all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards

·         No structural modifications to your vehicle - will not affect resale

·         Can reinstall in your next vehicle

·         Can be stopped at any point for ideal transfer height

·         Power or manual rotate versions available

·         Hundreds of vehicle-specific mounting kits provide a safe and precise installation for handicap vans, SUVs, pickup trucks, CUVs and full-size vans - first and second row applications available

·         Sales, installation and service provided by our factory-trained worldwide network of dealers

Bruno Carony

This revolutionary system transforms an automotive seat into a wheelchair. The end user simply glides from the vehicle onto the wheeled base, remaining seated the whole time. No more lifting for the caregiver! The Carony system operates in conjunction with a Bruno Turny or Turnout. Ride safely in an automotive seat secured with the vehicle's seatbelt!

·         Eliminates lifting or transferring by the caregiver

·         User weight capacity of 220 lb/100 kg

·         Safe - uses automotive seat and seat belt (no need to travel sitting in a wheelchair); meets or exceeds all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards

·         Requires a Turny Turnout

·         No structural modifications to your vehicle - will not affect resale

·         Can reinstall in your next accessible vehicles

·         Works with minivans, pickup trucks, SUVs, CUVs, full-size vans and sedans - first and second row applications available.

·         Available with 12 in or 24 in rear wheels

·         Seat has removable inserts to accommodate different seating

·         Sales, installation and service provided by our factory-trained worldwide network of dealers

Wheelchair Van Financing Video

                                                       Wheelchair Van Financing Video