Car Insurance for Drivers with Multiple Sclerosis

Dealing with multiple sclerosis (MS) involves making sure you’re ready to get behind the wheel safely. If you have any doubts about being capable of driving, you should have your abilities evaluated right away. You may be able to get an accommodation for your vehicle to allow for easier driving and mobility.

In most states it is illegal to drive a car without insurance coverage; and you will likely need to disclose your medical condition to your car insurance provider if you are asked whether you currently suffer from any medical conditions that affect your ability to drive. However, according to the American Disabilities Act (ADA), car insurance for drivers with a multiple sclerosis diagnosis can’t be part of what affects car insurance rates. Multiple sclerosis car insurance is much the same as for anyone else.

Looking for car insurance as a driver with MS? Use your ZIP code to compare car insurance quotes today to see top insurance companies’ rates side-by-side.

Car Insurance and Driving with MS

If you’ve been diagnosed with MS, you know there are potential limitations you may face in every day life. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t still maintain your ability to drive, as long as you are physical capable of doing so. Read through the next few sections to find out what factors can affect your driving, ways you can be sure you’re safe on the road, insurance requirements, and more.

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Can you drive if you have multiple sclerosis?

Your ability to drive with MS depends on the strength and severity of your case. Just as you would make adjustments to the layout of your home, you should plan in advance for how you will deal with the responsibility of driving if you suffer from MS.

For example, long car rides with MS may be uncomfortable and you may need to adjust accordingly. Another example is MS and driving at night. MS can affect vision, which may mean it’s not safe for you to drive at night. As we noted earlier, you may be required by law to disclose this medical condition to your car insurance provider.

According to the National MS Society, some of the necessary driving skills that may diminish as MS symptoms worsen include:

• Vision
• Night vision
• Short-term memory
• Motor functions

The International Journal of MS Care also notes that muscle spasms and difficulty with muscle coordination can be major detriments to your ability to operate a motor vehicle safely. Take a look at this video to learn more about driving with MS.

If you have been suffering from any visual or muscular impairment while driving, it is important to consult with your medical provider to get as much informed advice as possible on avoiding accidents on the road.

Your doctor will be in the best position to evaluate the status of your medical condition and provide recommendations as to your driving plans.

If you find that you are having difficulty with your driving or anticipate that it could be a problem soon, you can have your current driving abilities tested. You can request that a test be conducted by a driver rehabilitation specialist (DRS) or certified driver rehabilitation specialist (CDRS) to make sure you are ready to be on the road.

Even though your insurance coverage will probably not pay for the cost of these tests, it’s a good way to give yourself peace of mind that you will not be a danger to yourself or others on the road.

In the event that you find it’s unsafe to continue driving, you can explore options to take public transportation or arrange for a ride service.

Does MS affect car insurance?

Multiple sclerosis insurance considerations are primarily focused on making sure you meet the requirements in your state in order to legally drive. As long as you continue to maintain a registered vehicle and drive on public roads, you should be sure to have the proper car insurance coverage in place for your state.

If you fail to do so, you could put yourself at risk of having your driver’s license taken away.

In most cases, MS is covered under the American Disabilities Act, which states that insurance companies cannot discriminate against drivers with disabilities by refusing to sell them insurance policies or charge higher rates due to the disability.

However, if you’ve installed specialized adaptive equipment on your vehicle to accommodate any deficiencies that can affect your driving, this can increase your rates. It is important to disclose this information when shopping for insurance, to avoid any kind of insurance fraud.

You may also find that you will have to pay more for car insurance coverage down the line because auto insurance companies check driving history and insurance records to make sure you have valid coverage.

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How can you find cheap car insurance with MS?

If you are already dealing with MS and the financial toll that this disease can take on your life, you want to be sure to get your car insurance coverage for as little as possible.

Getting a low rate on car insurance coverage is certainly important, but you also need to make sure that you are getting enough coverage to take care of yourself and the damage you may cause in a car accident.

Make sure that you do not simply select the lowest possible policy limits for your basic auto liability policy. While this may ensure that you are complying with state law, it will probably not be enough to protect you if a claim is filed against your policy.

The possibility of a claim is why it is best to carry additional coverage beyond the minimum liability required in your state to take care of the actual amount of property damage and personal injury you may cause. You can still find affordable car insurance that covers all of your needs. The key is shopping around for different rates to make sure you have enough options from which to choose.

To make it easier, you can compare the different rates online without ever having to call an car insurance company and answer countless questions on the phone.

Once you get a great quote for car insurance coverage, make sure to ask that car insurance company about extra discounts for which you might qualify.

Take a look at this table to see examples of typical car insurance discounts by type.

One discount type noted in the table is low mileage. Some drivers are eligible for a lower rate on their car insurance policies because they only drive their cars a limited number of miles each day or use it for special occasion.

In addition, you could be able to get a lower rate based on having a clean driving record and a great credit score. The car insurance discounts that can be applied to your rate will depend on the insurer you choose and vary based on location, driver, etc.

Are there requirements for commercial driving with MS?

While there are various multiple sclerosis driving restrictions, multiple sclerosis and commercial driving are not mutually exclusive. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration does not prohibit drivers with MS from obtaining or renewing commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) as long as they can still safely operate a vehicle.

You will be required to complete a medical examination with a knowledgeable medical professional before being able to secure a CDL. This will determine whether or not you are physically capable of driving safely. A completed (and passing) medical exam certificate will be required as a part of your CDL application.

The Bottom Line for Car Insurance for Drivers with MS

If you are currently suffering from MS, making sure you are in a safe condition to drive should always be a top priority.

Getting input from doctors and taking a driving evaluation test are good ways to ensure you are safe to get behind the wheel.

It may be necessary for you to tell your car insurance provider about your condition if you are asked to disclose whether you suffer from any medical conditions that affect your ability to drive.

If you do not do so, the car insurance company may have a valid reason to deny a claim that is filed against you. It is possible to find cheap rates on car insurance coverage as long as you take the time to compare rates online and request all available discounts.

Frequently Asked Questions: Car Insurance for Drivers with MS

Still have questions about getting car insurance with multiple sclerosis? Read through these frequently asked questions to learn more.

#1 – Is MS covered by life insurance?

If you’ve already been diagnosed with MS when you apply for life insurance, it will be more difficult (though not impossible) to obtain a policy. It may come with limitations and will likely cost more than if you didn’t have MS, and some companies may have requirements applicants with MS must meet in order to qualify for a policy. These requirements can include severity of the MS and the age of the applicant.

#2 – Can people with MS work?

Yes, people with MS can continue to work, though MS may limit the type and amount of work someone can complete, depending on the severity of symptoms.

#3 – Can someone with MS drink alcohol?

While it is not prohibited to drink alcohol if you have MS, it is strongly discouraged because it can exacerbate symptoms like decreased coordination.

#4 – How do MS patients die?

Some people die specifically from MS, while others die from complications that result from having MS. Complications due to MS that can result in death include pneumonia, bladder infections, and infected bed or pressure sores.

Before making any final decisions on your insurance company, it is important to learn as much as you can about your local insurance providers, and the coverages they offer. Call your local insurance agent to clear up any questions that you might have. Questions to consider asking include, “What is the best coverage plan for me/my family/my situation?” “What are the minimum coverage requirements in my state and what form of coverage do you recommend?” “Do you guys offer any bundle discounts if I take out both my auto insurance and home insurance with you?” and “What is the average rate of insurance quotes you guys offer?”

Before making any big insurance decisions, use our free tool to compare insurance quotes near you. It’s simple, just plug in your zip code and we’ll do the rest!

Ready to get started? To get a free quote on car insurance for drivers with MS, use your ZIP code.