A Guide to Car Insurance for Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs)

Although at WavMob, we specialise in supplying high quality used Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles, we know how important securing the proper insurance for your WAV is. As you can imagine, there are unique considerations to keep in mind when it comes to insuring a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) that go beyond standard car insurance cover.

Mainstream insurers will often provide a ‘standard policy', when without the background knowledge they may not fully comprehend the specific requirements of a WAV and its driver. This lack of knowledge can result in inadequate coverage, higher premiums or even both.

On the other hand, specialist insurers offer unique policies designed to cover the adaptations and particular features of a WAV, ensuring that you’re fully protected and covered in the event of an accident, incident or breakdown. Insurance should always be there to protect you and your vehicle in a worst-case scenario.

Most insurance providers also now offer an easy online process for obtaining a quote and purchasing insurance. This typically requires entering some details about your WAV and personal information. It provides a quick and efficient way to get an initial estimate for your insurance premium.

Here’s some top tips on what you need to know when securing the best coverage for your WAV.

Specialist WAV Insurance Policies Typically Include Additional Coverage For:

• Vehicle Adaptations: From ramps, lifts, hand controls, lowered floors, to other modifications that make your vehicle accessible. A good policy will often offer like-for-like replacement for these adaptations, should any be required.
• Mobility Equipment: Some insurance providers may also cover mobility aids, such as wheelchairs or scooters, if and when they are kept stored in the vehicle.
• Any Driver Options: These policies often allow for any driver cover, a useful feature if multiple people assist in driving the vehicle.
• Courtesy Car: In the event your WAV is being repaired, specialist insurers will try to provide a suitable replacement vehicle that meets your mobility needs.

Tips for Finding the Right WAV Insurance

1. Shop All Around

Don’t settle for the first quote you receive, it will rarely be the best. Obtain quotes from several insurers, including both mainstream and specialist providers, to compare prices and coverage on offer.

2. Disclose All Adaptations

It’s important to disclose all modifications and adaptations that have been made to a vehicle, along with costs implicated. While some general insurers might view these modifications as risks and charge higher premiums, specialist insurers have a better understanding of these changes and that they are made for functionality, not performance enhancement, and because of this may offer more favourable terms.

3. Check for Specialist Coverages

Ensure the policy covers all aspects of your WAV, including any custom adaptations. Coverage should be comprehensive, protecting both the vehicle and any mobility equipment it carries. Always check the fine print when it comes to cover.

4. Ask About Discounts

Some insurers offer discounts for adapted vehicles, especially if you have a history of safe driving, or cover fewer miles annually, or even if you are planning on getting a dashcam.

Key Features to Look For in WAV Insurance

1. Breakdown Cover

A comprehensive policy should include breakdown cover tailored to WAVs. This can include anything from roadside assistance to recovery for up to 8 passengers, and, in some cases, coverage for transportation of your vehicle to a single destination if immediate repair isn’t possible, but make sure you confirm and are confident in what you are being covered for.

2. European Cover

If you plan to travel abroad, check if your policy includes European cover. This feature ensures you’re protected even when driving outside the UK, providing peace of mind during international trips.

3. Young Driver Coverage

Some policies offer coverage for young disabled drivers, which can be beneficial for families where a young person may be learning to drive in a WAV.

4. Carer and Family Driver Options

Look for policies that allow you to add carers, assistants, or family members as named drivers. This flexibility is essential if others frequently drive your WAV, and worth checking if there are any additional admin charges should you need to add or remove carers.

5. Replacement Vehicle

In case of an accident, ensure your policy provides a suitable replacement vehicle that meets your mobility needs while your WAV is being repaired.

Popular Insurance Options for WAVs

Each of these options offers different benefits, so we recommend exploring them to find the one that best suits your needs.

Specialist Insurance Companies

Fish Insurance

You can see more on Fish Insurance on this page.

Adrian Flux Insurance

Comparison Sites

Compare the Market

Quotezone

Money Super Market

Securing the right insurance cover is not always about finding the lowest premium, it is about protecting all aspects of your specially adapted vehicle. By being clear on your needs and requirements you can sleep peacefully knowing that your WAV remains a reliable and protected part of your everyday life.

Always take your time when it comes to comparing policies/cover and never leave it to the last minute. Leaving it too late may rush decisions and cause mistakes, leaving you at the mercy of an insurance provider who knows your cover runs out next week.

Don’t be afraid to ask all the questions, this can be a good test for customer service before you're even with a provider.