Insurance

If you have existing pieces of equipment to help in your daily life, or are looking to buy something new then you should consider whether you need to insure it.

Here we list some things to think about: -

Is, or will the equipment in your home covered by your Home Insurance?,

Consider what would happen if your equipment was damaged or even stolen?,

What if it breaks down?,

What if I take the equipment with me on holiday?,

Where can I find insurance that is tailored for Disabled People?,

If I get equipment through Social Services or the National Health Service do I need to insure it?,

,

Is, or will the equipment in your home covered by your Home Insurance?

Some insurance policies cover items within your home up to a certain value, if you have more valuable items you often have to declare them separately.

Back to top,

Consider what would happen if your equipment was damaged or even stolen?

This is particularly important for mobility equipment such as wheelchairs or scooters, where you could also potentially be involved in an accident.  There is no legal requirement to have insurance for mobility scooters as there is for motor vehicles.  It is wise to consider whether you should take out insurance to cover you in the event of theft, accidental damage, and third party liability insurance to cover you for any accidental damage or injury you cause someone else.  Insurance for powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters is relatively inexpensive in comparison to insuring a car.

Back to top,

What if it breaks down?

It is possible to insure items of equipment against breakdown as well as accidental damage.  Many policies will arrange for repair, temporary replacement, and even complete replacement in the event of break down.  Consider how important the equipment is to you, and how you would manage without it for a period of time while you look for someone to repair it or return it to the supplier.  Other questions to consider are: -

• How likely is this to happen?

• How easily would it be to find someone to repair it?

• Would I be able to get it repaired at home or would it have to be returned to the supplier?

• How much would it cost me?

For powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters it is possible to get an insurance package which covers you against breakdown in addition to theft, accidental damage, and third party liability insurance.

Back to top,

What if I take the equipment with me on holiday?

Consider whether your equipment will be covered while you are on holiday.  Mobility aids, including wheelchairs and scooters, are unlikely to be covered by standard travel insurance policies. You may have to pay an extra premium. Sometimes your household insurance may provide cover for these items.

If you are going by car, check to see if your equipment will be covered if you carry it in your car.  You may need to pay an additional premium on your motor insurance to cover transporting equipment.

Back to top,

Where can I find insurance that is tailored for Disabled People?

Since the Disability Discriminatory Act (DDA) [link: Disability Discriminatory Act Explained page] came into force it is illegal for insurance companies to restrict access to services, adjust terms, scope, price or cover on policies, on mental or physical health grounds.  As a result many insurance companies should have policies which may be of interest to you.  We suggest that you contact your existing insurer to find out what they can offer, and then to shop around.  Some companies advertise reduced rates for Disabled People as they are often seen as a lower risk than other customers.  There are also specialist schemes available which have been negotiated with Disabled Peoples Groups.

For more information on how insurance companies must comply with the Disability Discrimination Act see the link below.

Download 'An Insurer's guide to the Disability Discrimination Act 1995' (PDF document, 670K),

Back to top,

If I get equipment through Social Services or the National Health Service do I need to insure it?

There is no requirement for you to do this.  For the majority of pieces of equipment your household insurance will cover them.  However, remember it is you who will have to cope without the equipment for a period of time should it be accidentally damaged or stolen, and you may prefer the comfort of knowing it is covered, and will therefore be replaced.  If the equipment is expensive or particularly complex it is advisable to discuss this with your insurance company.  Many will have a maximum value of a single item they replace, and some also have restrictions as to what is covered, this may exclude what they regard as "specialist" equipment.

For other insurance related topics see our Information area.,

Back to top,