Q: Our son was seriously injured in a car crash two years ago. As a result he was paralysed from the waist down. He says that he wishes to continue driving. What changes will have to be made to the car? Can he get motor insurance in his own name? Will it cost him more? As an option, can we insure the vehicle in our names and allow him to drive?
P.D.R., Kingston 7.
Answer: I am sorry to learn about your son's accident. He appears to have passed the worst - both physically and mentally. His intention to continue driving should be seen in a positive light. I will add my two cents' worth and hope that it will help him with his plan for recovery. Technology increases the choices for disabled persons to drive. This is done by fitting "adaptive devices" to their vehicles. Experts say the process consists of four stages. The first is needs evaluation. Selecting the vehicle is the second. Choosing a qualified person to modify the vehicle is the next. The fourth one is training - to operate and maintain the vehicle. Each of these steps has a bearing on insurance. I have not said much about your son getting a driving licence. This is given. Drivers of all vehicles which are operated on public roads are required by law to be licensed.
Stage one of the process include tests to identify the "adaptive equipment" most suited to the driver's needs. It is aimed at finding out about his/her (a) muscle strength, flexibility and range of motion; (b) co-ordination and reaction time; (c) judgment and decision-making abilities; (d) ability to drive with adaptive equipment and, (e) vision screening. At the end of this phase the disabled person should have a very clear picture of his/her driving needs or limitations plus which "adaptive devices" should be used. Your son's physician should be involved in the exercise since some insurers will need a report before they decide to grant coverage.
Selecting the right vehicle is also important. Obviously, there should be a good fit between the "adaptive device" and the vehicle. Hand controls are the most common types of devices. My guess is that your son would fall in the group of persons using this type of instrument. They allow control of the accelerator and brake pedals. They are mounted under the steering column. In one version, braking is applied by pushing a handle towards the brake pedal. The gas pedal is operated by pulling a lever in the opposite direction. The vehicle would, of necessity, have to be an automatic.
It is also critical that you find a skilled person to install the equipment. Some insurers will want to take a look at the car. Next, ensure that your son is properly trained to operate the car. He will need to practice driving until both he and his trainer feel comfortable with his level of skill. Your son should also have some basic ideas how to maintain the vehicle in general and the "adaptive devices" in particular. Getting motor insurance in your son's name should be a breeze. This is according to what a sample of insurers have told me. None of them refused to insure disabled persons. Provided that the person was licensed, had a certificate attesting to their physical condition and ability to drive and operated a vehicle with properly fitted "adaptive devices" insurance was available. Insurers, in other words, were saying that if the four-stage process was followed they would provide coverage. Some went as far as to say that there was no difference in the premium that they charged for able-bodied and disabled drivers. Others impose a surcharge of 25 percent over the "normal" premium.
Do not insure your son's vehicle in your name in order to save money. This is because coverage should be fairly easy to get in his name. Additionally, you would have to lie at least three times to insurers to "succeed." Your son would have no protection when the truth about his disability and the presence of adaptive devices were discovered. This is trouble - not an option! I hope that these words will be of some help to your son in his journey towards healing.
Cedric E. Stephens provides impartial advice on risks and insurance. If you need free information or advice to solve a problem, write to The Financial Editor or, contact Mr. Stephens directly at aegis@cwjamaica.com
