WAV insurance

missblue

My car insurance renewal has arrived with a huge hike, its now over £600.
The car is adapted with ramp for (sons) wheelchair, I have a clean licence and 9 years no claims. I have always used a broker with a specialist WAV insurance company but now thinking too expensive.
Not sure how to approach standard companies, please help how I can get reasonable insurance (value for money) for car with ramp.

colin13

seems exsivive,,go onto compare the market,,and check there prices,a friend renews his insurance company every year,as new customers get best offers,,try fish insurance,,phone number,,0800 088 3050

tronlegacy

I have never been able to get quotes for a wav through comparison sites as there is no options anywhere to add vehicle has ramps etc.
The problem i have found is that,when phoning companies,they dont seem to know what a wav is:eek:

I got very frustrated trying to explain to each company,in the simplest possible terms,that it was a car that could carry a wheelchair passenger.

Maybe they will be more clued up now,i have been with churchill for the past 2 years,be prepared to give an estimate as to how much the adaptions were,i was told by the company that sold me the car to say £5000,Think they were guessing to be honest(i bought second hand).

My insurance isnt due for renewal for a while so i would be interested to hear how you get on,hopefully you will find it easier than i did:)

rogerblack

I question if treating it as a 'adaption' - and bumping rates - is legal.
This is as under the equalities act, making you pay more for an adaption for the disabled may be disability discrimination, and they need to properly consider the effect it has on accidents.
That is - they cannot treat a wheelchair adaption the same as a turbocharger or lowered body - but have to actually consider the real effect.

Rodders53

Dunno about ramps and other adaptations but our disability scooter hoist got classified as 'disability changes' by LV= when we fitted it to our car at no additional premium.

However the comparison sites list modifications like:
Altered Pedal Configuration
Removal Of Seats
Wheelchair Clamps/Straps
Wheelchair Lift/Ramp/Winch
under the 'Accessories' section of 'Modifications' so (although some companies won't quote for modified vehicles via them) you will get a number of valid quotes.

rogerblack

Rodders53 wrote: »

Dunno about ramps and other adaptations but our disability scooter hoist got classified as 'disability changes' by LV= when we fitted it to our car at no additional premium.

However the comparison sites list modifications like:
Altered Pedal Configuration....

I would suggest not stating it as a modification, getting a quote - and then seeing if the price rises with a mod.
If it does, then contact the lowest priced insurers customer service (or if you're feeling energetic legal department too) asking for them to properly consider the risk of a disability modification to add a disability related feature, rather than as a general one due to the equalities act.

(I do not of course suggest getting insurance and making a false declaration it's not fitted.)

missblue

Thank you for your help, I've just bought car insurance for £200 cheaper, when the policy documents arrive I will through and see if there is any major differences so far the only difference appears to the wheelchair is not covered in a accident (but since I have separate wheelchair insurance to cover all the time, seams unnecessary).
I've been with fish for 5 years, as they say loyalty does not pay, in five years I have never used the policy, yet it has gone up £300. I am not brave enough to talk to customer services about disability law and rights however I have taken note of what you said and I'm am sure I will do it in the future, I have amazed myself with having to go to tribunal for education and other issues over the years, next year I will not auto renew but ring around and get value for money.
Thank you again I had no idea how to approach this and now all sorted for another year.