Car insurance for disabled drivers

Yes, if you own a car but don’t drive yourself, you should still be able to get disabled driver car insurance cover. Most insurers offer the option to either add:

• A named driver, someone you specifically add to the policy who is insured to drive your car

• An any-driver option that covers anyone to drive your car – though there may be a minimum age requirement they must meet

Yes, most insurers will let you nominate someone to manage your car insurance policy on your behalf. This could be a family member, carer, or legal representative.

You’ll usually need to give the insurer written or recorded permission for them to discuss your policy details, make changes, or handle claims.

If you have taken out disabled driver car insurance from a specialist provider a modified courtesy  car is likely to be included while you wait for your car to be repaired at an insurer’s approved garage. But it’s important to check your policy documents or contact your insurer to be certain. 

If an adapted vehicle isn’t available while yours is off the road being repaired you may be given a mobility allowance to pay for alternative transport, such as taxis or trains.  

Yes, you can usually add your carer as a named driver. Because they're not the main driver, their no claims bonus won't be affected by any incidents involving your car.

You can also take out an ‘any driver’ policy, where anybody can drive your car. You won’t need to name people individually so this could be easier to manage if you have multiple carers. However it can be more expensive and there may be a minimum age requirement. Check your policy documents or speak to your insurer to find out.  

You should be able to get a young driver added to your policy to drive your disability car but there may be a minimum age requirement or other restrictions.  

For instance, on the Motability insurance scheme you are only allowed one driver under 21 on your insurance (either yourself or someone else living at the same address).   

Be aware that adding a young driver to your car insurance is likely to push up your premium.  

You are exempt from paying road tax if you get the higher or enhanced rate mobility component of a qualifying benefit: 

• Disability Living Allowance (DLA) 

• Personal Independence Payment (PIP) 

• Child Disability Payment (CDP) 

• Adult Disability Payment (ADP) 

• Scottish Adult Disability Living Allowance (SADLA) 

• Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP) 

• War Pensioners Mobility Supplement (WPMS) 

You can only use your exemption on one vehicle at a time so if you own multiple vehicles you’ll need to decide which one will be exempt from vehicle tax. 

If you’re buying a new vehicle from a car dealership you’ll need to give the dealership your certificate of entitlement.  

If you have a used vehicle, you’ll need to apply through a Post Office branch that deals with vehicle tax. 

Renewals can be done online on GOV.UK  

If you have a Blue Badge, your vehicle has a disabled tax disc, or your car is registered under the Motability Scheme, you are likely exempt from paying for London's Congestion Charge and the Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels charge.

You will need to register in advance with Transport for London to get the discount unless your V5C log book shows you have a 'disabled' taxation class, in which case the discount is automatic.

Other UK cities may have similar exemptions, but you should always check the local rules before travelling.

Vehicles with a disabled tax class or that are registered under the Motability Scheme are also generally entitled to a 100% discount on the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) charge. Blue Badge holders without a disabled tax class on their vehicle are not.

The ULEZ discount for disability vehicles is only in place until October 2027, at which point your vehicle will need to meet emission standards to avoid the charge.

For other UK clean air zones, rules vary, so it’s always best to check the local council’s exemption list before driving.