DVLA

[PaulaCH]

Does an AF diagnosis mean problems with driving and insurance?

[Hidden]

Unless your AF renders you unfit to drive because of dizziness and/or fear of blackouts or any other dibillitating condition, the answer is no. I think the notification rules may have changed and become less restrictive, but if you drive knowing that you are unfit to drive, the consequencies are serious, as they should be. If any medical practitioner tells you are unfit to drive, which is unlikely unless you have serious debillitating episodes, then clearly you must not. In my case, 3.5 years ago I did notify the DVLA and they responded saying I was OK to drive. I notified my insurers and they were absolutely fine and there was no increase in premiums. You might find the following webpage helpful. This topic, and travel insurance tends to crop up regularly and both generate a lot of comments!!

gov.uk/guidance/cardiovascu...

[PaulaCH in reply to Hidden]

Thanks. Really useful website. P

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Just to clarify, in my opinion insurance companies should be notified regardless of the DVLA requirements for all the reasons mentioned.

[Hidden]

Hi Paula,

I hold a full UK driving licence and a PCV (bus driver) entitlement. DVLA suspended the PCV entitlement but not the car. Later, after my GP proved that I met all DVLA requirements they reinstated the PCV. I still hold the PCV today and still drive buses.

On the insurance issue, my feelings are that you must notify them of your condition and as appropriate your medication. If you don't, and if you are later involved in an accident they may very well disown you. Read the small print in your motor vehicle insurance policy. In an extreme scenario, if this happens and your insurers disown you, you could end up being charged with driving without valid insurance. So on this one tread warily.

John

[PollyDoodle in reply to Hidden]

In the bhf literature, it says you should notify insurance companies, however, both cardiac nurses said no need. In the light of insurance companies doing their best to wriggle out of paying a claim, I told my company I had AF and they said no problem,and even better, no increase in premiums

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Totally agree regarding insurance

[mavisrich]

it is on the dvla site that a f is a notifiable condition. also it is best to notify your insurers because then they cannot wriggle out of a claim if you have to make one.