Driving?

[ljp103]

Hello. Quick question that I currently don't know what I should do. I have cerebella ataxia type 2 and I need to renew my car insurance. Do you think it is important for me to declare my condition to the insurers and does anyone know if this means that my premium may go up. Thanks

[wobblybee]

Hi😊

See gov.uk/health-conditions-an...

DVLA contact your GP/Neurologist for confirmation that symptoms or any medications do not effect your driving. Apply in advance, replies can take time. Not everyone is excluded from driving, it's common to be given a 3yr license.

There have been discussions on here about insurance rates for driving. See search box.

Merry Christmas 😊xBeryl

[cymruralf]

Hi

From my past experience you need to declare any medical conditions to the insurance company . If you don't and something happens then the insurance company could invalidate your insurance. I have also notified DVLA and am currently waiting the response

Colin

[ljp103 in reply to cymruralf]

Hi. Thanks for getting back to me. Have you notified your insurers. What I'm scared of is if they hugely up the price of my insurance or worse. My instincts tell me declaring my condition might make things a lot worse.

[cymruralf]

Hi I do not have a car at present as I have stopped working and have returned my company car. I am waiting until DVLA notify about my licence. If they revoke my licence then I would not be able to drive and would be stuck with a car. I would be surprised if insurance companies did'nt up the premium as they see it as an additional risk. Have a look at some of the previous answers. The problem you have is if you do not notify them either now or at renewal and something happens they can nullify your insurance and think of the possible consequences

Colin

[David38446]

When I insured I re-notified the company and they said it was right to tell them but it would make no difference to the price. In practice I've now stopped driving, but my partner is still covered for my car (which has the ramps for the mobility scooter). I've also notified DVLC (a statutory requirement) but they let me keep my licence.

[Coxy123]

Hi, I declared to my consultant that my driving had become a bit erratic; I weaved around in the lane and sometimes hit the kerb. He was worried for my safety (and others) and recommended I went on a driving assessment by RDAC (Regional Driving Assessment Centre). They are a charity and advise whether they think you are fit to drive. Thankfully I passed although with some recommendations on how I could improve.

I passed thankfully but was advised to let DVLA and my insurance company know. It was felt that should I have an accident in the future, my fault or not, and the insurance company found out I hadn't de cared my condition, the insurance may be nulled.

I phoned them up and to say they were disinterested wold be an understatement. They said the premium would be unaffected. I am due to renew next month and so will find out.

[jeromekern]

I have Sensory Ataxia (had it for 7 years). Last year I thought I'd better let my insurers know - they said don't worry, they do not want to know - they said if you are allowed to drive by the DVLA - that is good enough for them. They thanked me for letting them know. They did they said they would not increase the insurance because of it, and didn't.

All the best to you.

Doug.

[jeromekern in reply to jeromekern]

I should have said that the first time on my renewal form I had to give details of my GP and Neuro Consultant - they took 12 months before they issued my renewal licence, but said to carry on driving. When it came up for renewal again I had to fill in 6 sides of A4 - give details again of my GP and Neuro Consultant and this time it took about 10 months to come, but they didn't say whether to continue to driving or not, so I just carried on.

Hope these two post help.

Cheers.

[Piero]

I would most definitely inform the DVLA. I recall that in some form or other our condition is on their list which obligates us to inform the authority. If you don't do so, I suspect that you may be breaking the law.

Re' insurance. When I iformed my company the reply I received was that if the DVLA considered me fit to drive then the isurance industry wasn't going to penalise those with medical conditions by upping the premiums in those cases.

However!! It could follow that if you haven't informed the DVLA then your insurance is fragile.

[ljp103 in reply to Piero]

This is great thanks. Just what I wanna know. Thank you.