Insurance

Motor insurance

The main potential danger of diabetes and driving is the possibility of having a hypoglycaemic episode (hypo), which could impair your judgement and lead to an accident. Although this is very rare it can, and does, happen.

When applying for motor insurance you must declare all material facts. Diabetes is a material fact which should be declared at the start of your policy or when you receive your diagnosis.

Failure to disclose material facts can invalidate your cover if you need to put in a claim. It is therefore important that you disclose all material facts to your insurer. If you have been diagnosed recently it is possible that your insurer may change the terms of cover, or in rare cases, even decline to continue your cover.

Some companies may not ask you about your health, but you should always tell them about your diabetes.

The situation relating to car insurance for people with diabetes has improved greatly over the past few years. Most car insurance companies no longer load premiums for people with diabetes. If you feel that you are being discriminated against with higher premiums, complain to your insurance company and, if still not satisfied, switch to another company. There are plenty to choose from and you can transfer your no claims bonus to your new company.

To arrange your car insurance you are spoilt for choice. You can search for a company via the web, phone the company direct, use one of the many price comparison websites or use a broker. Whichever way you choose, remember to fully disclose your medical conditions, read the small print and don’t leave it to the last minute. We recommend that you take at least three quotes when arranging your car insurance and often insurance companies will give a discount for purchasing online.

Summary

  •  You are obliged to inform the DVLA if your diabetes is controlled by insulin or by tablets. You could supplement this with a letter from your diabetes team detailing how good your diabetes control is. But we recommend that everyone living with diabetes inform the DVLA. (Further details about this can be found in our leaflet Driving and diabetes.)
  • In all cases, inform your insurance company of your diabetes immediately and at each renewal inform them of any changes in your condition or its treatment.
  • Challenge your insurer if you feel you are being discriminated against because of your diabetes. And if you are still not satisfied switch to another insurance company.