Home Insurance Needs for People with Disabilities

People with disabilities can now have homes that are tailored to their specific needs thanks to technological and medical advances. However, if you make any significant changes, make sure you have adequate homeowner's insurance to cover them.

According to J.P. Wieske, a spokesman for the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance, homeowners should understand the value of any additions they make to their home, whether it's a wheelchair ramp or a deck. "If the dollar amount is significant, they should contact their insurance agent to see if any changes to their policy are required," Wieske says.

While some renovations may be covered under your basic policy, Paul Tobin, president of the National Spinal Cord Injury Association, advises not leaving it to chance. People with disabilities frequently make major changes to their homes, such as installing a wheelchair lift, installing an environmental control unit (a device that allows people with limited mobility to operate electronic devices), or upgrading the electrical system. Tobin recommends not only informing your insurance agent or company about such improvements, but also ensuring that they are mentioned in your policy.

Protect your possessions

Your home insurance policy may be influenced by factors other than modifications. If you have expensive medical equipment, consult with your agent or broker about purchasing a separate rider - a policy add-on - to cover it.

"A power wheelchair can cost between $10,000 and $12,000," says Tobin.

A separate rider will not only ensure that you can replace the wheelchair if it is destroyed or stolen, but you may not have to pay a deductible for the wheelchair if you file a claim.

It's also a good idea to keep track of what you own, as well as the value of the items and their estimated replacement costs. Keep receipts for medical equipment in a secure location, such as a safe deposit box, so that you can easily provide them to your insurance company. Finally, photograph your medical equipment.

Don’t forget caretakers

Some people with disabilities have caregivers who come to see them on a regular basis. If that's the case, liability is an issue because there's always the risk that the caretaker will trip and fall in your home or on your property. If this occurs, you may face a costly lawsuit and "end up losing the home," according to Tobin.

According to Tully Lehman, a spokesman for the nonprofit Insurance Information Network of California, if the caregiver is a professional, such as a nurse or a home care aide, fewer liability issues will arise because that person is already licensed and insured. However, you should confirm this with the health care professional's employer.

"You should ask them, 'What happens if someone is hurt?'" Is it covered by your insurance or mine?'" Tobin explains. If they aren't insured or aren't willing to answer your questions, he suggests looking for another health care provider.

If you have a private caregiver or friends or neighbors who regularly check in on you, you want to limit your exposure to lawsuits as much as possible. According to Lehman, one way to accomplish this is to try to reduce safety hazards. For example, if you have a lot of medical equipment, keep it in areas with little foot traffic. Similarly, make sure you have adequate lighting so that people do not trip.

It's also a good idea to think about getting an umbrella liability policy. According to Lehman, typical home insurance policies provide around $300,000 in liability coverage. An umbrella policy, on the other hand, can provide coverage of $1 million or more.

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