Car insurance

[HeatherR]

I have recently been diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s at the age of 50 after a long hard struggle to get the medical profession to listen to me. At the moment it is in the very early stages and I want to continue my independence as much as possible. I am still driving locally occasionally where I feel comfortable with the support of my specialist and family but I understand that I am now legally obliged to inform the DVLA and my insurance company of the recent diagnosis. It seems unlikely the DVLA will stop me driving yet, but I am unsure how my insurance company will react. Has anyone else had to inform his or her insurance company of a diagnosis of dementia?

Heather

 

[suem]

My husband has Parkinson's and Lewy body dementia. He notified DVLA and his insurance 12 years ago when he had Parkinsons and there was no problem with either. When the dementia started 3 years ago again they were notified. THe DVLA immediateley withdrew his licence with no questions asked. Our GP challenged his and eventualy he was given a test of his driving which he passed and his licence reinstated. The insurance company were ok as the DVLA were involved.
SUE

 

[mandyp]

Hi

Mum was diagnosed at 54 just over a year ago, her licence was immediately withdrawn although she did get offered the chance to resit her driving test.....she didn't want to do that. Mum had learned many years ago and (sorry Mum!) without dementia I doubt she would have passed, she wasn't the best driver in the world.

I think that you have no choice if you want to keep you licence, you have to resit your driving test. It's my understanding that if you continue to drive without informing the DVLA, your insurance is invalidated if you have any accidents.

Mandy

 

[zed]

When my Mum was diagnosed, I informed the DVLA, who contacted her doctor, and then withdrew her licence. This was a good thing, as Mum wasn't safe to drive, even without the dementia! But if the DVLA try to just withdraw your licence, you can ask instead to have an assessment. It is a bit different from a normal driving test. If you pass that you are allowed to drive, so I imagine the insurance company would be ok with that. I met 2 women whose husbands had been diagnosed, and they passed the assessment.

If you can't get any information on this, try contacting the Pick's Disease Support Group www.pdsg.org.uk Pick's disease is a type of dementia that particulalry affects younger people. Therefore there may be people there who have experience of dealing with insurance companies for this reason. They have a message board too.

Have you come across the book "Dancing with Dementia". It is written by a woman who was diagnosed in her forties.

 

[thompsonsom]

Hi

I have recently started a job in an insurance company and it is true that you need to inform dvla of any disabilities and then the insurance company otherwise they could refuse to pay out in the event of an accident, although they still are legally bound to pay any 3rd parties involved. Usually as long as the dvla has been informed the insurance company will still insure you as the onus is on the dvla to stop anyone driving who is deemed medically unfit to do so.


Jan