The Surprising Challenges of Insuring a Special Needs Family Member
Navigating the complexities of insurance can be particularly daunting for families of individuals with special needs, as I recently discovered through my experience with Progressive insurance.
My son, who is autistic and prefers the comfort of his room, was recently encouraged by his social worker to open a bank account. This step is necessary to ensure he can access benefits upon turning 18. However, to establish a bank account in Florida, he needs a form of identification. We set out to the Department of Highway Safety to obtain an ID for him, hoping this process would be straightforward.
What happened next, however, was unexpected. Upon learning that we were applying for my son’s ID, Progressive decided to add him to our auto insurance policy as an excluded driver. The result? An eye-watering increase in our premiums—$800 every six months—solely because they claim that Florida law permits such charges in light of a rise in accidents involving unlicensed drivers.
This situation left me bewildered. My son does not hold a driver’s license and has no intention of driving. Yet, we are facing additional costs for the mere act of excluding him from our policy. It raises the question: How can an insurance company impose fees for not providing coverage to someone who will never operate a vehicle?
This experience highlights the often-overlooked financial burdens families with special needs members face, particularly when it comes to insurance. It serves as a reminder of how crucial it is to thoroughly understand the policies that cover our loved ones, and to challenge practices that seem fundamentally unfair.
As we navigate this journey, I encourage other families to advocate for clarity and fairness in insurance dealings. It’s essential to ask questions, seek alternatives, and ultimately hold companies accountable for their policies, which should consider the unique situations of all families—especially those with special needs.
