Does having a pacemaker affect auto insurance rates? (2024)
Having a pacemaker does not directly affect auto insurance rates unless you have a history of accidents related to your condition. Expect to pay 45% more for car insurance after an accident. Below, we'll overview how a pacemaker affects car insurance and potential driving restrictions after pacemaker surgery.
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Tim Bain
Licensed Insurance Agent
Tim Bain is a licensed insurance agent with 23 years of experience helping people protect their families and businesses with the best insurance coverage to meet their needs. His insurance expertise has been featured in several publications, including Investopedia and eFinancial. He also does digital marking and analysis for KPS/3, a communications and marking firm located in Nevada.
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Feb 1, 2024
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Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Feb 1, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- Having a pacemaker does not directly affect your auto insurance
- Pacemaker-related accidents can affect your car insurance rates
- Prepare for potential issues involving your pacemaker with extra coverage
While having a pacemaker does not directly affect auto insurance rates, any at-fault accidents stemming from your pacemaker can cause your rates to go up by around 45%.
Read More: Auto Insurance for Drivers With Accidents
Keep reading to understand how a pacemaker of the heart can impact your car insurance premiums and compare pacemaker car insurance rates from the best auto insurance companies.
How a Pacemaker Can Affect Auto Insurance Rates
In general, simply possessing a pacemaker won’t by itself make it harder for you to get auto insurance or lead to unreasonable rates. This is because auto insurance companies usually do not look at your health when approving coverage.
Auto insurance companies consider several factors when reviewing potential or current policyholders. These may include your:
- Driving record
- Location
- Age
- Vehicle
- Driving habits
They usually do not consider your medical condition, so they may never know that you have a pacemaker. However, there are two exceptions to this that may indirectly impact your auto insurance.
If your pacemaker results in you having vehicular accidents or your doctor feels that it endangers you while driving, it may impact your rates because either of these may lead to you being labeled as “high-risk.” As a high-risk driver, you may face reluctance from companies to grant you a policy. Read more about how to find cheap high-risk auto insurance with a pacemaker.
Pacemakers Come With Risks
While pacemakers are meant to help treat existing heart problems, they come with risks, including:
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Light-headedness
- Stroke
- Heart failure
If these occur while you are behind the wheel, you could have a serious wreck. If you have a pacemaker and recently caused an accident, check out the rates below to see how much more you’ll pay for coverage:
Insurance Company | One Accident | Clean Record |
---|---|---|
Allstate | $225 | $160 |
American Family | $176 | $117 |
Farmers | $198 | $139 |
Geico | $132 | $80 |
Liberty Mutual | $234 | $174 |
Nationwide | $161 | $115 |
Progressive | $186 | $105 |
State Farm | $102 | $86 |
Travelers | $139 | $99 |
USAA | $78 | $59 |
U.S. Average | $173 | $119 |
While many individuals with pacemakers continue to live normal lives and can drive without problems, the possibility of issues is enough to put insurance companies on guard in the two instances where they usually notice a customer or potential customer has a pacemaker.
A History of Pacemaker-Related Incidents Is a Red Flag to Insurance Companies
One way having a pacemaker can indirectly impact your auto insurance is if you have a history of accidents and insurance claims that were in some way caused by your pacemaker.
Your driving record is something insurance companies pay a great deal of attention to regardless of whether you have a pacemaker or not. However, if you have a long, accident-free record, your pacemaker should not pose an issue.Michael Leotta Insurance Operations Specialist
Read More: How to Check My Auto Insurance Claims History
Insurance Companies Can Access Your Medical Record if Your Doctor Submits Them
If your doctor feels that your medical condition may affect your driving ability and safety, they will submit your medical documentation to your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles. They have a moral obligation to do so.
Your doctor may also place limits on your driving license. Examples of such limitations include:
- Only driving during the day
- Only driving with another licensed adult driver in the vehicle
- Only driving short distances
If your condition is severe enough, your physician may even remove your driving privileges completely. Limitations usually are not permanent and may be lifted over time. You are more likely to have restrictions placed on your license right after the pacemaker surgery since that is when symptoms are more likely to express themselves. Your doctor may also place restrictions initially if you have a long history of complex heart problems.
Insurance companies can access your medical documentation as long as the DMV has the records. They also look at your driver’s license, which means they will see any limitations placed on it. Most physicians will notify you if they send your medical documentation to the DMV.
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How to Guard Against Future Pacemaker-Related Incidents
If your pacemaker has played a role in an accident or if your doctor submitted documentation to the DMV, you may no longer be eligible for traditional auto insurance at comfortable rates. However, there are companies that specialize in insuring high-risk drivers. Your state may also have assigned risk pools you can join so you can ensure you have the coverage you need. There are also steps you can take to prepare for and minimize the chance of accidents.
Invest in Additional Insurance Coverage
You must meet your state’s minimum auto insurance requirements to drive legally. Standard policies usually include liability auto insurance, which has bodily injury and property damage coverage. You can increase the levels of these coverages, though.
You may also want to acquire collision auto insurance and medical payments coverage. The first covers damages if you collide with another vehicle or an object such as a mailbox or telephone pole. The latter covers the medical bills and any lost wages if you suffer a serious injury in an accident. Having additional coverage will buffer the expenses if you have a wreck.
Maintain Your Health
Taking care of yourself can help prevent pacemaker failure. This involves simple tasks, such as:
- Attending regular check-ups
- Following your physician’s instructions exactly
- Contacting your physician if you notice abnormalities in your health or the pacemaker’s performance
- Including heart-healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, and grains in your diet
- Incorporating more physical activity into your life without overstraining yourself
By maintaining your health, you lower the possibility of you having a wreck, which would lead to an increase in your rates.
How Pacemakers and Auto Insurance Rates Correlate
If you have a pacemaker, you should not have any trouble driving if your doctor clears you for it. Auto insurance companies generally do not consider whether you have a pacemaker or not when providing coverage, so your rates or ability to obtain insurance should not be directly affected.
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However, if you have a record of accidents resulting from issues with your pacemaker or your doctor feels you may need restrictions on your license, you may need extra coverage and other solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does having a pacemaker affect auto insurance rates?
In most cases, having a pacemaker does not directly affect auto insurance rates. Auto insurance companies primarily base their rates on factors such as driving history, vehicle type, age, and location. Having a pacemaker is not typically considered a direct risk factor for driving, unless it significantly impacts the individual’s ability to safely operate a vehicle.
Do you have to tell your insurance company if you have a pacemaker?
It is generally a good idea to inform your auto insurance company about any medical conditions, including the presence of a pacemaker. While it may not directly affect your rates, providing accurate information helps ensure that you have the appropriate coverage and that the insurance company is aware of any potential health concerns that may arise while driving.
Can I get insurance with a pacemaker?
In most cases, having a pacemaker should not impact your ability to obtain auto insurance. Insurance companies typically focus on factors such as driving history and risk assessment, rather than specific medical conditions. However, if your pacemaker significantly affects your ability to drive safely, it may be necessary to discuss this with the insurance company and potentially explore alternative transportation options.
Are there any specific insurance companies that specialize in coverage for individuals with pacemakers?
While there may not be insurance companies that specifically specialize in coverage for individuals with pacemakers, many insurance providers offer policies for individuals with various medical conditions. It is recommended to research and contact different insurance companies to discuss your specific needs and find a policy that suits your requirements.
Will my auto insurance rates increase if I have a pacemaker-related accident?
Auto insurance rates can increase after an accident, regardless of whether it is related to a pacemaker or not. Insurance companies typically consider factors such as fault, severity of the accident, and previous claims history when determining rate changes. While having a pacemaker may not be a direct cause for rate increases, any accident could potentially impact your rates depending on the circumstances. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider to understand their specific policies regarding rate adjustments in such situations.
Can you still drive if you have a pacemaker?
Your doctor may give you pacemaker driving restrictions, such as not to drive for a week, after getting pacemaker surgery. However, you should be able to resume normal driving afterward.
Does having a pacemaker affect travel insurance?
Some travel insurance companies may deny you coverage if you have a pre-existing medical condition, such as a heart pacemaker.
Can you drive an electric car with a pacemaker?
Yes, driving an electric vehicle with a pacemaker is safe.
How can my insurance company find out about my pacemaker?
Insurance companies may be able to access medical records if they’re with the DMV.
Are there discounts available for drivers with pacemakers?
Many insurers offer discounts that drivers with pacemakers can take advantage of, such as a safety feature or defensive driver auto insurance discount.
Free Auto Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Tim Bain
Licensed Insurance Agent
Tim Bain is a licensed insurance agent with 23 years of experience helping people protect their families and businesses with the best insurance coverage to meet their needs. His insurance expertise has been featured in several publications, including Investopedia and eFinancial. He also does digital marking and analysis for KPS/3, a communications and marking firm located in Nevada.
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.