Does a pacemaker affect car insurance?

Millions of people around the United States have pacemakers. A pacemaker is used to help the heart pump at a natural pace.

Many who have the device go on to lead normal lives, complete with driving a car and commuting back-and-forth to work.

Pacemakers have the potential to impact a person’s auto insurance rates, particularly if the medical device has had an adverse impact on that individual’s health and/or ability to drive.

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What You Need to Know About Your Pacemaker

Your pacemaker is designed to make you a healthier person.

The moment a pacemaker is implanted, you should have a conversation with your doctor on what can be done to keep you in good health, which includes learning more about acceptable heart rates and when to seek medical attention.

People who have had heart problems in the past often have a better life once they get a pacemaker. Modern pacemakers are built to last a long time, but they do need some care.

If you have a pacemaker, be sure to:

• Take and record your pulse regularly
• Follow health care instructions
• Take medications as directed
• Follow activity recommendations and restrictions

Car, train, and even plane trips should pose no problem for individuals with pacemakers. You simply don’t want to overdo it.

If you’re feeling tired, for example, you should make sure you have a way to rest during your travel, especially if you’re driving a vehicle.

Knowing the warning signs of fatigue will help to keep you healthier. It will also help you to be a safer driver on the roads.

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Be a Safe Driver

Insurance companies look at your driving record when determining the rates you will pay for auto insurance.

If you are a safe driver and always have been, then having a pacemaker will most likely not impact your insurance rates.

Your driving record will show your past accidents, traffic citations, and claims that you have filed with insurance companies in the past.

If you have had significant heart problems and your doctor is concerned about your health and your driving habits, there might be documentation with the DMV.

Your doctor is morally obligated to share medical information with the DMV if they believe that information could impact your safety or the safety of others.

If this is the case, you might have driving restrictions placed on your license until your doctor feels comfortable lifting them.

In most instances, your doctor will tell you if they have shared your medical information with the DMV. Once that information is with the DMV, insurance companies can access it as well.

Insurance companies could then see you as a higher risk because of having this medical history listed on your driving record. Higher risk drivers often pay more on insurance because there is a greater likelihood of an accident.

Filing a Complaint with the Insurance Commission

If you have a pacemaker but are otherwise healthy, you shouldn’t be denied car insurance coverage. Especially if you have been a safe driver, you should be able to get a policy without any issues.

If you have been told you are uninsurable or your insurance is considerably more expensive than you believe it should be, you have the right to file a complaint with the insurance commission for your state.

Every state has a different process for filing a complaint. You will need to provide:

• Name of insurance company
• Policy number
• Explanation of your concerns

It’s important to be as detailed as possible regarding your concerns so that the insurance commissioner can look into your case.

Conditions causing individuals to need a pacemaker have affected some people’s ability to drive safely.

Although if you’re healthy and have proven that you are a safe driver, there is no reason for the medical device to stand in your way of living a normal life.

Talk with your doctor to find out what you can do to improve your health. Then, get quotes from multiple insurance companies to get a customized policy with affordable premiums.

Start comparing quotes today by using our FREE online quote tool! Enter your ZIP code below!

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