Home Car insurance Coverage Car insurance for blind drivers (you heard that right) Car insurance for blind drivers (you heard that right) Written by: Kat Zeman | Reviewed by: Ashlee Tilford Ashlee Tilford Ashlee, a former managing editor, insurance, at QuinStreet, is a journalist and business professional. She earned an MBA in 2014 with a concentration in finance. She has more than 15 years of hands-on experience in the finance industry. | Posted on July 9, 2010 Why you should trust Insure.com Quality Verified At Insure.com, we are committed to providing honest and reliable information so that you can make the best financial decisions for you and your family. All of our content is written and reviewed by industry professionals and insurance experts. We maintain strict editorial independence from insurance companies to maintain editorial integrity, so our recommendations are unbiased and are based on a comprehensive list of criteria. Technology is driving forward at a blinding pace. At some point in the future, you may be sharing the road with blind drivers. Next January, the National Federation of the Blind and Virginia Tech plan to unveil a prototype vehicle equipped with technology that will allow blind people to drive. They’ve tricked out a Ford Escape SUV with “nonvisual interface technology,” which uses laser sensors that operate much like sonar, plus various transmitters, vibrating gloves and devices releasing compressed air. Together, these functions will help communicate surroundings to the driver. The prototype vehicle is designed to allow the blind to drive independently – not be driven around in it. While the reality of blind drivers hitting the road is quite a few years away, the technological possibility hasn’t escaped the attention of the insurance industry. Many representatives of major car insurance companies decline to talk about how they’ll figure out car insurance rates for blind drivers. But they admit they’ll have to face up to the challenge some day. Presently, most car insurers don’t have specific pricing guidelines for drivers who are visually or hearing impaired. For example, California insurers offer coverage to most drivers with auditory disabilities. If a deaf driver has a valid driver’s license, an insurance policy is offered at the same rates as those without a hearing impairment, says Peter Moraga, spokesperson for the Insurance Information Network of California. It’s possible that the same may apply to blind drivers who seek car insurance quotes in the future. “Our guidelines are based on what is current today,” says Kate Hollcraft, spokesperson for Allstate Insurance. “Both the car in development and a driver who cannot see are currently just concepts. [But] if the car goes to market and states issue licenses to drivers who are blind, I’m sure we’ll explore both factors in our guidelines.” She notes that Allstate requires customers to have a valid driver’s license, which typically requires a vision test. Car insurance for auto-pilot The possibility of blind drivers is already raising new questions in the minds of insurers. “I think it opens up a lot of basic questions as to how this technology would fit into the bigger picture,” says Moraga. “If technology exists to allow a blind person to drive, then at what point does that become standard for all drivers?” Moraga anticipates autonomous vehicles, combining GPS technology and computers to drive us around on auto pilot one day in the future. “You can sometimes look at the future by where we are today compared to where we’ve been,” he says. “At one point, you’re going to punch in the coordinates of where you want to go and the car will drive you there. . . . Think how far technology has advanced since the advent of the digital age. Look at what our cell phones can do today. Our computers couldn’t do that 10 years ago.” Vehicle technology also holds the promise of better car insurance rates due to improved safety and fewer accidents. Moraga speculates that auto-pilot cars could cut down on accidents. An autonomous vehicle may also be able to choose routes that avoid traffic congestion. “Technology forces us to explore the boundaries, and insurance, like any other financial institution, will have to adapt to that as well,” he says. “You’re not going to see an overnight change. But insurers will have to pay attention to this. If technology changes the way we drive, then we will have to change underwriting as well.” QuickTake Minimum car insurance requirements by state Non-owner car insurance: How to get car insurance if you don't own a car What is Full Coverage Car Insurance? Can I insure a car that isn't in my name? What is liability auto insurance? 15 things you didn't know your car and home insurance policies cover How auto theft investigators work - and how to hire your own What is uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage? Car warranties versus auto insurance How Does Gap Insurance Work and Do You Need it? Do you need full coverage on a financed car Do you need the VIN number for the insurance quote? Veterans and military guide to insurance 5 questions to ask your car insurance agent The secret life of your car's VIN "Stacking" your UM/UIM auto insurance coverage 10 things that aren’t illegal but should be SR-22 insurance: What is it and how does it work? Auto insurance: How to make sure you’re not underinsured Will my car insurance still cover my vehicle if I had it towed out of the road after hitting a deer? I have a witness to the event. Double-car insurance dilemmas How to cut your car insurance bill in half 12 things you don't know about car insurance that could cost you Untangling your insurance during a separation or divorce My wife was half asleep when she went out to scrape snow and ice off her car. She used a snow shovel, not realizing she picked up the one with the sharp metal blade at the end, so she scratched the car all over. Will her car insurance cover the damage? My car was rear-ended and totaled but it was paid out by my insurance company and I am left with a balance on my car. Can I make a claim with the other drivers insurance company to pay the balance? As I was backing out of the driveway I hit a parked car that was parked beside the curb in the street causing what looked like mild damage. My vehicle had no damage. Will I have to pay a deductible? Don't let other people drive your car Taking the slow lane by storm: Insurance for low-speed vehicles Would I lie to you about car insurance? Only if it pays off Insuring your tricked-out, souped-up car See more > In case you missed it Best Car Insurance Companies of 2023 Car insurance rates by state: The most expensive and cheapest states for car ins... What is Full Coverage Car Insurance? A complete guide to car insurance costs for seniors A complete guide to adding a teenager to your car insurance policy What to do after a car accident that’s not your fault Total warfare: What to do when your auto insurer totals your car Car insurance claims: Who gets the claims check? Buying and insuring a used car: Most and least expensive models to insure in 202... The Best Car Insurance for Bad Credit of 2021 The best car insurance companies for speeding tickets Car insurance after a DUI Guide to Car Insurance Discounts Proper insurance coverage for college-bound children How to read (and actually understand!) your auto insurance policy Car Insurance Companies New driver insurance grace period: What you need to know How much do insurance agents make Autonomous cars: 5 delightful and 5 distressing things Busted! Part 1: How insurance companies spot bogus claims Insurance options for rideshare drivers 10 things that are illegal but shouldn’t be 1/1 Get instant quotes now ! Please enter valid zip Get Quotes