I read RK's response to Kitty and was very surprised to learn that a diagnosis of AD will affect auto insurance. My husband is in sales and driving is who he is. He's still functional enough to drive although it's starting to make him nervous. His evaluation is due next week. I learn every day on this site.
newbies or persons interested in how AD affects driving and insurance etc may want to read the DRIVING thread, it is quite extensive and covers just about everything you need to know, and more. Divvi will try to find it for you.
I just got off the phone with my Allstate Agent. She said Allstate did not have a written policy against a person with an Alzheimer's diagnosis driving. She did say that if it was a serious accident, injuries and a lawyer was involved, they'd probably bring up the fact - as an aside. She said - "or, if they could prove the driver was on a cell phone, texting or even if they are intoxicated. The insurance company could choose to not renew the policy and probably would. But, they do not put in the exceptions to coverage anything about the driver's mental state. She called me about something entirely different, and I was glad to get her viewpoint. As I understand it, Allstate doesn't prohibit drivers with AD from driving, but if there is a wreck, the lawyers could "go to town" if they found out.
Exactly Nancy B. Now our State farm agent won't insure him. So it depends on the Company. But what I was trying to say is, if the other driver finds out it could be become a real issue. And we the caregiver could be held liable.
nancy the policy may not hold exclusions for mental compentency perse many policies ask at purchase if you have any deficiencies in that dept=even but your driving license does have that connotation within the fine lines.. if you want to check out the online renewal or by mail or in person you have to 'swear' that there is no change in mental or physical capacities that impair your driving abilities. i think that includes a first dx of AD or even epilipsy or any mental type impairment even TIA or heartattack within a 2yr period. a good atty will go on a spree from that standpoint, you should have notified driving license bureaus of your impairment and then would not even have a valid licen. then after that its all over -no license? you will be held accountable for any damamges plus charges for maybe even fraud to the DPS or licensing depts for not being truthful about the impairments.. its just to risky. i saw it many times while an insur agent how companies relish this to happen so they can get out of paying claims.
I took over the driving after the DX with no problem. But he did still have his license and was on our insurance policy. Never thought much about it - then, because his driving was still okay. Then I let him drive 6 blocks to the barber shop one morning before a funeral - and he had a minor accident 2 blocks from home. He was so upset and he walked home and gave me his keys and that was the end of any driving. Notified the insurance agent and they removed him from the policy. He still has his license which don't get renewed for 3 more years, but he just uses it for I.D.
My DH has never argued one time about driving. We sold his van before we moved, thinking we'd buy him a convertible..(so he could look like a hottie)..but he fell, then had surgery, and we never mentioned it again. He hasn't asked, I haven't mentioned it.
His particular personality is simply silent. He replies..but rarely initiates a conversation. He watches TV, (sort of) and sleeps. His physical health is good, - he has trouble walking very well, but doesn't use aids..he just sits and stares.
I count my blessings, when I read about some of your problems with temperment, name calling and aggression. I hope we have dodged that bullet. Do you think it is yet to come? He's moderately severe, according to his doctor. (No numbers)
i located from dmv.org about what you are asked on any drivers licensing renewals..
your renewal card either by mail or in person or email will ask "do you have any disease, disorder, or disability, that would impair your ability to driver safely".. when you sign your name to the back of the renewal card or app in person and send it back in so they send your new drivers license, you are stating :NO", unless you tell them of any disability-
that means if you dont tell them and they renew the license, you can be held accountable for false statements to a govt agency...
just thought i'd put this here -i think if you want you can verify this with your local drivers licensing dept.
ALL OF THESE COMMENTS HAVE BEEN MOVED TO THE ORIGINAL DISCUSSION - 'The Driving Issue - How do you handle it." Please post driving comments under that topic. Thank you.