Quick Answer
What is wheelchair van insurance?
Wheelchair van insurance is a specialty commercial auto policy with $1M (or $5M for larger contracts) auto liability plus explicit endorsements for wheelchair passenger boarding, securement, and lift operation. It's required by every major Medicaid broker — Modivcare, MTM, Veyo, and state MCOs — and includes abuse and molestation coverage that standard policies omit.
The Three Endorsements Every WAV Needs
Most standard commercial auto policies treat your wheelchair van like any delivery vehicle. The problem: wheelchair-accessible vehicles carry a very different liability profile. A passenger injured during boarding, a securement failure at highway speed, or a lift malfunction on a busy driveway — none of these are clearly covered by a standard commercial auto form.
Our WAV policies explicitly cover all three: the wheelchair passenger endorsement, lift liability, and securement liability — with the abuse and molestation coverage your Medicaid broker requires.
Standard Commercial Auto vs. WAV Specialty Policy
| Feature | Standard Commercial Auto | InsureLimos WAV Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelchair Passenger Coverage | Often excluded | Explicitly covered |
| Lift Liability | Often excluded | Included |
| Securement Failure | Often sublimited | Full policy limit |
| Abuse & Molestation | Not included | Included |
| Medicaid Broker COIs | Manual / slow | Same-day |
| NEMT-focused underwriter | No | Yes |
Key Definitions
- WAV (Wheelchair-Accessible Vehicle)
- Any van or bus modified with a ramp or lift and floor securement tie-downs to accommodate wheelchair-bound passengers.
- Wheelchair Passenger Endorsement
- An endorsement to your commercial auto policy that explicitly covers bodily injury to wheelchair passengers during boarding, securement, transport, and deboarding.
- Tie-Down Securement
- The four-point strap system required by ADA and Medicaid broker contracts to anchor a wheelchair to the vehicle floor during transport. Improperly secured chairs are the #1 source of WAV liability claims.
- Hired and Non-Owned Auto (HNOA)
- Coverage for vehicles you don't own but use for business — essential if your drivers use their own vehicles for any NEMT runs.
Where We Write Wheelchair Van Insurance
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does wheelchair van insurance cost?+
Wheelchair van insurance typically costs $7,500–$13,500 per van per year for $1M auto liability with lift and securement endorsements. California and New York are 20–30% higher than the national average due to claim frequency and legal environment.
What endorsements do I need for a wheelchair van?+
You need: (1) wheelchair passenger endorsement covering boarding, securement, and transport; (2) lift liability endorsement for mechanical failure and operator error; (3) abuse and molestation coverage required by all Medicaid brokers. Standard commercial auto policies often don't include any of these.
Can I get wheelchair van insurance if I'm a new operator?+
Yes. New operators are welcome. We have carriers that write first-time NEMT operators without prior loss runs — though the options and pricing are slightly more limited than for established operators. Expect to provide your driver list, vehicle VINs, and Medicaid provider number.
Do I need separate insurance for each van?+
No — one policy can cover your entire fleet with each vehicle listed. Fleet policies often qualify for discounts at 3+ vehicles. At 10+ vehicles, experience-rated fleet pricing is typically available.
How do I add a new van mid-policy?+
Call us or email with the VIN and any new driver. We add vehicles and update your COIs the same business day. Pro-rated additional premium is billed for the remainder of the policy period.