Funding Vehicle Modifications

Paying for vehicle adaptations or adapted vehicles can be challenging!  Here is a list of common funding options! This list is provided for informational purposes only. WATF does not endorse any particular assistive technology device, vendor or manufacturer.  Please send updates, suggestions or information about other vehicle modification funding resources to info@watf.org.  

Vehicle Modification Rebates
Most vehicle manufacturers offer rebates – typically up to $1000 -- to cover part of the cost of needed modifications.  Some companies restrict rebates to brand new vehicles; others cover vehicles up to five years old so check with your particular manufacturer.

Daimler Chrysler
Learn how to receive $1000 for installation of adaptive equipment to new Daimler Chrysler vehicles.

Ford Motors
Receive up to $1000 for the cost of installed equipment on new Ford motor vehicles.

General Motors & Saturns
Receive up to $1000 for adaptations to new GM vehicles (within 12 months of purchase).

Honda
Receive up to $1000 for vehicle adaptations

Lexus
Learn how to receive up to $1000 for adaptations to vehicles years 2001 and newer

Toyota
Receive up to $1000 for adaptations to purchased or leased vehicles 2001 and later models.

Loans
Loans are the most common way to pay for modified vehicles.   Before you start shopping, check with your bank or credit union re what rates they have available.  Most dealers also offer some type of financing. 

BankRate.com
Use this site to see if you are getting the best deal on your loan and compare rates for auto loans.

Washington Assistive Technology Foundation
Provides low interest loans up to $10,000 for adaptive technology & home & vehicle accessibility modifications. 
Phone: 206-328-5116
Toll Free: 1-800-214-8731
TTY:  1-866-866-0162

American Association of People with Disabilities & Digital Federal Credit Union 
Membership in AAPD is $15.00 per year. 
Phone: 202-457-0046 (V/TTY)
Toll Free: 800-840-8844 (Toll Free V/TTY). 
For an additional $5.00 deposit, you can join the Digital Federal Credit Union which offers Access & Mobility Loans up to $100,000 with up to 72 months to repay.  This is a particularly appropriate option for families with excellent credit records since the rate depends upon credit rating.  Click here for an application to join both organizations at the Credit Union’s website.

Working Wheels
This joint project of Solid Ground and Port of Seattle resells donated vehicles and cars from public motor pools to low income adults in King County for employment purposes.  The vehicles cost between $900 and $3000 and low interest loans are available to help with payment.  To be eligible:

• You must be a resident of King County;
• You must have a valid Washington State drivers license, and have not been convicted of a DUI or vehicle related felony in the past 3 years;
• You must be receiving TANF or received TANF within the past 24 months or be at 200% of the poverty level; and
• You must demonstrate a need for a car that is employment related.

Please note:  all cars currently available are sedans but they are hoping to add vans & trucks.   However, this could be an option for individuals with disabilities whose mobility needs can be met with a sedan as opposed to a van with WATF potentially providing the funding for the modifications.
Phone: 206-694-6833

Other Funding Sources

Private Insurance
Insurance will occasionally cover vehicle modifications.  If your insurance policy includes coverage for “durable medical equipment,” or prosthetics, check the list of “exclusions” to see if vehicle modifications specifically “excluded.”  If not, check definitions of DME & prosthetics to see if you can argue that vehicle modifications should be covered as DME or prosthetics. 

Vocational Rehabilitation
WAC 388-891-0665: If you need a vehicle for employment and you are a client of the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, talk with your DVR counselor.  DVR may pay for the vehicle modifications (but generally not the vehicle) if it is written into your Individual Plan For Employment.   Here are some of the conditions that must first be met:

• DVR does not have a question about your driving safety
• Your disability is stable or slowly progressive and not likely to impair your driving ability in the future, if you plan to drive the vehicle.
• You and/or a family member is the registered and/or legal owner of the vehicle.
• You have a current driver's license and vehicle license with required endorsements for you and/or family member(s) who will operate the vehicle.
• If a used vehicle is to be modified, you have provided documentation of an inspection from a certified or journey level auto mechanic that verifies the vehicle is in good condition and capable of being modified.
• You have had an evaluation from a vehicle modification specialist unless the only modifications requested are:  placement of a wheelchair lift, ramp, or scooter lift and tie downs for passenger access only;replacement of hand controls; Wheelchair carriers; or Other minor driving aids.
• You have vehicle insurance adequate to cover the cost of replacement for loss or damage, including the cost of the modification.
• You have demonstrated or provided documentation that verifies you and/or family member(s) designated as a driver can safely operate the vehicle as modified.

Department of Labor & Industries
RCW 51.36.020(8)(a):  If the vehicle modifications are needed because of an industrial injury resulting in amputation or paralysis, L&I (or employer if self-insured) may pay up to 50% of the state’s average annual wage towards to cost of vehicle modifications. An additional $4000 may be allocated at the discretion of the Department.

Veterans Administration
38 USC 39:  Veterans and service members may be eligible for a one-time payment of not more than $11,000 toward the purchase of an automobile or other conveyance for certain service connected injuries.  They may also be eligible for adaptive equipment, and for repair, replacement, or reinstallation required because of disability, and for the safe operation of a vehicle purchased with VA assistance. To apply, contact a VA regional office at 1-800-827-1000 or the nearest VA medical center.

• 2230 8th Avenue,
  Seattle, WA 98121
  Phone: 206-553-2706
• W. 1708 Mission St.
  Spokane, WA 99201
  Phone: 509-327-0274
• 4916 Center St., Suite E
  Tacoma, WA 98409
  Phone: 253-565-7038

Medicaid
WAC 388-546-5500: The medical assistance administration (medical coupons) may cover the cost of modifications to a privately owned vehicle if:

• The modifications are needed to transport an individual to medically necessary Medicaid services
• The clients owns a vehicle that is suitable for modification
• Other medical transportation funded via Medicaid cannot meet the clients needs at a lower cost
• Prior approval is obtained from the Medical Assistance Administration

Medicaid typically will only pay for one set of modifications per client.  However, if a device purchased by MAA becomes inoperable due to wear or breakage and the cost of repair is more than the cost of replacement, MAA will consider an additional purchase.

PASS Plans
PASS Plans allow you to set aside income for a short or long term employment goal (which may have an educational component).  Income set aside can be used to help you keep or qualify for SSI benefits and Medicaid. You can get assistance in determining eligibility and applying for a PASS plan through a Benefits Planning Assistance Office.  BPAO planners in Washington include:

• Employment Security Department which serves all counties except for King and Kitsap Counties
  Toll Free:  1-866-497-9443
• Positive Solutions which serves King County and Kitsap County. 
  King County Phone: 206-322-8181
  Kitsap County Phone: 360-405-0620

Tax Deductions
If the vehicle is needed for medical or employment purposes, some or all of the cost may be deductible as a medical expense (IRS Publication 502) or impairment related work expense (IRS Publication 529).  Check with your tax preparer or go to http://www.irs.gov and search for these publications or Publication 3966 which provides an overview of potentially relevant tax deductions for people with disabilities.