Last Updated on December 7, 2025

If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you may be wondering whether you qualify for special car insurance rates—or whether insurers will charge you more because of your disability or fixed income. Many SSI recipients live on tight budgets, so finding affordable coverage is important.

The good news: your SSI status does not disqualify you from buying car insurance, and it does not automatically increase your rates. Below, we explain how insurers treat SSI recipients, which states offer special programs, and how to find the best possible rate.

Key Takeaways

• SSI recipients can get car insurance at standard rates—SSI status does not increase premiums.
• Four states offer special low-cost auto insurance programs for Medicaid or low-income residents.
• Savings strategies include comparing quotes, maintaining a clean driving record, and sharing a policy with household members.
• Vehicle modifications that improve driving safety may qualify for additional discounts.

You May Qualify for Special Insurance Rates

SSI benefits are designed for people with disabilities such as hearing or vision impairments, epilepsy, MS, cerebral palsy, and other qualifying medical conditions. SSI also covers anyone 65 or older with a limited income.

Many people assume SSI recipients pay more for car insurance because of their disability or age. In reality, disability alone does not raise your rates. Insurance companies are prohibited from charging higher premiums based solely on SSI status or age-related disability.

However, there is one important factor to understand:

• If your medical provider determines your disability is a driving hazard, they must report it to the state.
• If the state marks you as a high-risk driver, insurers may charge higher premiums.

Most disabilities are not considered driving hazards. But if your condition affects your ability to drive safely, insurers may apply high-risk pricing—just as they would for any driver with a medical driving restriction.

The good news: many SSI recipients qualify for other assistance programs, such as Medicaid, that may unlock special low-cost insurance options.

If You Qualify for Medicaid, You May Qualify for Special Insurance Programs

Some low-income or disability-based auto insurance programs are administered through Medicaid or state-funded insurance pools. Only four states currently offer special auto insurance programs for low-income residents or Medicaid recipients:

• California
• New Jersey
• Maryland
• Hawaii

California – CLCA (California Low-Cost Auto Insurance Program)

The CLCA program provides low-cost liability insurance to qualifying low-income drivers. You don’t need to be on SSI or Medicaid—just meet income guidelines.

New Jersey – SAIP (“Dollar a Day” Insurance)

The Special Automobile Insurance Policy offers extremely low-cost basic insurance to certain Medicaid recipients. Not everyone qualifies, but those who do pay some of the lowest rates in the nation.

Maryland – MAIF (Maryland Auto Insurance Fund)

If you’ve been canceled or rejected by private insurers, Maryland’s MAIF provides affordable auto insurance. Coverage is limited but far cheaper than standard policies.

Hawaii – AABD Disability Program

Through Hawaii’s Assistance to the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (AABD) program, qualifying disabled drivers may receive free PIP and liability coverage. Visit Hawaii.gov for eligibility details.

If you live outside of these four states, there are no dedicated SSI insurance programs—but SSI recipients still have many ways to save.

How to Save Money on Car Insurance as an SSI Recipient

You don’t need a special program to find affordable coverage. The strategies below can make a big difference for SSI recipients in any state.

Here Are Some Tips to Get Started:

Compare Quotes: Different insurers price disabilities differently. Some offer discounts to certain demographics or prioritize low-mileage drivers. Comparing quotes is the fastest way to find the cheapest rate.

Modify Your Vehicle: If you install adaptive equipment—such as hand controls—your insurer may classify your car as safer to drive, which can mean lower premiums. Some insurers even offer discounts for modified vehicles that improve mobility.

Maintain an Excellent Driving Record: A clean history leads to major savings. Many insurers offer claim-free or safe-driver discounts for those who avoid at-fault accidents.

Get Insurance Under a Family Member: Some SSI recipients save money by being listed as a secondary driver on a family member’s policy—especially if they share a household. The primary driver must truly be the main user of the vehicle for this to be allowed.

FAQs

Final Word on Car Insurance for SSI Recipients

SSI helps individuals who are disabled, blind, or over age 65 maintain financial stability—but car insurance can still feel expensive. The maximum SSI monthly payment is modest (the average recipient receives around $500 per month), so it’s understandable to seek every available discount.

The good news: being on SSI does not raise your insurance rates and does not prevent you from getting coverage. Depending on where you live, you may even qualify for special government-backed programs or Medicaid-based insurance options.

Even without special programs, comparing quotes, modifying your vehicle, maintaining a clean driving record, and exploring shared policy options can all help you reduce your premiums significantly.

Explore your options, shop around, and make sure you’re getting the most affordable auto insurance available in your state.