Citing reasons that vehicles modified to fit the need of disabled drivers cost more to insure, drivers with disabilities in New York City pay 28 percent more for auto insurance compared to non-disabled drivers, a recent study showed.

The study which was conducted by an auto insurance provider in New York surveyed 456 non-disabled and 167 disabled drivers within the age bracket 25 to 50, throughout the five boroughs in the city.

Though the fact remains that it is illegal to charge disabled drivers higher auto insurance rates for the reason that they are handicapped, but on average, drivers and auto owners with disabilities pay around $2,810 for their annual coverage, which is 28.13 percent higher than those being paid by non-disabled drivers and auto owners.

This is due to the fact that disabled drivers need to install modifications to their vehicles such as specialized steering wheels, airbag removal, ramps and wheelchair lifts which contribute to an additional cost for their insurance, the study said. Accordingly, vehicle modifications translate to modifying the insurance policy of disabled drivers, adding additional coverage for respective modifications.

However, the study conducted by the 4AutoInsuranceQuote said that this does not necessarily mean that handicapped drivers will have to pay more for their auto coverage just because they are disabled. This is just because of their need to install modifications that can be very expensive to insure.