Official Site of The State of New Jersey

This page offers information and resources on affordable auto insurance, assistive technology for vehicles, driver rehabilitation programs, and specialized guidance for drivers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or communication disorders.

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Car Insurance

If you need car insurance, but have limited financial resources, you may be able to get insurance through the Special Automobile Insurance Policy (SAIP) program.

SAIP helps drivers who would otherwise go uninsured due to limited financial resources get limited insurance.

SAIP covers emergency treatment immediately following an accident and treatment of serious brain and spinal cord injuries up to $250,000. It also provides a $10,000 death benefit.

The policy costs $365 per year, and you are eligible if you are currently enrolled in NJ FamilyCare with hospitalization. NOT all Medicaid programs qualify you for SAIP.

You can apply for SAIP at most insurance companies, and they can determine if you are eligible based on the number on your Medicaid ID card.

If you have any questions or want help applying for SAIP, call 1-800-652-2471.

 

Vehicle Modifications

Modifying a vehicle with adaptive equipment or purchasing an accessible vehicle can be expensive. There are a variety of resources for financial assistance when modifying a vehicle you own or purchasing a new vehicle with adaptive equipment.

 

Mobility Equipment and Vehicle Modifications

• The National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) offers a variety of resources and information to help consumers understand and navigate options around mobility equipment.
• The Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists trains and certifies the therapists and driver educators who perform driving evaluations and in-vehicle
• Helpful Resource: Adapting Motor Vehicles for People with Disabilities: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) supports people with disabilities by offering tips on modifying or purchasing a vehicle to accommodate their driving

 

Financial Assistance Resources for Vehicle Modifications

Purchasing a wheelchair accessible vehicle can be expensive. These resources may help to offset the cost, whether you choose to modify a vehicle you already own or purchase a new vehicle with adaptive equipment.

• Call disability-specific organizations to find out if they offer financial assistance or grants to help pay for assistive devices or modifications.
• Health Insurance Carrier/Worker’s Compensation: Check with your health insurance carrier to find out if you are covered for vehicle Medicaid waiver programs, like Managed Long Term Services and Supports (MLTSS), typically provide coverage for home and vehicle modifications. Contact your Managed Care Organization (MCO) Care Manager.
• I/DD Providers: If you have an intellectual/developmental disability, you may be able to access home and vehicle modifications through your I/DD Youth with I/DD, up to age 18, should contact PerformCare. Adults with I/DD should contact the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD). If you are already registered with DDD, contact your support coordinator or case manager.
• Talk with a qualified accountant to determine your eligibility for tax credits for vehicle
• Most major auto manufacturers have a rebate program that reimburses a portion of mobility equipment cost after it is installed on a new vehicle.

 

Buying A Used Vehicle

You may want to consider buying a used and reconditioned van. Many accessible van companies also sell used vans.

• About MobilityWorks: MobilityWorks is a national chain of wheelchair accessible van providers – serving the disabled community with wheelchair accessible minivans, full-size vans with lifts and commercial fleet vehicles; Whether you are in the market for buying or renting a wheelchair accessible vehicle, a certified pre-owned or a specific mobility
• Disabled Dealer Magazine: Advertising source where individuals and businesses sell used adaptive equipment.

 

Additional Resources

• Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund: Eligibility determined by the Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund Commission.
• National Disability Institute’s Assistive Technology Loan Program: This Assistive Technology (AT) Loan Program provides affordable loans of up to $45,000 for the purchase or refinance of assistive technology to residents of New Jersey and New
• NJ Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services: May offer vehicle modifications for eligible DVR clients. If eligible for vehicle modification, it is written in the client’s Individual Plan for Employment (IPE).
• U.S. Dept of Veteran Affairs: The Automobile Adaptive Equipment program issues grants when qualified veterans purchase vehicles which require driving modifications. Additionally, the adaptive equipment is covered at no cost to the veteran.
• Charity / Local Organizations: There may be local organizations (such as Lions, Elks, Kiwanis, or Rotary Club) in your area that would be willing to help fund a vehicle or vehicle modification for an individual.

 

Quality Assurance Program

If you need assistive technology for your vehicle like driving controls, steering modifications, wheelchair accessible vans, lifts, or transfer seats, you can visit an accredited dealer. Unlike standard dealers, Quality Assurance Program (QAP) accredited dealers specialize in automobility.

QAP dealers provide you with in-depth knowledge of the different types of equipment available, recommend the best vehicles for the equipment needed, help you find a local Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist for an evaluation, and provide financing options.

Bergen County
FTMobility - 255 US Highway 46 West, Saddle Brook
Phone: 1-973-546-1900
Services: Mobility Equipment Installation

Burlington County
MobilityWorks – 2303 Wallace Blvd, Cinnaminson
Phone: 1-888-473-5402
Services: High Tech Driving Systems Installation, Mobility Equipment Installation

Essex County
Drive-Master Systems & Controls - 37 Daniel Road West, Fairfield
Phone: 1-973-808-9709
Services: High Tech Driving Systems Installation, Mobility Equipment Installation, Structural Vehicle Modification

Gloucester County
MobilityWorks – 1549 Gateway Blvd, Woodbury
Phone: 1-888-473-5402
Services: High Tech Driving Systems Installation, Mobility Equipment Installation, Structural Vehicle Modification

Middlesex County
MobilityWorks – 211 Woodbridge Ave, Highland Park
Phone: 1-732-640-5350
Services: High Tech Driving Systems Installation, Mobility Equipment Installation

Monmouth County 
MobilityWorks – 5105 New Jersey Route 33, Wall Township
Phone: 1-888-473-5402
Services: High Tech Driving Systems Installation, Mobility Equipment Installation

Invisible

Invisible

NJ Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialists assist new or experienced drivers who have impairments due to illness, trauma, aging, or disability get back on the road through state- certified programs that include pre-driver evaluation, prescriptions for necessary automobility equipment, on-the-road evaluation and on-the-road training.

Invisible

Essex County
Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation – 1199 Pleasant Valley Way, West Orange
Phone: 1-973-731-3600 or 1-973-731-3900 ext. 2322

Gloucester County
Moss Rehab - 135 S. Broad Street, Woodbury
Phone: 1-215-886-7706 ext. 2 | Email: DrivingProgram@einstein.edu

Note: Moss Rehab of Jenkintown PA is the contact point for the satellite locations in New Jersey.

Mercer County
St. Lawrence Rehabilitation Center - 2381 Lawrenceville Road, Lawrenceville
Phone: 1-609-896-9500 ex.2494 | Email: outpatient@lawrencerehabhospital.com

Middlesex County
Hackensack Meridian Health at JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute - 65 James Street, Edison
Phone: 1-732-321-7056, 1-732-321-7000 ext. 68426

Ocean County
Hackensack Meridian Health Johnson Rehabilitation Institute at Ocean University Medical Center – 425 Jack Martin Blvd, Brick
Phone: 1-732-836-4508

Passaic County
St Joseph’s Wayne Medical Center - 234 Hamburg Turnpike, Suite 302, Wayne
Phone: 1-973-956-3360 ext. 4

Invisible

Invisible

People with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or a communication disorder may have different communication styles, which can sometimes lead to confusion or misunderstandings during interactions with law enforcement.

To assist in these interactions, the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC) now offers a voluntary designation for individuals with ASD or a communication disorder on their driver’s license or non-driver ID indicating their diagnosis. This designation appears as the number “5” on the license or ID and individuals will also receive a Pink Card (Code 5 Description Card), which states whether they have ASD, a communication disorder, or both.

This card can help law enforcement quickly recognize the need for alternative communication methods or additional support.

How to Get the License or ID Card Designation

Applying for this designation is optional and does not require medical documentation. In order to apply for the designation:

1. Complete the Application: Autism Spectrum/Communication Disorder Application (MR-16)
2. Visit a NJMVC Licensing Center: Find a location near you click here to find a NJMVC Licensing Center.
3. Bring Required Documents: Review the full list of the required documents here.
4. Be Prepared to Pay the Applicable Fee: Please see here

Once approved, the updated license or ID will be mailed to you and the Pink Card will be issued at the agency. You must carry both together.

For more information, visit the https://www.nj.gov/mvc/license/Autism.html.

Guidance on Effective Communication

The Department of Human Services and the Office of the Attorney General also created guidance for law enforcement on how to effectively communicate with individuals diagnosed with ASD or a communication disorder. This guidance aims to improve interactions and prevent misunderstandings during encounters with law enforcement. To view the guidance, visit the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General’s Behavioral Health page.