Financing Vehicle Modification
Modifying a vehicle with adaptive equipment can cost thousands of dollars. There are a variety of resources for financial assistance when modifying a vehicle you own or purchasing a new vehicle with adaptive equipment.
The National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association (NMEDA) – NMEDA has a list mobility equipment providers searchable by state.
Helpful Resource: Adapting Motor Vehicles for People with Disabilities – National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Car Talk – website has a Special Needs Zone which has info on funding for accessible vehicles, and suggestions for possible sources.
Financial Assistance Resources
Before making a purchase, investigate resources that may offer financial assistance.
Call disability-specific organizations to find out if they have a grant program to help pay for assistive devices
Health Insurance Carrier / Worker’s Compensation – Check with your health insurance carrier to find out if you are covered for vehicle modification.
Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund – Eligibility determined by the Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund Commission and the Mass Dept of Public Health Staff.
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.
Massachusetts Assistive Technology Loan Program – offers assistance in applying for low interest rate loans through 20 access sites across the state.
Phone: 508-751-6431 or 508-751-6428
Email: MassATLoan@eastersealsma.org
Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) – Vehicle modifications for eligible MRC clients. If eligible for vehicle modification, it is written in the Individual Plan for Employment (IPE). FAQs about Vehicle Modification/MRC (pdf)
Travis Roy Foundation Individual Grant Program – Applications accepted year round for paraplegics and quadriplegics paralyzed by a spinal cord injury to assist in with vehicle modifications. Applicants must demonstrate a financial need. Grants are not available towards the purchase of new or used vans; funds are available ONLY for vehicle modifications and range from $4000 to $7500.
U.S. Dept of Veteran Affairs – offers a program to meet the needs of today’s veterans. 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.
Manufacturer Rebates or Reimbursements on new vehicle modification
Most major auto manufacturers have a rebate program that reimburses a portion of mobility equipment cost after it is installed on a new vehicle.
Fiat Chrysler Automobility Program
800-255-9877
How to apply
Ford Mobility Motoring
800-952-2248
How to apply
General Motors Mobility
800-323-9935 / TTY 800-833-9935
Toyota Mobility
800-331-4331
Mobility by Volvo
800-803-5222
Honda Customer Mobility Assistance
Hyundai Mobility Program
800-633-5151
Subaru Mobile-It-Ease Program
800-782-2783
Massachusetts Minuteman Volkswagen Mobility Assistance
800-675-4488
View additional manufacturers mobility programs (pdf).
Buying A Used Vehicle
You may want to consider buying a used and reconditioned van. Many accessible van companies also sell used vans.
Quality Auto & Van Sales in Norton – sells used vehicles that have lifts already in them. Contact Quality Auto at 800-408-8550.
Ride-Away Handicap Equipment Corp – sells new and used vehicles. They have several two location, North Attleboro and Norwood, in Massachusetts.
800-237-7979
Additional resource to track down used vans for sale:
Call INDEX at 800-642-0249. Ask for the phone number of your Local Independent Living Center which may have a listing of vans for sale.
Craig’s List – Search by region: Boston, Cape Cod, South Coast, Western MA, or Worcester. Enter “wheelchair accessible vans” in search bar, choose “For Sale”
Assistive Technology Exchange in New England (getATstuff) – is MassMATCH’s free AT device exchange program. The Equipment Exchange is similar to a “want ad” where pre-owned AT is listed in order to put people looking for AT in contact with sellers or donators. The Equipment Exchange is an opportunity to re-sell or donate, or sell used AT, call the toll free MassMATCH INFO-line 877-508-3974
Disabled Dealer Magazine – Advertising source where individuals and businesses place their items for sale.
888-521-8778
Talk with a qualified accountant to determine your eligibility for tax credits for vehicle modifications
More Information:
Adapted Vehicles Driving Safety – National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – NHTSA supports people with disabilities by offering tips on modifying or purchasing a vehicle to accommodate their driving needs.
Association for Driver Rehabilitation Specialists – Member Directory
Fact Sheet last updated on: 5/1/2020