If you have a disability, limited mobility, or another medical condition, you may be entitled to a blue badge in the UK. However, the qualifying criteria for this benefit are not always clear. Below, we’ve discussed how you can qualify for a blue badge, what this benefit entails, and how to apply for one.
Who Qualifies For a Blue Badge?
You will automatically qualify for a blue badge if:
- You are registered blind
- You receive the higher rate of the mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance.
- You are given the War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement
- You have received a lump sum payment from the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme
However, you may still be eligible for the blue badge if you:
- Have a severe disability that affects your mobility
- Suffer from a mental or physical disability that affects your mobility
- Are unable to use your arms
- Have permanent problems walking
- You are caring for a child who has limited mobility
- Walking causes you significant psychological distress
What Does a Blue Badge Enable Me to Do?
Blue badges allow you to park in places that other drivers cannot – for example, parking spaces that are reserved for Blue Badge holders.
When you receive your Blue Badge, you can use it with any car, including taxis, hire cars you are driving, and cars you are travelling in as a passenger.
Blue Badges also usually let you park for free on streets with pay-and-display machines and in disabled parking bays for as long as you need to (provided there are no signs saying otherwise), and you can also park on single or double yellow lines for up to 3 hours provided there is no loading sign indicating otherwise. Local authorities may also choose to provide access to town centre areas where traffic is restricted to deliveries and couriers.
Mobility Insurance
Cover available for:
- Mobility Scooter
- Powered Wheelchairs
- Manual Wheelchairs
- Cabin Cars
How Do I Apply For a Blue Badge?
You can apply for your Blue Badge through GOV.UK, or you can also obtain a form from your local authority or council.
You will need to submit documents to support your application, including:
- Driving license
- NI Number
- Proof of ID
- Proof of address
- A photograph of yourself
If you are not automatically eligible for a blue badge, you may also need to provide the following information:
- A detailed explanation of your condition
- How doest his affect your mobility in daily life
- How far can you travel without assistance
Do I Have To Tell My Insurer I Have A Blue Badge?
Here at Surewise, we will never ask you if you hold a valid Blue Badge, as it won’t affect how much you pay or the cover you are entitled to. If your Blue Badge has been awarded solely on the grounds of reduced mobility, insurers will not need to be notified.
If your Blue Badge has also been awarded due to a medical condition that could impact your ability to drive, you must report this change of circumstances to your insurer and the DVLA without delay. You may also find that some insurers offer Blue Badge discount schemes from time to time.
Do I Need a Blue Badge For A Mobility Scooter?
No, you do not need a Blue Badge to operate a mobility scooter, nor do you need a license. That said, applying for a Blue Badge can help you park and store your scooter by giving you access to disabled parking spaces and potentially providing you access to secure areas. Having a Blue Badge will also make it easier for you to park in an accessible space when travelling by car.
What Medical Conditions Qualify For A Blue Badge?
Qualification for a Blue Badge is assessed in terms of mobility, rather than whether or not you have a specific medical condition. The idea is that your mobility needs to be assessed within the context of what you can reasonably and comfortably manage on a daily basis.
Any medical condition that severely impairs your ability to walk, causes you pain when you walk, or causes you to feel distressed could qualify you for a Blue Badge. Examples would be if you are registered blind, if you have been severely injured in an accident or while serving in the Armed Forces, or if you are neurodivergent to the point where walking in busy areas causes you to lose emotional control.
We believe in being able to live life confidently when you have limited mobility, which is why here at Surewise we offer a range of quality, affordable wheelchair and mobility scooter insurance policies to give you the peace of mind that you’re covered when you’re out and about.
