Formal diagnosis and things like auto insurance? UK

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Please don't take offence at my question, as it's a worry I have about the ignorance of big insurance companies rather than a comment on the driving skills of those on the spectrum, which I know can vary as widely as NTs!

I just wanted to find out what the situation is like following formal diagnosis, for various things such as auto insurance premiums.

I'm especially interested in replies from the UK, as that is where I live.

How do UK car insurance companies view those with officially diagnosed Asperger's or HFA in terms of potentially higher premiums?

I have not yet pursued a formal diagnosis, but I'm years into the growing understanding that I may be on the spectrum. There's a lot more agony and denial behind that simple statement but that's the short version.

I wanted to ask anyone here, who IS officially diagnosed, and who is also a fully licenced driver -- does your official diagnosis affect your car insurance premiums in any way?

Do insurance companies lack understanding about what Asperger's and HFA may or may not do to a person's spatial awareness, motor skills and hand-eye coordination, and do they jack up premiums accordingly?

I'm not saying they would be correct to do so, I'm just worrying that they might have sufficient ignorance about the spectrum disorders that they might apply higher rates if you disclose an official diagnosis.

But that's what I'd like to ask you guys -- did you have to disclose your official diagnosis to your auto insurers, and if so, are you paying a premium that's higher than NTs pay?

I can't speak for the U.K., but here in the States, it depends. For auto insurance, I don't think they care about your diagnosis, they just care about your record from MVR.

I don't believe they ask.

Thank you Meistersinger and The Walrus for you responses.

Good to know they don't ask, but is there any requirement that a diagnosed person disclose? I can't imagine it should have any bearing, as pointed out by Meistersinger it's your driving record that matters.

Since you're in the UK, you may want to speak to a solicitor versed in insurance law for advice.

That's wise advice; thank you for that.

I have been driving for 44 years without a diagnosis so it never occurred to me to disclose it. DVLA need to be aware of conditions that could affect driving too but it is quite vague about when to tell. For example people with diagnoses such as Alzheimer's and MS can drive until such time as they are no longer safe and sometimes the only way of finding this out is by having a driving assessment.

This is true. Some people with Autism may find it does affect their ability to drive. Such as those of us with sensory issues.