DVLA

[smitha]

This question has probably been asked many times, so bear with me if Im boring!!
Do I need to inform the DVLA of my diabetes? Im t2 and diet control, no meds. I was on 2x metformin, but came off 4 months ago to see if I could control without. My diabetes nurse is aware of this.
I know I had to inform my mortgage company when we re-mortgaged recently.
Thanks
smitha

 

[sugarless sue]

If you are not on any medication likely to make you hypo then I don't think you need to inform them.

 

[sugarless sue]

Found this:

Re: Who do I have to notify

Postby viv1969 on 25 Nov 2008 13:32
Revised September 2008
INF188/2
Drivers of cars or motorcycles with
Diabetes treated by tablets, diet or both

When do you need to tell DVLA?

Drivers do not need to tell DVLA if their diabetes is treated by tablets, diet or both and they are free of the complications listed below

By law you must tell us if any of the following apply:

you need treatment with insulin.
you need laser treatment to both eyes or in the remaining eye if you have sight in one eye only.
you have problems with vision in both eyes, or in the remaining eye if you have sight in one eye only. By law you must be able to read, with glasses or contact lenses if necessary, a car number plate in good light at 20.5 metres (67 feet) or 20 metres (65 feet) where narrower characters 50mm wide are displayed.)
you develop any problems with the circulation or sensation in your legs or feet which make it necessary for you to drive certain types of vehicles only, for example automatic vehicles or vehicle a hand operated accelerator or brake. This must be noted on your driving licence.
you suffer more than one episode of disabling hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) within 12 months, or if you or your carer feel you are at high risk of developing disabling hypoglycaemia.
you develop impaired awareness of hypoglycaemia.
you suffer disabling hypoglycaemia at the wheel.
an existing medical condition gets worse or you develop any other condition that may affect your safe driving.

 

[Cameraman]

If you drive for a living HGV(LGV) or PSV(PCV) you are duty bound to inform DVLA, regardless of medication or not.

As I understand it, if you are not a "proffesional" "vocational" or whatever the current term is then you only need inform if on medication of any type.

 

[smitha]

thankyou all for your replies. I gather the same applies for my car insurance too?
Cheers
smitha

 

[Dennis]

I gather the same applies for my car insurance too?

Hi Smitha,
Unfortunately no. You must inform your car insurers, even though you don't need to inform DVLA. The reason is simply that if you were to have an accident and not told them about your diabetes then they can (and WILL) claim that you have failed to advise them of a material condition that could affect you insurance and then use this to avoid paying (but they also won't return your premiums!). Once that happens then you are also technically driving whilst uninsured so can be prosecuted by the police.

Nearly all insurers will generally not increase your premium but will simply note your record that you are diabetic. If your insurer does try to jack up your premium then look for a different insurer at the first opportunity.

Edited by Dennis: Forgot to add that if you have a travel insurance policy then you must also inform them, and many travel insurers will either increase your premium, or simply exclude any claim that you might make as a result of your condition. This is why there are specialist insurers who provide travel insurance for diabetics.

 

[Thirsty]

What Dennis said plus, advise any insurance company where diabetes may be an issue, (think health, life, travel, income assurance etc.) Insurance policies are contracts of " Uberrimae fidei" or "utmost good faith", if you fail to disclose any relevant information, even as an oversight, the companies may, and usually do refuse to settle claims.

Better safe than sorry.