Bridging Accessibility Gaps in Insurance Sites

Discover how User1st’s website and mobile app accessibility solutions help insurance sites meet EAA standards and enhance usability for all users.

Introduction

Insurance websites and mobile apps should work for everyone, but they often fall short. Many users with disabilities run into frustrating roadblocks when they try to fill out forms, compare rates, or file a claim. These barriers are not just inconveniences. They can stop people from accessing the services they need. When someone cannot use a site with just a keyboard or runs into confusing elements while using a screen reader, it sends a message: this space was not built with them in mind.

As we move closer to full implementation of the European Accessibility Act (EAA), there is more pressure than ever for digital platforms to meet specific accessibility standards. Insurance providers, especially enterprise-level operations, need to step up. Accessibility is not an optional feature anymore. It is part of building a digital space that respects and includes every user. But there are still gaps. And those gaps cause real problems for real people.

Common Accessibility Gaps in Insurance Websites

Many of the problems seen across insurance websites come down to two things: poor keyboard navigation and misused ARIA roles. Both are easy to overlook during development, but they significantly impact a person’s ability to interact with a site, especially if they rely on screen readers or cannot use a mouse.

Here is what you are likely to find:

1. Lack of Keyboard Navigation

– Buttons and links that look clickable but cannot be reached with a keyboard

– Forms that do not let users tab through fields in the right order

– Drop-down menus that open with a mouse hover but do not respond to the Enter or Space keys

– Missing visible focus indicators, leaving users guessing where they are on the page

When someone tries to apply for insurance or access policy details and they cannot complete the process using a keyboard, it is exclusionary. This goes directly against the principles of the EAA, which focuses on digital access for everyone, including those in finance and insurance sectors.

2. Missing or Misused ARIA Roles

– ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) roles are intended to help assistive technology understand web and mobile app content

– Incorrect usage confuses screen readers by mislabeling content or assigning the wrong roles

– Decorative elements are sometimes mistakenly flagged as interactive, disrupting navigation

Think of a screen reader as having a conversation with the page. ARIA helps make that conversation clear. Without proper labels and roles, everything becomes noise. One common example is when a page uses a visual “button” but lacks the necessary script to make it work properly with assistive tools. A user hears “button” announced but pressing Enter does nothing.

These issues are not new, but they are still widespread. As legal adoption of accessibility standards under the EAA continues, these problems cannot be ignored. They impact usability, compliance, and the overall user experience. Fortunately, they are fixable with the right tools and development approach.

Addressing Accessibility Gaps with Developer-Friendly Tools

Filling accessibility gaps can feel like an ongoing chase for many developers. It is often unclear what needs to be fixed or where the issues lie without specific guidance. Free tools that give on-screen feedback in real time help teams identify and address issues during development. By showing where an accessibility flaw is and how to fix it, these tools become part of the development process rather than an afterthought.

A valuable feature of these tools is their ability to pair issue detection with clear next steps. Instead of saying “missing alt text,” they say, “This image lacks alt text. Here is why it matters and how to fix it.” This kind of direction supports teams across all experience levels and helps them meet EAA requirements with more confidence.

These tools are also compatible with continuous integration environments. Developers can build fixes directly into their workflow, saving time and avoiding expensive post-launch corrections. This approach reduces small oversights that can turn into larger compliance issues if left unaddressed.

Minimum Steps to Keep Digital Insurance Platforms Compliant

Accessibility should be seen as part of quality assurance rather than isolated bug fixes. Insurance websites typically serve broad, diverse audiences. That means a one-time effort is not enough. It requires an ongoing commitment.

Here are some core steps that help:

– Run accessibility diagnostics before major updates

– Make audits recurring to match the pace of code changes

– Monitor both desktop and mobile site access points

– Use real assistive technology to test, not just simulations

– Keep a changelog to document fixes aligned to EAA compliance

Consistent monitoring and updates show a serious effort to support all users, rather than just checking a legal box.

Why Accessibility Should Be Baked into Insurance Website Design

Digital spaces that are built to include everyone offer better usability in general. For the insurance industry, where tasks often involve time-sensitive decisions or sensitive life events, easy access matters a lot.

Consider a family trying to purchase a life insurance policy after the loss of a loved one. If one family member uses a screen reader and the website is hard to use, they may not be able to complete the process without assistance. That adds stress at an already hard moment. Accessibility helps remove these extra barriers.

Features like clear navigation, consistent button behavior, logical content order, and meaningful labels for assistive tools are not extras. They support the dignity of every user. When accessible design also satisfies EAA standards through efficient workflows and supportive tools, businesses are better equipped for both user satisfaction and legal compliance.

Making Insurance Sites Set Up for All Users

Closing accessibility gaps in insurance websites requires commitment, consistent effort, and practical tools that work with developer workflows. Meeting EAA requirements should not feel like a separate task. It should be part of building a platform that respects all users.

Pages that work via keyboard, use proper labels for assistive tech, and deploy updates smoothly across devices all contribute to a more functional and welcoming experience.

Changes do not have to be massive. Smaller, consistent improvements lead to better overall results. Taking time to continuously review and refine accessibility practices ensures fewer technical and legal issues in the future.

Strong user experiences and legal compliance under the EAA can work in harmony when accessibility is part of the process from the beginning.
Partner with User1st to ensure your platform meets the European Accessibility Act standards. Our commitment to inclusive digital spaces is reflected in our website accessibility solutions, offering tools and strategies to make your site a welcoming place for every visitor. Explore how these solutions can transform your site’s usability and compliance for a more inclusive online experience.