What Is Accident Forgiveness?

Accident forgiveness is an optional add-on policy offered by many car insurance companies that prevents your premium from increasing after your first at-fault accident. This coverage is not available in every state and is typically offered to drivers with a clean driving record for a certain period.

Some insurance companies, such as Allstate, Liberty, and Nationwide, allow you to purchase this additional protection as an add-on to existing plans. Others, like Progressive, offer it as a loyalty reward to customers who have been accident-free for at least five consecutive years.

Pros and Cons of Accident Forgiveness Coverage

Pros

• Prevention of premium increases: Adding accident forgiveness usually costs less than 5% of your annual premium. This inexpensive add-on can offer peace of mind, ensuring your premium will not skyrocket after an incident.
• Could be free: Depending on your insurance carrier, you might be eligible for accident forgiveness without a premium increase thanks to a company’s loyalty program.
• Peace of mind: Accident forgiveness can help reduce the stress of driving by alleviating concerns about potential rate hikes after an accident.

Cons

• Cost: If you have a long history of clean driving or only drive occasionally, the likelihood of an accident is lower, making the cost of accident forgiveness potentially unnecessary.
• Limitations: Earning eligibility for accident forgiveness can be challenging, and it usually only protects against a premium increase from a single accident.
• No protection against losing coverage: Accident forgiveness does not protect you from being dropped as a customer for risky behavior, such as driving under the influence.

Is Accident Forgiveness Worth It?

Accident forgiveness can be a wise add-on for some drivers. If you have had accidents in the past and feel that you might have another in the future, it could be beneficial. An increased premium after an accident can be financially draining, and accident forgiveness can help mitigate this risk.

Your premium after an accident can increase by as much as 50%, and the record of the accident can stay on your record for three to five years. Accident forgiveness, which usually costs under 5% extra on your insurance payments, can save you from a significant rate hike.

The Bottom Line

If you are interested in accident forgiveness coverage, check with your insurance company to see if they offer it and how to acquire it. Even if your carrier does not offer the coverage, other companies in your area might provide it at a reasonable price.

Finding the best insurance for you means knowing your options. With O1ne Mortgage, you can avoid the repetitive process of providing your insurance details individually to each company to get a quote. We can help you find the best rates and coverage options available.