What is Meant by Accident Forgiveness on an Insurance Policy?

Jan 03, 2021

Insurance may forgive, yet hope that you forget you might be paying extra for it.


“Accident Forgiveness” rating programs vary by the insurance company involved and the jurisdiction (state) involved.

In most circumstances, a policy endorsed to include “accident forgiveness”  will forgo the addition of a normal “surcharge” following an “at-fault” accident over a certain dollar threshold.

However, in a few instances, accident forgiveness may include “not-at-fault” incidents and not include a threshold.

It might also be interesting to know that some insurance companies who make the biggest deal about their Accident Forgiveness Programs actually charge an additional premium for that benefit. Also, those same companies may not have the most attractive “forgiveness” factors included.

Often of some benefit to the insured, Accident Forgiveness programs does not mean your policy won’t go up in cost. Neither does it mean that additional accidents won’t result in a premium increase.

If Accident Forgiveness is a determining factor for you, check with your agent about the specific details of how that program applies before making a decision. A couple of good questions to ask would be:

  • How much (if anything) does the benefit cost to add to the policy?
  • In what situations would the “forgiveness” apply?

“Accident Forgiveness” rating programs vary by the insurance company involved and the jurisdiction (state) involved. In most circumstances, a policy endorsed to include “accident forgiveness”  will forgo the addition of a normal “surcharge” following an “at-fault” accident over a certain dollar threshold.
As mentioned above in some instances, accident forgiveness may include “not-at-fault” incidents and not include a threshold.
It might also be interesting to know that some insurance companies who make the biggest deal about their Accident Forgiveness Programs actually charge an additional premium for that benefit. Because of that, those same companies may not have the most attractive “forgiveness” factors included.
Accident Forgiveness programs can be of benefit to those receiving them. However, that does not mean your policy won’t go up in cost. Neither does it mean that additional accidents won’t result in a premium increase.
If Accident Forgiveness is a determining factor for you, check with your agent about the specific details of how that program applies before making a decision. A couple of good questions to ask would be:

  • How much (if anything) does the benefit cost to add to the policy?
  • In what situations would the “forgiveness” apply?

Have additional questions about your car insurance?  We LOVE to help.  Please feel welcome to call us at 607-382-1235.


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