I get the appeal, but I’ve always thought accident forgiveness is a bit of a marketing ploy. Sure, it saved your cousin some money after his first fender bender, but you’re still paying extra for that “forgiveness” up front. If you’re a careful driver and have a clean record, odds are you’ll pay more in premiums over the years than you’d ever save from using the feature. Insurance companies aren’t in the habit of losing money.
I drive a couple of older cars and keep them in top shape, so I’d rather put that extra cash into maintenance or even a rainy day fund. For folks who are prone to accidents or just want that peace of mind, maybe it makes sense... but for most people, I think it’s just another add-on that sounds better than it really is.
Never really saw the point myself, either. I had a buddy who paid for accident forgiveness for years, then switched companies before ever using it. Felt like he just tossed that money away. I’d rather keep my deductible low and stash the rest.
I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve actually seen accident forgiveness help a neighbor out—he rear-ended someone in a parking lot, and his rate didn’t budge. That said, it’s kind of a gamble. Here’s how I look at it:
- If you’ve got a clean record and drive safe, odds are you won’t need it.
- The extra cost adds up over time, like your buddy found out.
- Some companies offer it free after a few years anyway.
Personally, I’d rather keep my deductible reasonable and just drive carefully. But if you’re worried about that “what if” moment, it might give some peace of mind. Just depends on your risk tolerance, I guess.
Personally, I’d rather keep my deductible reasonable and just drive carefully.
I hear you on the peace of mind, but for some of us, accident forgiveness isn’t just a “what if” thing—it’s a real safety net. I’ve had a couple dings over the years (not proud of it), and after the first one, my premium jumped way up. That extra cost for forgiveness would’ve been less than what I paid in hikes. I get that “drive careful and skip it” works for some, but if your record’s already spotty, it can be a lifesaver. Not everyone gets those free perks from their insurer either... depends who you’re with.
Honestly, I get where you’re coming from. I’ve had my share of close calls—classic cars aren’t cheap to fix, and one little fender bender can wreck your rates for years. Have you actually run the numbers on how much your premium would’ve jumped without forgiveness? Sometimes, it’s more about your driving history than the state you’re in. Ohio’s rates aren’t the worst, but if you’ve got a couple dings, that “just drive careful” advice doesn’t always cut it.