Honestly, the fine print is where they get you every time. Accident forgiveness sounds great, but in Ohio, it really depends on the company and your driving record. Some policies only kick in if you’ve been claim-free for years, and yeah, animal collisions usually fall under comprehensive, not collision—so forgiveness doesn’t even apply there. I’ve seen folks pay extra for it and never use it, or get dropped after a second accident anyway. Makes you wonder if it’s just peace of mind you’re paying for... or if it’s actually worth the extra bucks.
I hear you, but here’s where I see some value—if you drive something pricey (like I do), one at-fault accident can spike your premiums way more than the cost of forgiveness. Still, you’re right, the exclusions and “one-time only” thing are a pain. Sometimes feels like you’re just paying for a little less stress, not real protection.
Not gonna lie, I’ve had accident forgiveness save my butt once. Drove like an idiot in bad weather, rear-ended a guy. Without it, my insurance would’ve gone through the roof. But yeah, only works once… after that, you’re on your own.
But yeah, only works once… after that, you’re on your own.
Yeah, that’s the kicker for me. I’ve had my fair share of “oops” moments (thanks, black ice and my ancient Civic), so I looked into accident forgiveness too. Here’s how I see it:
- If you’re a magnet for fender benders like me, it’s kinda like a one-time coupon. Use it up, then you’re back to sweating every time you hear a siren behind you.
- The extra cost isn’t nothing. My agent quoted me like $80 more per year. Not wild about paying that when my budget’s already tight.
- After your “freebie,” rates still spike if you mess up again. Ask me how I know... (spoiler: not fun).
- Some companies in Ohio don’t even offer it unless you’ve been claim-free for years, which feels a bit backwards.
I get why people like it—nobody wants their premium to double overnight—but honestly, if you’re prone to accidents or just unlucky, it doesn’t stretch very far. I’d rather stash that extra cash in an emergency fund and just try to drive smarter... emphasis on “try.”
I hear you on the “one and done” thing. Years ago, I slid into a mailbox during an ice storm—nothing major, but my rates still jumped. That’s when I first heard about accident forgiveness, but honestly, I figured I’d rather just drive extra careful than pay more for a maybe. Plus, I’ve noticed that after my close calls, I’m way more paranoid behind the wheel... probably better for my wallet in the long run.
