If you’re adding a new driver (especially a teen), I’d say step one is to grab a coffee, step two is to read every bit of fine print. It’s tedious but can save you a headache down the road.
Couldn’t agree more about the fine print. When my son got his license, I thought accident forgiveness would be a no-brainer, but the hoops they make you jump through are wild. Some policies sound great until you realize they only kick in after years of perfect driving—by then, what’s the point? Honestly, I’d rather pay a little extra for peace of mind than gamble on “maybe” coverage. Insurance companies aren’t exactly known for making things easy when it comes time to file a claim...
Honestly, I get the appeal of paying more for peace of mind, but I’m not sure accident forgiveness is always the best value—especially in Ohio, where rates are already high for new drivers. When my daughter started driving, I just focused on a solid policy with good coverage and skipped the extras. If you drive cautiously and keep claims down, sometimes you’re better off just banking the savings. The fine print really does matter...
Interesting take—I see where you’re coming from, but I’d actually argue accident forgiveness can be a smart move for new drivers in Ohio, especially given how steep the surcharges can get after even a minor fender bender. I’ve seen clients with spotless records get hit with 30%+ premium hikes after one accident. Sometimes that “extra” cost up front ends up saving you way more if something does happen... The math doesn’t always work out, but it’s worth running the numbers based on your specific situation and risk tolerance.
Sometimes that “extra” cost up front ends up saving you way more if something does happen... The math doesn’t always work out, but it’s worth running the numbers based on your specific situ...
I get what you’re saying about the numbers not always working out, but in my experience, it’s usually the “one mistake” that stings the most. Had a buddy who’d been driving for years without a scratch, then he rear-ended someone at a stoplight—nothing major, but his premium shot up by almost 40%. That extra $60 or so a year for accident forgiveness would’ve saved him a lot of grief. I guess if you’re super confident you’ll never slip up, maybe it’s not worth it... but for most folks, especially new drivers, it’s like paying for peace of mind.
it’s usually the “one mistake” that stings the most.
Yeah, that’s the kicker. You can be the safest driver for years and then one distraction at a stoplight costs you big. I’ve seen it happen with folks who thought they’d “never” need that kind of coverage. $60 a year isn’t nothing, but compared to a 40% hike? That’s rough math. Sometimes it’s just about not gambling with your own luck, you know?
