Some policies in Ohio have weird fine print, like only covering your first accident or not counting certain types.
That’s what gets me—how do you even know what counts as “forgivable”? Like, is a fender bender at Kroger the same as a highway pileup? I’ve read some companies won’t forgive if it’s a hit-and-run or if you’re at fault for more than one thing. Makes me wonder if it’s just a marketing thing half the time. Anyone actually had them honor it without a hassle?
Honestly, I’ve always felt like accident forgiveness is one of those “nice in theory, tricky in practice” deals, especially here in Ohio. I remember looking into it when my kid started driving—figured it’d be a safety net. But the fine print is wild. Some companies only forgive your first at-fault accident, but then they’ll hike your rates for any little thing after that. And yeah, if it’s a hit-and-run or you’re even slightly over the speed limit, suddenly it doesn’t count.
I’ve never actually had to use it (knock on wood), but a buddy of mine did. He got rear-ended in a parking lot, technically his fault, and his insurer still jacked up his premium the next year. They said it “didn’t qualify” because he’d had a minor claim a couple years before. Makes me wonder if it’s just a way to charge more upfront.
Has anyone actually seen their rates stay flat after a legit accident with this coverage? Or is it just another way for insurers to make you feel like you’re getting a deal?
I get where you’re coming from, but I actually think accident forgiveness can be worth it—if you’re the type who’s super cautious and rarely files claims. The catch is, like you said, the fine print:
That’s true, but for families with new drivers (like mine), that first accident can be a big financial hit. I’d rather pay a little extra for peace of mind, even if it’s not a magic shield. Just gotta read every line of the policy... insurers love their loopholes.“Some companies only forgive your first at-fault accident, but then they’ll hike your rates for any little thing after that.”
I totally get wanting that peace of mind, especially with teens behind the wheel. Here’s how I look at it: First, check if your insurer even offers accident forgiveness in Ohio—some don’t. Then, compare the cost of adding it versus the potential rate hike after an accident. I once did the math and realized for me, the extra premium was more than what my rates would’ve gone up after a minor fender bender. But if you’ve got a new driver, that first accident can be brutal on your wallet... Sometimes paying a bit more upfront is just less stressful. Just make sure you know exactly what’s covered and what isn’t—those loopholes are sneaky.
I get what you’re saying about the peace of mind, but honestly, I’m not convinced it’s worth it for everyone. Like you said,
That’s kind of my worry too—why pay extra if the math doesn’t add up? I’d rather put that money aside in case something actually happens. Has anyone here actually had to use accident forgiveness and felt like it paid off? Or did it just feel like wasted cash?“the extra premium was more than what my rates would’ve gone up after a minor fender bender.”