I totally get the hesitation about paying extra for something you might never use. I used to skip accident forgiveness too, thinking I was saving money. But after my cousin’s minor rear-end last winter, her rates went up way more than she expected. It’s tough to swallow that extra $40-50 a year, but if you’re on a tight budget, one accident can really mess things up. I guess it’s kind of like paying for peace of mind—sometimes worth it, sometimes not, depending on how much risk you’re cool with.
I hear you on the peace of mind thing, but I’ve always been a bit skeptical about accident forgiveness, especially in Ohio. Maybe it’s just me being old school, but I’d rather keep my driving record clean and put that extra $40-50 toward better maintenance or even into a rainy day fund. My ‘72 Chevelle’s never seen a claim, knock on wood, and I figure if I’m careful and keep my nose clean, the odds are in my favor.
That said, I get that not everyone’s luck holds out forever. Still, I’ve seen some buddies pay for accident forgiveness for years and never use it—felt like wasted cash to them. I guess it depends on how much you drive and where. If you’re commuting in city traffic every day, maybe it makes sense. For folks like me who mostly cruise on weekends, I’m not convinced it’s worth it. Just my two cents.
I get where you’re coming from—if you’re mostly cruising on weekends and keeping that Chevelle spotless, accident forgiveness probably feels like overkill. But I’ve seen folks with spotless records get dinged by a random fender-bender, and the rate hike after even a minor claim can be a real surprise. Sometimes that extra $40-50 a year ends up saving a lot more down the line, especially if you’re not keen on gambling with your premium. Out of curiosity, have you ever checked how much your rate would actually jump after a first at-fault accident? Some companies in Ohio are way harsher than others...
It’s true—Ohio insurers can be all over the map on rate hikes after an accident. I’ve seen some bump folks 30% or more after a single at-fault claim, even with a clean record. Accident forgiveness isn’t always a must-have, but if you’re attached to that low premium, it can be a solid buffer. It’s worth getting a quote with and without it just to see the difference. Sometimes the peace of mind is worth the small extra cost, especially if you’re not driving much but want to keep things predictable.
I get the appeal of paying a little extra for accident forgiveness, especially after hearing stories about those 30% jumps.
For me, it comes down to how often you’re on the road with kids or family. Has anyone actually had to use accident forgiveness in Ohio? Did it really keep your rates steady, or did you still see a hike down the line? Just trying to figure out if the "forgiveness" is as straightforward as it sounds.Sometimes the peace of mind is worth the small extra cost, especially if you’re not driving much but want to keep things predictable.
