Ohio winters are like a demolition derby waiting to happen—one icy patch and suddenly you’re starring in your own insurance commercial. But yeah, once my last car hit 10 years old, I dropped it.
I get the “demolition derby” vibe—Ohio winters do not mess around. Honestly, accident forgiveness is one of those things I’m a bit skeptical about. Sometimes it’s just a pricey add-on. But I’ve seen folks with spotless records suddenly get dinged by a deer or a patch of black ice, and then they’re glad they had it. Once your car’s value dips, though, I agree it feels like overkill. For newer rides, I’d probably keep it... but I wouldn’t lose sleep over dropping it on an older beater.
I get the “demolition derby” vibe—Ohio winters do not mess around. Honestly, accident forgiveness is one of those things I’m a bit skeptical about. Sometimes it’s just a pricey add-on.
- Totally get the skepticism—sometimes it really is just another line item on your bill.
- If you’ve got a clean record, it can save you from a huge premium hike after that one random mishap (like a deer outta nowhere).
- On older cars, though, I rarely see much benefit since the payout’s usually low anyway.
- Curious—has anyone actually had their rates jump after a single minor accident in Ohio, or does it depend more on your insurer?
Honestly, I’ve had the same debate with myself every time renewal season rolls around. My neighbor swears by accident forgiveness, but I’ve never pulled the trigger. Last winter, my wife slid into a mailbox (thanks, black ice), and our rates did go up a bit—nothing wild, but enough to notice. We’re with State Farm, if that matters. I feel like if you drive an older minivan like us, the extra cost just doesn’t add up. Maybe if you’ve got a newer car or a teen driver it’s worth it... but for us, I’m still on the fence.
I feel like if you drive an older minivan like us, the extra cost just doesn’t add up. Maybe if you’ve got a newer car or a teen driver it’s worth it... but for us, I’m still on the fence.
Honestly, I’m right there with you. We’re rolling around in a 2011 Sienna with more dings than I care to admit, and every year when they try to upsell me on accident forgiveness, I just kind of laugh. Like, what are they really forgiving? The paint’s already half gone and the bumper’s zip-tied on one side. If I get in a fender bender, it might actually improve the look.
I get that for folks with a shiny new SUV or a kid who just got their license (and thinks parallel parking is an Olympic sport), it might make sense. One little tap and your rates could go through the roof. But for us? The math just doesn’t work out. I checked last year—State Farm wanted something like $80 extra per 6 months for accident forgiveness. That’s almost what my last repair cost at the junkyard.
The only time I almost caved was when my wife clipped a shopping cart corral in the Kroger lot. She was convinced our rates would skyrocket, but honestly, it was barely a blip. If you’re not racking up claims every year, I don’t see the point.
Maybe if Ohio winters keep getting nastier, I’ll rethink it... but until then, I’ll take my chances and keep the extra cash for coffee and gas (or maybe a new bumper).
I totally get where you’re coming from. We’ve got a 2008 Odyssey that’s seen better days, and every time I look at those accident forgiveness offers, I just can’t justify it. Like, if the car’s already got a few scars, what’s one more? I do worry sometimes about a bigger accident, especially with Ohio roads in winter, but honestly, the extra cost just feels like overkill for an older ride. You’re not alone in skipping it—sometimes it’s smarter to just keep that cash in your pocket.
