I’ll admit, accident forgiveness has saved my bacon more than once—let’s just say parallel parking isn’t my strong suit. In my case, the extra cost was worth it, especially with a less-than-perfect record. But if you’ve got a clean slate and nerves of steel, maybe it’s just another way for the insurance folks to pad their wallets. With a teen driver, though... I’d probably pay for the peace of mind, even if it feels like buying lottery tickets you hope never to use.
With a teen driver, though... I’d probably pay for the peace of mind, even if it feels like buying lottery tickets you hope never to use.
That’s pretty much why we added it when our oldest started driving—felt like cheap insurance against a rate spike after the inevitable fender bender. Before that, I skipped it to save a few bucks. For us, the “lottery ticket” paid off when my kid tapped a mailbox. Not sure I’d bother if it was just me, though.
I get the logic, especially with a new driver in the mix. When my son got his permit, I looked into accident forgiveness too, but the extra monthly cost just bugged me. Ended up skipping it, though now I’m second-guessing since he scraped our neighbor’s fence last month. The repair wasn’t awful, but I keep wondering if the rate hike will sting more over time. Anyone in Ohio actually seen their premiums jump way up after a small claim? Sometimes it feels like these add-ons are more about peace of mind than actual savings...
I totally get where you're coming from. I skipped accident forgiveness too, mostly because my rates are already high enough with a couple tickets on my record. Every little add-on just feels like one more way for them to squeeze cash out of you, you know? That said, after my cousin’s fender bender last year (not even his fault, long story), his premium shot up almost $40 a month for what felt like forever. He’s in Columbus, so maybe it’s just the area or the company, but it definitely stung.
For me, I’ve started just budgeting for a possible rate hike instead of paying extra every month “just in case.” Not sure if it’s the smartest move, but I’d rather gamble than pay for something I might never use. At the same time, with a new driver in the house, I can see why people go for the peace of mind. Insurance math is a headache... sometimes it feels like you’re paying either way, just depends when.
Insurance math is a headache... sometimes it feels like you’re paying either way, just depends when.
- Totally hear you on that.
- I’ve always leaned toward paying a bit more for the “just in case,” but I get why you’d rather budget for a hike instead.
- It’s a gamble either way, honestly.
- With a new driver, though, I’d be extra cautious—one small mistake can really mess with your rates for years.
- Not saying you’re wrong, just... I’ve seen too many friends get burned by that one unlucky accident.
- At the end of the day, you know your risk tolerance best.