Totally get where you’re coming from. Here’s how I see it:
- If you drive a lot in Ohio, especially during winter, stuff just happens. Black ice is no joke.
- I’ve got two teenagers—first fender bender happened within three months of them getting their licenses. Rates doubled overnight. Accident forgiveness would’ve been way cheaper, no question.
- For folks with a spotless record and who barely drive? Maybe not worth the extra monthly cost.
- But insurance companies here don’t mess around after an at-fault claim. Even a tiny one can haunt you for years.
- Peace of mind matters, especially if you’re on the road constantly or have new drivers in the house.
Honestly, it feels like buying a little bit of “just in case” insurance for your insurance… annoying, but sometimes necessary. That being said, if you’re super confident in your driving (and luck), maybe just sock the difference away and take your chances.
I hear you on the black ice—Ohio winters are brutal, and even the best drivers can end up in a ditch. I’ve seen people with spotless records get hit with a 40% premium hike after one minor accident. The thing is, accident forgiveness isn’t always as cheap as it sounds, and sometimes the fine print limits how often you can use it. Ever notice how some companies only “forgive” your first at-fault claim, but then you’re back to square one? Makes me wonder if it’s really worth it for folks who drive less or have older cars. Still, for families with new drivers, it can save a lot of headaches... but I’d always check the actual numbers before adding it.
Honestly, I’ve wondered the same about accident forgiveness, especially since my car’s pushing 12 years now. Feels like paying extra for something I might never use. Has anyone actually had their rates *not* jump after using it, or does it just delay the inevitable? I get why parents with teens like it, but for those of us with older cars, maybe it’s not worth the extra cost?
I keep circling back to this too, especially when I see that “accident forgiveness” line on my renewal. My car’s old enough to vote, so I’m not exactly worried about keeping it pristine. Like you said,
That’s my hangup. If I do get into a fender bender, is the insurance company just gonna find another way to hike my rates anyway? Or maybe they’ll “forgive” the first one but then jack things up for any tiny thing after that.“Feels like paying extra for something I might never use.”
Has anyone actually had them honor it without some weird loophole? Or is it more of a peace-of-mind thing for folks with newer rides or kids learning to drive? I’m half tempted to drop it and just stash the extra cash in my glovebox for snacks... or, you know, actual repairs.
“Feels like paying extra for something I might never use.”
That’s the tough part, right? I look at it and wonder if it’s just a security blanket for folks with pricier cars or teenage drivers. Around here, I’ve seen some companies actually honor the forgiveness, but then your “accident-free” discount quietly disappears or your renewal creeps up anyway. Have you ever run the numbers on how much you’re actually saving vs. just bumping up your deductible? Sometimes that ends up being a better deal in the long run, especially with an older car.