Honestly, I’ve done the math a few times and for me, accident forgiveness actually made sense once. Had a fender bender, rates would've jumped way more than the forgiveness cost. Not saying it’s for everyone, but sometimes it pays off—especially if you drive a lot or have bad luck.
Yeah, I hear you. I had a similar situation a few years back—clipped a mailbox in my old ’72 Chevelle (don’t ask, long story). The forgiveness add-on saved me from a nasty rate hike. For folks with older cars or who drive a lot, it can be a real lifesaver. But if you’re barely on the road or have a spotless record, maybe not worth the extra bucks. Insurance math is weird sometimes...
Insurance math is weird sometimes...
No kidding. I’ve been down that road—literally and figuratively. My ’68 Charger had a run-in with a rogue trash can once (don’t ask, it was windy), and accident forgiveness definitely softened the blow on my wallet. For older rides, especially if you’re out cruising a lot or hitting shows, it’s not a bad safety net.
But yeah, if your car spends more time under a cover than on the street, or you haven’t had a ticket since dial-up internet, it might just be throwing money away. Insurance companies love to sell peace of mind, but sometimes the math just doesn’t add up unless you’re actually at risk. Still, for those of us with “character” cars and the occasional oops moment… it’s not the worst idea.
Insurance companies love to sell peace of mind, but sometimes the math just doesn’t add up unless you’re actually at risk.
That’s the part that always gets me. I’ve run the numbers a few times, and for my old Mustang, accident forgiveness felt like paying extra for something I might never use. On the other hand, I get why it’s tempting—one little mishap and your rates can skyrocket, especially with older cars that aren’t exactly cheap to fix.
I’ve had years where my car barely left the garage except for a Sunday spin, and in those cases, I just couldn’t justify the extra cost. But if you’re out there regularly, or your luck’s been questionable (I’ve had my share of “oops” moments too), it can be a real lifesaver. It’s a bit of a gamble either way. Sometimes peace of mind is worth a few bucks, but I’d rather put that money toward parts or a new set of tires if I’m not driving much. Just depends on how much risk you’re comfortable with, I guess.
Honestly, I get where you’re coming from. I’ve got a Benz that spends more time under a cover than on the road, and every year I debate these “extras.” Here’s how I see it:
- If you’re barely driving, accident forgiveness is like buying an umbrella in the desert—nice idea, but probably unnecessary.
- But if you’re out there dodging potholes and unpredictable drivers (hello, Ohio winters), it can be a decent safety net.
- I’d rather spend the extra cash on detailing or a fancy coffee, unless I’m feeling especially accident-prone that year.
You’re not wrong to question if it’s worth it. Sometimes peace of mind is just another line item on the bill...
