I’ve always been a bit skeptical about paying extra for accident forgiveness, especially since I’m pretty cautious behind the wheel. But I get the logic—one mistake, and your premium could jump for years. With teens driving, though, I can see how the math changes. My oldest just got her license, and suddenly every “what if” scenario feels a lot more real.
Has anyone actually had to use accident forgiveness in Ohio? I’m curious if it really made a difference in the renewal rates or if the insurance company found another way to bump up the cost later. Sometimes I wonder if it’s just peace of mind you’re buying, or if it actually saves money long-term. Insurance always feels like a gamble... but maybe that’s the point.
Insurance always feels like a gamble... but maybe that’s the point.
That’s honestly how I’ve always felt about it too. I paid for accident forgiveness for years, thinking I’d never need it. Then my son backed into a mailbox—nothing major, but enough to file a claim. Our rate didn’t budge at renewal, which was a relief. But the next year, they bumped up the “fees” section on our bill. Not sure if it was related or just coincidence, but it did make me wonder if they find ways to recoup the cost anyway. Still, in that moment, not seeing a huge spike was worth something.
Not sure if it was related or just coincidence, but it did make me wonder if they find ways to recoup the cost anyway.
That’s something I’ve always wondered too. Even if your rate doesn’t jump right after a claim, do insurers just shift the cost somewhere else—like those mysterious “fees” you mentioned? I’ve seen people get accident forgiveness and still end up paying more down the line, but it’s hard to tell if it’s because of the claim or just regular price hikes. Has anyone actually asked their agent about those fee increases, or is it all just buried in the fine print?
I’ve seen people get accident forgiveness and still end up paying more down the line, but it’s hard to tell if it’s because of the claim or just regular price hikes.
That’s exactly what bugs me. I had a fender bender years ago, used accident forgiveness, and my rate stayed put for a bit. But a few months later...suddenly my “loyalty discount” shrank and some random admin fee showed up. Coincidence? Not sure. Do you think companies just shift the cost to those of us with older cars, too? Sometimes I wonder if owning a classic just makes them sneakier with the charges.
Do you think companies just shift the cost to those of us with older cars, too?
Honestly, I wouldn’t put it past them. I’ve got a 15-year-old sedan and every year there’s some “adjustment” that never seems to go in my favor. Feels like they find ways to get their money back, accident forgiveness or not. You’re not imagining it—these little fees add up, especially for those of us hanging onto our cars longer.
