is accident forgiveness really worth it in Ohio?

Honestly, I’ve wondered the same thing about accident forgiveness, especially here in Ohio where rates already feel high for no good reason. I’m with you on this one:

“If you’ve got a clean record and don’t drive much, you’re basically paying for peace of mind you probably won’t need.”

I get why some folks like the idea—one little mistake and your rates don’t skyrocket—but if you’re careful and not on the road much, it feels like you’re just tossing money at the insurance company for a “just in case” that probably won’t happen. I’d rather stash that extra cash in my own rainy day fund. If I do have a fender bender, at least I’ve got something set aside.

The tracking apps are another story. I tried one for a few months and it felt like I was being watched by Big Brother every time I left the driveway. Maybe they work for some people, but I’d rather not have my insurance company judging my every turn.

One thing I will say—if you’ve got a newer or pricier car, sometimes it’s tempting to pay for every little add-on just to feel covered. But after years of overpaying for stuff I never used, I’m all about keeping things simple and cheap. If you’re not racking up miles or tickets, accident forgiveness just seems like another way for them to squeeze a few more bucks out of us.

Anyway, just my two cents. Maybe if my luck changes and I start backing into mailboxes, I’ll reconsider... but for now, I’m sticking with the basics.

Honestly, I’m right there with you on the tracking apps—feels like a weird trade-off between saving a few bucks and giving up privacy. As for accident forgiveness, I get the appeal, but it just seems like a safety net for people who drive a ton or have a history of close calls. I’m still learning, so maybe I’m more paranoid than most, but I’d rather focus on driving carefully than pay extra for something I hope I never need. Plus, in Ohio, rates are already rough... why add more? I’d rather put that money toward gas or, honestly, snacks.

I hear you on the snacks—sometimes it feels like gas station chips are a better investment than another insurance add-on. Accident forgiveness is one of those things that sounds great in theory, but in practice? It’s really a gamble. In Ohio, rates can jump pretty noticeably after even a minor fender bender, so for folks who drive a lot or have a history of “oops” moments, it can actually save money long-term. But if you’re a careful driver and don’t have any tickets or claims, it might just be extra padding for your insurer’s pockets.

One thing I’ve seen is people get accident forgiveness thinking it’s a get-out-of-jail-free card, but it usually only covers your first at-fault accident—and sometimes there are restrictions buried in the fine print. If you’re confident in your driving and would rather spend that cash on something tangible (like snacks or, let’s be honest, coffee), skipping it isn’t unreasonable. Just keep an eye on your record and maybe stash a little “just in case” fund... for either emergencies or more snacks.

One thing I’ve seen is people get accident forgiveness thinking it’s a get-out-of-jail-free card, but it usually only covers your first at-fault accident—and sometimes there are restrictions buried in the fine print.

Yeah, that fine print can be sneaky. I’ve seen folks surprised when their “forgiven” accident didn’t actually keep their rates from creeping up later, or they switched companies and lost the benefit. Curious if anyone here has actually used accident forgiveness and felt like it paid off? Or did it end up being more of a marketing thing for you?

I hear you on the fine print—insurance companies are masters at that.

I’ve seen folks surprised when their “forgiven” accident didn’t actually keep their rates from creeping up later, or they switched companies and lost the benefit.