Getting a Pass: Car Insurance Accident Forgiveness
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Many car insurance companies offer accident forgiveness, a feature that could prevent your premiums from rising at renewal time if you’ve caused a car accident. Typically, it costs extra to add to your regular car insurance policy and requires you have a clean driving record for several years before you can opt in.
Accident forgiveness may not be available in every state, and it is rarely available in California.
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Accident forgiveness among larger insurers
Insurer | Offers accident forgiveness option in some states? |
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Yes. | |
Yes. | |
No. | |
Yes. | |
Yes. | |
Yes. | |
Yes. | |
Yes | |
Yes. | |
No. | |
Yes. | |
Yes. | |
No. | |
No. | |
Yes. | |
Yes. | |
No. | |
Yes. | |
Yes. |
How to get accident forgiveness for free
Not all companies charge for accident forgiveness. Some offer the option at no charge in exchange for loyalty to the insurer, including:
Erie: If you have a good driving record and have been a customer for three years, Erie automatically forgives your first accident.
Progressive forgives small accidents (less than $500 in damage) automatically for customers in its loyalty program. (Enrollment is automatic in states where it’s available.) After five years with the company, Progressive forgives the first accident with damage over $500 for customers in the program.
Is accident forgiveness worth an extra cost?
The average national premium increase for drivers who cause an accident is $954 per year, according to a January 2024 NerdWallet analysis. Typically, accident surcharges last three to five years.
Each insurer’s rates are set differently, so some charge more after an accident than others. To get a good deal, no matter what’s on your record, it’s crucial to compare car insurance quotes.
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