The top pick overall for the best car insurance companies for accident forgiveness is Allstate, with Liberty Mutual and Progressive also standing out.
What is accident forgiveness and who offers it? This car insurance add-on forgives safe drivers their first accident, and it's available with these top insurers if you have a claim-free record.
Company | Rank | Bundling Discount | A.M. Best | Best For | Jump to Pros/Cons |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
#1 | 25% | A+ | Infrequent Drivers | Allstate | |
#2 | 25% | A | 24/7 Support | Liberty Mutual | |
#3 | 10% | A+ | Automatic Eligibility | Progressive | |
#4 | 20% | A+ | Vanishing Deductibles | Nationwide | |
#5 | 20% | A | Discount Variety | Farmers | |
#6 | 5% | A+ | Exclusive Benefits | The Hartford | |
#7 | 13% | A++ | Unique Coverage | Travelers | |
#8 | 25% | A+ | Multi-Policy Savings | Amica | |
#9 | 15% | A | Usage-Based Savings | Safeco |
Select from these leading insurers for superior accident forgiveness benefits and reliable protection. These companies offer comprehensive coverage, excellent support, and innovative tools to meet the needs of different drivers.
Get the right car insurance at the best price enter your ZIP code above to shop for coverage from the top insurers near you.
What You Should Know
- Accident forgiveness stops your rates from going up after an at-fault accident
- Allstate comprehensive car insurance with accident forgiveness starts at $48/month
- Progressive provides small accident forgiveness for free to all customers
#1 – Allstate: Top Overall Pick
Pros
- Claim-Free Reward: Read our Allstate review to learn how to qualify for accident forgiveness claim-free rewards.
- Flexible Options: Drivers who don't qualify for claim-free rewards can still buy Allstate accident forgiveness as an add-on.
- Usage-Based Savings: Allstate provides multiple ways to save with accident forgiveness on usage-based and pay-per-mile car insurance.
Cons
- State Availability: Accident forgiveness may not be available in all states, potentially limiting coverage.
- Coverage Requirements: Allstate accident forgiveness requires its platinum coverage plans.
#2 – Liberty Mutual: Best for 24/7 Support
Pros
- Accident-Free Rewards: Liberty Mutual provides free accident forgiveness to drivers who remain accident-free for five years regardless of insurer.
- No Additional Cost: The program is included at no extra charge for those with clean driving records. Check out our Liberty Mutual review for more information.
- Peace of Mind: Liberty Mutual accident forgiveness comes with 24/7 claims support.
Cons
- Policy Limitations: Accident forgiveness might be limited to specific policy types or conditions.
- Eligibility Restrictions: Not all drivers may qualify based on their driving history or state regulations.
#3 – Progressive: Best Automatic Eligibility
Pros
- Small Accident Forgiveness: Progressive small accident forgiveness is free and immediately applied to all customer policies.
- Tiered Incentives: Bigger accident forgiveness and discounts are available for drivers who maintain a clean record over time.
- Snapshot Usage-Based Rewards: Progressive Snapshot offers additional accident forgiveness benefits for safe driving. Learn more in our Progressive review.
Cons
- Rate Increases: Some policyholders report Progressive accident forgiveness rate increases at policy renewal when nothing changed in their driving history.
- Varied Customer Service: Progressive customer service with accident forgiveness varies, with most regions reporting low customer satisfaction.
#4 – Nationwide: Best Vanishing Deductible
Pros
- Automatic Eligibility: Accident forgiveness is provided for drivers with clean driving records without extra costs. Learn more in our Nationwide review.
- Comprehensive Coverage: The program is part of their broader range of coverage options for added protection.
- Vanishing Deductible: Along with Nationwide accident forgiveness, safe drivers can reduce their deductibles by avoiding claims.
Cons
- Policy Restrictions: Nationwide accident forgiveness coverage may not be available in every state.
- Recent Claims: Drivers with recent claims or accidents will not be eligible for accident forgiveness discounts.
#5 – Farmers: Best Discount Variety
Pros
- Protection Against Rate Hikes: Farmers accident forgiveness prevents rate increases once every three years.
- Higher Coverage Options: Available with its Premier and other higher coverage options for added security. Discover more in our Farmers review.
- No Eligibility Requirements: Anyone can buy Farmers accident forgiveness coverage regardless of driving or claims history.
Cons
- Higher Premium Cost: Farmers car insurance with accident forgiveness is often more expensive than other companies.
- Policy Conditions: Accident forgiveness insurance benefits might require maintaining specific policy conditions to remain effective.
#6 – The Hartford: Best for Exclusive Benefits
Pros
- Safe Driving Rewards: The Hartford accident forgiveness program rewards drivers with a clean driving history regardless of provider.
- Exclusive Benefits: Accident forgiveness is part of its exclusive benefits for senior drivers. Discover more in The Harford review.
- Online Resources: If you buy accident forgiveness, The Hartford insurance website provides online tools and resources to help improve driving habits.
Cons
- State and Policy Limitations: Eligibility for accident forgiveness may depend on state regulations and policy terms.
- Requires All Listed Drivers: Every driver listed on your Hartford insurance policy must be accident-free for five years for accident forgiveness to apply.
#7 – Travelers: Best for Unique Coverage
Pros
- First Accident Protection: Travelers offers accident forgiveness to prevent rate increases. Explore more in our Travelers review.
- Unique Coverage Options: With Travelers accident forgiveness, safe drivers can also qualify for minor infraction forgiveness and total loss waivers.
- Financial Strength: Travelers A++ A.M. Best rating makes it one of the most reliable insurance companies with accident forgiveness.
Cons
- Coverage Requirements: Accident forgiveness benefits are only available with Travelers Responsible Driver plans.
- Limited Access: Travelers accident forgiveness insurance plans are not available in every state.
#8 – Amica: Best for Multiple Policies
Pros
- Rate Protection: Amica accident forgiveness allows safe drivers to accumulate points that can be used to decrease deductibles or avoid rate increases.
- Safe Driving Rewards: Accident forgiveness is offered to reward clean driving records and safe driving practices.
- Bundling Discounts: Drivers save 30% when they bundle accident forgiveness auto insurance with Amica renters insurance.
Cons
- Policy Type Limitations: Accident forgiveness is restricted to certain policy types with higher coverage levels.
- Accident History Restrictions: The benefit may not apply if you have multiple accidents or a history of claims.
#9 – Safeco: Best Usage-Based Savings
Pros
- Rate Increase Prevention: Safeco accident forgiveness feature helps you avoid rate increases. Gain insights from our Safeco review.
- Diminishing Deductible Benefit: Safeco accident forgiveness rewards also include a Diminishing Deductible program.
- Usage-Based Savings: Drivers can save up to 30% on car insurance with accident forgiveness if they sign up for Safeco RightTrack.
Cons
- Coverage Restrictions: Accident forgiveness benefits aren't available in every state.
- Multiple Claims: Safeco accident forgiveness requires all drivers listed on a policy to remain claim-free for benefits to apply.
How Accident Forgiveness Impacts Car Insurance Rates
Why is car insurance so expensive? When evaluating accident forgiveness, consider its impact on your monthly premiums. Some companies offer it for free while others charge extra for the add-on.
Compare these auto insurance rates to find comprehensive coverage that best fits your financial and protection needs.
Insurance Company | Minimum Coverage | Full Coverage |
---|---|---|
$53 | $179 | |
$59 | $151 | |
$62 | $144 | |
$61 | $193 | |
$57 | $138 | |
$48 | $183 | |
$63 | $142 | |
$51 | $123 | |
$66 | $156 | |
$54 | $134 |
Accident forgiveness plays a crucial role in a well-rounded insurance strategy by providing financial stability and promoting safer driving. Here’s how it fits into your overall plan:
- Stable Premiums: Prevents significant rate hikes after minor accidents, ensuring more predictable insurance costs.
- Encourages Safe Driving: Reduces the fear of premium increases for minor mistakes, leading to safer driving habits and encouraging defensive driving practices.
- Enhances Policy Value: Balances comprehensive coverage with cost management, adding significant value to your insurance policy.
Integrating accident forgiveness into your insurance strategy not only helps you maintain stable rates but also supports safe and defensive driving.
Before you buy accident forgiveness, consider these crucial elements. Each insurance company has its own rules for granting accident forgiveness, including the following:
- Driving Record: Insurers often require a spotless driving history to qualify for accident forgiveness.
- Loyalty Duration: Staying with the same insurer for a specific time can make you eligible for forgiveness benefits.
- Coverage Type: Some policies include accident forgiveness by default, while others offer it as an optional upgrade.
- Local Regulations: State-specific laws can impact the availability and specifics of accident forgiveness programs.
Understanding these essentials helps you make smart choices about accident forgiveness companies and which is the best fit for you.
Best Car Insurance Discounts for Cheap Accident Forgiveness
Car insurance discounts for accident forgiveness can help you save on premiums while rewarding safe driving. We've outlined the top discounts from leading providers to help you find the best savings for maintaining an accident-free record.
Insurance Company | Available Discount |
---|---|
Safe Driver, Accident Forgiveness, Bundling | |
Accident Forgiveness, Multi-Car, Loyalty | |
Accident Forgiveness, Safe Driver, Good Student | |
Accident Forgiveness, New Car, Bundling | |
Accident Forgiveness, SmartRide, Bundling | |
Accident Forgiveness, Snapshot, Multi-Car | |
Accident Forgiveness, Safe Driver, Bundling | |
Accident-Free, Multi-Car, Safe Driver | |
Accident Forgiveness, AARP Member, Defensive Driver | |
Accident Forgiveness, Multi-Car, Safe Driver |
Taking advantage of accident forgiveness discounts can reduce your rates while rewarding your safe driving habits. Here are 14 more ways to save money on car insurance.
How to Qualify for Accident Forgiveness
Accident forgiveness can protect you from premium increases after a minor accident, but qualifying for it requires some planning.
Here are three smart strategies to help you take full advantage of accident forgiveness and keep your rates low:
- Keep a Clean Driving Record: Focus on safe driving practices to qualify for accident forgiveness and enjoy lower insurance rates.
- Choose an Insurer Wisely: Look for insurers that include accident forgiveness in their standard policies or offer it as an affordable add-on.
- Leverage Loyalty Perks: Stay with the same insurer over time to benefit from loyalty-based accident forgiveness programs.
These proactive steps will help you get the most value from your accident insurance policy and keep your premiums affordable.
By reducing the financial impact of minor accidents, you protect your policy’s value while keeping your insurance costs manageable.
The Best Accident Forgiveness Insurance Companies
Accident forgiveness shields you from premium increases after minor accidents. The best car insurance companies for accident forgiveness are Allstate, Liberty Mutual, and Progressive.
If you get into a collision, follow these steps to take after a car accident to protect yourself and other drivers on the road.
By integrating accident forgiveness into your strategy, you can maintain financial stability and peace of mind on the road.
Ready to shop around for the best accident forgiveness company near you? Enter your ZIP code below and see which offers the coverage you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the top car insurance companies that offer accident forgiveness with high customer satisfaction?
Allstate accident forgiveness comes with high customer and claims satisfaction, according to J.D. Power surveys. Read more car insurance claims ratings.
What are the top 10 insurance companies for accident forgiveness?
Some of the best auto insurance companies for accident forgiveness are Allstate, Liberty Mutual, Progressive, and Nationwide. Enter your ZIP code to see which are the best in your city.
Does accident forgiveness coverage actually work?
Yes. Car insurance rates increase by 40%-50% after an accident, and accident forgiveness plans will stop your rates from going up.
What type of car insurance is best for accident forgiveness?
Full coverage combined with accident forgiveness is the best type of car insurance.
Which accident forgiveness company is most expensive?
Liberty Mutual and Progressive are often the most expensive insurance companies with accident forgiveness. Compare Liberty Mutual vs. Progressive car insurance to learn more.
Is Liberty Mutual accident forgiveness worth it?
Liberty Mutual accident forgiveness is best for drivers with newer, more expensive models as it can often be combined with new car replacement benefits.
Is Geico accident forgiveness worth it?
Yes, if you have a clean driving record and don't want to risk your rates going up after a claim, consider adding Geico accident forgiveness to your policy.
How does Allstate accident forgiveness work?
Accident forgiveness starts as soon as you sign up and prevents your rates from increasing after your first accident claim. Learn more in our Allstate car insurance review.
What car brand has the lowest accident rate?
Toyota and Acura are often the highest-performing brands in annual vehicle safety tests.
Which brand of car has the cheapest insurance?
Toyota models often have the cheapest rates. Compare costs from the best car insurance companies for Toyotas.