Even the safest and most experienced of drivers is likely to have the occasional accident. It may only be a minor fender-bender but in the event of just one accident, no matter how small it is your entire previously unblemished driving history, as far as your car insurance company is concerned, is possibly going to be blown out of the window. A single “at fault” incident may result in your insurance provider hiking your insurance premium considerably at your next renewal.

What is Accident Forgiveness?

Accident forgiveness is a sales feature that some car insurance providers now offer as an optional extra to enable you to avoid this scenario. In return for paying a little more on your annual premium to purchase this endorsement on your policy, your car insurance provider agrees to consider “forgiving” one at fault accident without suffering the penalty of an insurance premium increase as a result at your next renewal. Some providers even offer to forgive more than one accident per year. Not all car insurance providers offer this option and not all drivers are eligible for it. You may need proof of a previously unblemished driving record (accidents and tickets) for a certain number of years or to have been a customer of that particular provider for a certain amount of time.

Is Accident Forgiveness Worthwhile for You?

You need to consider if accident forgiveness is a feature that may save you money in the long term. Weigh up the risks for yourself. If you are a usually safe driver, or drive only rarely, it may not be worthwhile paying the extra premium for this feature. If, however, you regularly drive long distances or perhaps want to add a newly qualified or inexperienced driver such as your teenager to your insurance policy, then it may be in your financial interest to look into this extra feature. Don’t forget that although an accident may be “forgiven” by your car insurance provider, it will still remain on your insurance and driving records and so must be declared to any potential new insurer. Also bear in mind that whilst accident forgiveness may protect your car insurance premium from being hiked at renewal time, your claims-free history may be affected.

If, after consideration, accident forgiveness is a feature that you think may benefit you financially in the long term, first check with your current car insurance provider to see if they offer accident forgiveness. Also, as with anything, shop around for the best deal available using a comparison website such as Get Car Insurance to find out who offers this facility and at what price. Compare the quotes you get, find out if any restrictions apply and make your considered choice accordingly. In the long term you may be able to save yourself hundreds of dollars per year.