Auto Insurance
Accident Forgiveness
A policy feature that prevents your first at-fault accident from raising your premium at renewal.
Last reviewed: May 2026 · Editorial methodology
Definition
Accident forgiveness is a program feature offered by most major auto insurers that prevents your first at-fault accident from triggering a rate surcharge at renewal. It is either built into policies (typically after 3–5 years of clean driving) or available as a paid endorsement. Allstate, Geico, Liberty Mutual, and Progressive all offer versions of accident forgiveness. Key caveats: forgiveness typically applies to only one accident per household, it generally does not carry over if you switch insurers, and it may not apply to very serious accidents involving DUI. It is not available in California, which prohibits many such programs under Proposition 103.
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Cover Forge USA Editorial Team
Editorial Lead
This article was researched and written by the Cover Forge USA editorial team against federal sources (NAIC, CMS, FEMA, DOL, SSA, state DOIs) and standard policy forms. Bylines organize content by topic — they do not assert individual licensure. See our editorial-policy for details.
Reviewed 2026-06-14
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