Last reviewed: September 16, 2026.
Accident forgiveness means your insurer won't raise your premium after your first at-fault accident, as long as you meet its eligibility rules. Most major carriers offer some version of it, but the exact terms — how long you need to be a customer, how often you can use it, and what else it includes — vary by company and can change. Confirm current terms with the insurer before you buy; the summary below is a starting point, not a quote.
Source: Clearsurance, "What Is Accident Forgiveness?", updated November 5, 2024.
Allstate offers accident forgiveness through its Gold and Platinum plans. The Gold plan forgives your first accident while you're covered; the Platinum plan forgives a limited number of accidents for as long as you keep qualifying. Allstate also runs a separate Safe Driving Bonus that pays cash back every six months you go without a claim.
GEICO's accident forgiveness can be earned through a long clean-driving history with the company or purchased as an add-on. Once it applies to your policy, it covers every driver listed, not just the primary policyholder. Availability and eligibility rules vary by state, so confirm with GEICO directly.
Farmers' accident forgiveness can be used once every three years without having to restart your accident-free eligibility clock — a driver who uses it stays eligible for it again after three years rather than losing the benefit entirely.
Nationwide offers accident forgiveness as an optional add-on in select states, limited to one use per policy. Nationwide also has a separate five-year accident-free discount that rewards a long clean record even if you never need to use forgiveness.
Progressive runs a tiered program: small accident forgiveness applies automatically in most states for minor claims (around $500 or less), while large accident forgiveness requires five years with Progressive, with at least three of those years claim-free.
Accident forgiveness is usually either a reward for a long clean record or a small add-on to your premium — it's rarely free from day one. Ask your agent exactly what triggers it, whether it's automatic or something you have to purchase, and whether it's available in your state before assuming a quote includes it.
Valkins editorial team.