If you are involved in an at-fault accident, accident forgiveness protects your driving record from falling so you don’t pay higher premiums (or marginally higher with some insurers). For example, if your insurer uses the common 6-star rating system and you have an at-fault accident, your "star rating" might drop but by purchasing accident forgiveness through Armour Insurance your “star” rating will not fall as much, if at all.
By protecting your standing on the 'star rating' system, accident forgiveness results in a break on your auto insurance premium after a claim that you would otherwise have to pay.
At Armour Insurance we recommend this coverage to all our customers, and ask that you advise us not to add this to your coverage.
Who can get accident forgiveness on their car insurance policy?
In short, the availability of accident forgiveness varies by company and your driving record. If available, it is simply as a built-in feature of an insurer's auto insurance coverage, or is purchased as an endorsement on the policy.
1. Accident Forgiveness - As a built-in feature of the regular coverage
Usually offered after your first at fault accident but only if you had a previously accident free driving record for 6 years. After a claim your insurer will ultimately decide whether or not your accident will be forgiven or partially forgiven..
If your insurance company agrees to 'forgive' your accident you are generally provided Partial forgiveness where your star rating will drop from 6 star to a lower position, generally 5 star instead of down to 0. Your insurance rates will increase because of this re-positioning, but not as much as they would have if the insurer did not offer accident forgiveness.
You could lose valuable discounts that come with being accident or claims-free. If you want to discuss the full impact of having an at fault claim your ARMOUR service representative will be happy to review your specific circumstance with you.
Partial forgiveness of an accident will save you money after an at fault claim.
2. Accident Forgiveness - Purchased as an endorsement
Accident forgiveness packages can be bought from some insurance companies, if you currently have a clean driving record with no accidents or tickets. There are two common types of packages:
- Total forgiveness where your star rating will be maintained in the same position as it was prior to the at-fault accident.
- Total forgiveness plus the protection of your discounts where your star position will be maintained AND you get to keep the discounts you have accumulated over the years.
It is important to note that Accident forgiveness protects your driving record only with the company that sold you the endorsement. Any new companies ARMOUR approaches about your insurance must be advised of all claims – including those forgiven by your current insurer. A new insurance company will offer premiums that reflect your driving record with an accident.
SEF 39 wording for review at:
At Armour Insurance we are Working Today to Protect Your Tomorrow.
Call us to discuss the accident forgiveness endorsement that could save you money. Five locations to serve you!
Armour Insurance Group completes yearly reviews on your policy, representing many top Insurance Companies we provide our customers competitive rates and coverage.
