Accident Forgiveness Car Insurance Coverage for Safe Drivers

What Is Accident Forgiveness?

Accident forgiveness is a car insurance benefit to give safe drivers a break when they have a one-time accident. If all drivers on your car insurance policy have a clean driving record for five consecutive years with The Hartford, you may qualify for an accident forgiveness car insurance benefit.‡
Author:
Lily DiGregorio
Lily DiGregorio,Staff copywriter
Lily DiGregorio
Staff copywriter specializing in auto and home insurance for The Hartford.
Reviewed By:
Ben Ewbank
Ben Ewbank,Head of Personal Lines State Product and Pricing
Ben Ewbank
Head of Personal Lines State Product and Pricing at The Hartford.
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Updated: 09/10/2025
Read Time: 4 minutes
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Key Takeaways

  • No one wants to get into a car accident, but the right car insurance company can help make the recovery process as quick and easy as possible.
  • Accident forgiveness, an optional car insurance benefit, rewards drivers and those on their policy who remain accident-free over a certain period of time by reducing their collision deductible.
  • The Hartford offers accident forgiveness with additional coverages and benefits to extend your protection and help you save money.

What Happens After an Accident?

Whether you’re the driver or the passenger, getting into a car accident can be stressful. Not only are you faced with emotions from the collision and potential price increases as a result, but you’ll also have to think about what to do afterwards, including:
 
  • Calling your insurance company to report the accident
  • Taking photos of the cars to document any damage
  • Getting the necessary information from the other driver
  • Contacting a towing company
The Hartford is here to make the process as stress-free as possible if you’ve been in an accident. Our car insurance coverages are designed to help keep you and your loved ones protected, and our award-winning representatives are here to help you every step of the way.
 

How Much Does Insurance Go Up After an Accident?

Insurance companies look at your driving record when calculating your price. If an accident or ticket shows up on your record, it can raise your rates.
 
If you’re involved in an at-fault accident and don’t have accident forgiveness on your car insurance, you may have higher premiums. However, the total rate increase can vary based on the severity of the accident and your previous driving history and violations.
driver protected by accident forgiveness insurance from The Hartford

How Long Does an Accident Stay on Your Record?

Wondering how long does it take for insurance to forgive an accident? Accidents and tickets generally stay on a driving record for three to five years. That’s why it’s important to be a safe driver and practice caution. After the designated window of time, accidents or tickets will be removed from your record.

What Does Accident Forgiveness Mean for Car Insurance?

If you have car insurance with accident forgiveness, your car insurance premium may decrease if your last collision or ticket was a certain number of years ago and you’ve maintained a clean driving record since.
Accident forgiveness with AARP® Auto Insurance from The Hartford1 excuses your first accident if you need to file a car insurance claim, as long as all drivers on your policy have a clean driving record and are accident-free for five straight years with The Hartford.‡ To learn more about how accident forgiveness protects you, call The Hartford at 888-546-9099.
 

Additional Benefits and Savings From The Hartford

At The Hartford, we know accidents happen. That’s why we offer AARP members the protection they need without breaking the bank. With AARP Auto Insurance from The Hartford, you can unlock car insurance discounts and exclusive benefits, including car insurance savings of up to 10% with your membership.† Other AARP member benefits and optional features include:
Safe Driver Discount: If your car has safety features, like anti-lock brakes or anti-theft devices, you can save on your auto insurance policy.
New Car Replacement Coverage: If you total your new car, we’ll pay to replace it with a new car of the same make, model and equipment without subtracting anything for depreciation.§§
RecoverCare§ Coverage: The Hartford will help pay for home services, like house cleaning, if you’re injured in an accident and can’t do them yourself.

Get a Quote for Accident Forgiveness Auto Insurance Coverage

To learn more about accident forgiveness get a car insurance quote today or call The Hartford at 888-546-9099. Our representatives will give you all the information you need to confidently answer the question, “Is it worth getting accident forgiveness?” Plus, for new customers and repeat policyholders, we’ve compiled common auto insurance definitions to help break down key benefits, discounts and policy information.

Accident Forgiveness Car Insurance Benefits FAQ

When it comes to accident forgiveness programs, the eligibility criteria are usually simple. At The Hartford, as long as all drivers on your car insurance policy have a clean driving record and are accident-free for five straight years with us, you can receive accident forgiveness benefits.‡ Accident forgiveness from The Hartford is not available to California policyholders at this time.
Accident forgiveness is available to all policyholders of The Hartford, but you will not receive the benefits if your driving record (or anyone else named on your policy) isn’t consistently accident-free for five straight years with us.
Accident forgiveness from The Hartford is not currently available to California policyholders. To learn more, The Hartford has compiled key details about car insurance requirements and availability by state.
While the cost of insurance depends on many different personal factors, The Hartford’s customers pay between $121 and $162 a month for car insurance, on average.† To get your unique AARP member price, get a car insurance quote online or call The Hartford at 888-546-9099.

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† Average savings amounts are derived from 6-month policy terms and based on information reported by customers who switched to The Hartford's newest rate plan between 9/1/22 and 8/31/23. This data is also used to determine the number/percentage of individuals who saved money when they switched. Your savings may vary. Rate differences for AARP members and non-members vary by state and AARP membership tenure.
** Average savings amounts based on information reported by customers who switched to The Hartford from other carriers between 9/1/22 and 8/31/23. Your savings may vary. Average auto insurance savings is $577 and average home insurance savings is $236. Rate differences for AARP members and non-members vary by state and AARP membership tenure. Auto/Home discount is available only to policyholders who have both their auto and home (or condo or renters) insurance through the AARP Auto & Home Insurance program from The Hartford. The Hartford does not write new business in all areas, including the states of CA and FL.
 
§ Availability of RecoverCare benefit and benefit levels vary by state. The Hartford RecoverCare Advantage® is a registered mark of The Hartford.
 
§§ Terms and conditions apply.
 
‡ Terms and conditions apply. Accident Forgiveness and the Disappearing Deductible are not available to CA policyholders.
 
‡‡ Terms and conditions apply. Availability varies by state.
 
‡‡‡ Based on one car and driver; individual rate/premium/savings will vary based on actual coverage selections and characteristics of vehicle(s)/driver(s).
 
Additional disclosures below.
AARP® Auto Insurance
Quick Links
FAQs
For AARP® Members
Additional Resources
Summaries of coverages and policy features are for informational purposes only. In the event of loss, the actual terms and conditions set forth in your policy will determine your coverage.
 
AARP and its affiliates are not insurers. Paid endorsement. The Hartford pays royalty fees to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. AARP membership is required for Program eligibility in most states.
 
The AARP Auto Insurance Program from The Hartford is underwritten by Hartford Fire Insurance Company and its affiliates, One Hartford Plaza, Hartford, CT 06155. It is underwritten in AZ, MI and MN by Hartford Insurance Company of the Southeast; in CA, by Hartford Underwriters Insurance Company; in WA, by Hartford Casualty Insurance Company; in MA, by Trumbull Insurance Company; and in PA, by Nutmeg Insurance Company and Twin City Fire Insurance Company. The AARP Home Insurance Program from The Hartford is underwritten by Hartford Fire Insurance Company and its affiliates, One Hartford Plaza, Hartford, CT 06155. It is underwritten in AZ, MI and MN by Hartford Insurance Company of the Southeast; in CA by Property and Casualty Insurance Company of Hartford; in WA, by Trumbull Insurance Company; in MA, by Trumbull Insurance Company, Sentinel Insurance Company, Hartford Insurance Company of the Midwest, and Hartford Accident and Indemnity Company; and in PA, by Nutmeg Insurance Company. The Hartford does not write new Home business in all areas, including the states of CA and FL. Savings, benefits and coverages may vary and some applicants may not qualify. The Program is currently unavailable in Canada and U.S. Territories or possessions.
 
1 In Texas, the Auto Program is underwritten by Redpoint County Mutual Insurance Company through Hartford of the Southeast General Agency, Inc. Hartford Fire Insurance Company and its affiliates are not financially responsible for insurance products underwritten and issued by Redpoint County Mutual Insurance Company. The Home Program is underwritten by Hartford Insurance Company of the Southeast.
 
* Customer reviews are collected and tabulated by The Hartford and not representative of all customers.