Accident Forgiveness Car Insurance Coverage

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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:

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.

AARP Home and Auto Insurance Bundle: You can save nearly $1,000 when you bundle your auto and home policies with The Hartford.**

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.

Disappearing Deductible: The collision insurance deductible on your auto policy will reduce over time as long as you are a safe driver and maintain a clean driving record.^‡

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

What Is Accident Forgiveness Insurance Coverage Eligibility?

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.

Can I Qualify for Accident Forgiveness Insurance Coverage If I’ve Had One Accident?

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.

What Is Accident Forgiveness Coverage in My State?

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.

How Much Does Insurance With Accident Forgiveness Cost?

While the cost of insurance depends on many different personal factors, The Hartford’s customers pay between $158 and $196 a month for car insurance, on average.²To get your unique AARP member price, get a car insurance quote online or call The Hartford at 888-546-9099.

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AARP Benefits and Discounts

How Much Is Car Insurance?

² Auto insurance rates by age range from 9/1/24 to 8/31/25.

** Average annual savings are based on information reported by customers who switched to The Hartford’s newest rate plan between 9/1/24 and 8/31/25. Average auto insurance savings $597 and average home insurance savings $366. Your savings may vary. 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.

Accident Forgiveness Car Insurance Coverage for Safe Drivers

What Is Accident Forgiveness?