# Accident forgiveness

> What accident forgiveness means in car insurance, who usually qualifies, what it can cost and why a forgiven accident may count if you switch insurers.

Canonical page: https://statecover-guide.com/glossary/accident-forgiveness/  
Last reviewed: October 28, 2026 by the StateCover Guide editorial team  
General information, not legal or insurance advice.

## Quick answer

Accident forgiveness is a promise by your insurer not to factor an at-fault accident into your premium, as long as you meet its conditions. It is a company feature, not a legal right, so the terms vary from one insurer to another.

## How it works

- **How you get it:** some insurers include it in the policy, often for long-time customers. Others sell it as an endorsement for an extra charge.
- **Who qualifies:** many insurers require a clean driving record for several years and a set number of years as a customer. Some count tickets too, so one speeding ticket could affect eligibility.
- **What it covers:** some policies forgive one accident and others more than one. Some start right away, while others require a clean record first.
- **What it does not do:** the accident stays on your driving record. If you switch companies, the new insurer may count the "forgiven" accident when it prices your policy.

A policy that includes the feature can cost more, so compare that extra cost with what an accident surcharge might add, and read the policy wording carefully.

## Related terms

- [At-fault](https://statecover-guide.com/glossary/at-fault/)
- [Surcharge](https://statecover-guide.com/glossary/surcharge/)
- [Endorsement](https://statecover-guide.com/glossary/endorsement/)
- Guide: [Rate increases after a claim](https://statecover-guide.com/claims/rate-increase-after-claim/)

## Sources

- [Massachusetts Division of Insurance, Accident Forgiveness](https://www.mass.gov/info-details/accident-forgiveness) — definition, eligibility, effect of switching insurers
- [NAIC, The Time to Get Smart about Accident Forgiveness](https://content.naic.org/article/consumer-insight-time-get-smart-about-accident-forgiveness-hitting-road-holidays) — how insurers offer it and its cost