How do you get accident forgiveness with Progressive?

Asked by: Prof. Reid Auer  |  Last update: March 16, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (28 votes)

If you stay with Progressive for at least five years and remain accident and violation-free during that time period, you'll unlock Large Accident Forgiveness too (we won't raise your rate if you have a claim for over $500).

How does accident forgiveness work with Progressive?

Large accident forgiveness

You automatically get this free benefit in most states if you've been a Progressive customer for at least five years and accident and violation-free for up to five consecutive years. Then your rate won't increase if you have a claim. Large Accident Forgiveness can vary by state.

How to qualify for accident forgiveness?

For drivers in California, accident forgiveness isn't an option. Proposition 103, which passed in the state in 1988, outlaws “excessive” insurance rates and accident forgiveness was deemed excessive as you're essentially paying for coverage on an accident that hasn't happened yet.

How long does it take for insurance to forgive an accident?

The DMV will hold onto the record of the incident for around 3 years, depending on the severity of the accident. While you can try to get the accident removed from your record early, it can be a difficult process, and it is ultimately up to the DMV.

Is accident forgiveness worth it?

Because car insurance premiums increase by about 26% after an at-fault accident, accident forgiveness can be worth it for drivers concerned about excessive rate increases. Additionally, accident forgiveness can provide peace of mind.

What is Accident Forgiveness? | Accident Forgiveness Explained

38 related questions found

What is a waived claim Progressive?

Waiving a claim at Progressive means that the insurance provider has decided against pursuing a claim further. Sometimes insurers offer forgiveness to their loyal customers to prevent their insurance rates from going up after an accident.

Will my insurance go up if I have accident forgiveness?

Accident forgiveness is a perk that keeps your insurance rate from going up after you're in a car wreck. Without accident forgiveness, getting in a wreck usually results in a rate increase. Each insurer treats accident forgiveness differently. Some insurers will forgive your first accident for free.

How to negotiate with insurance after accident?

General Tips for Settlement Negotiations
  1. Initiate your claim as soon as possible after a car accident. ...
  2. Keep accurate records about your accident and injuries. ...
  3. Calculate a fair settlement. ...
  4. Send a detailed demand letter to the insurance company. ...
  5. Do not accept the first offer. ...
  6. Get everything in writing.

How do I remove an accident from my insurance record?

While some insurance companies will offer a promotional program called "accident forgiveness" in situations where drivers are not found at fault, you cannot remove an accident occurred from a driving record. Your driving abstract is not like a criminal record that can be sealed or expunged.

Do you pay a deductible with accident forgiveness?

You'll still need to file a claim and pay your deductible. But first accident forgiveness ensures your premium stays the same.

Will Progressive drop me after an accident?

Insurers may not drop a customer after their first one or two incidents. The first step is often to increase your car insurance rate. From there, if a customer has another accident or files more claims, the insurer may send a notice that they won't be renewing the policy at the end of its term.

What is Progressive accident response?

Accident Response is a feature of Progressive's mobile app. Suppose you've been in a major accident. Accident response can sense the collision and ask if you need help. If you confirm an accident occurred, you'll have the option to request an ambulance or tow truck.

How much does Progressive usually settlement claim?

According to Forbes, the average settlements in terms of personal injury claims relating to car accidents are $20,000 to $25,000. However, your personal injury claim could be worth much more than that depending upon the circumstances of your accident and injuries.

How does Progressive handle accident claims?

Its phone number is 1-800-PROGRESSIVE. A claims representative will speak to you about the accident. The insurer looks into the coverage that you have available, determines its extent, and dispatches an adjuster to make an estimate about damages.

Do insurance rates go up after a no-fault accident?

Some may raise your premiums by 10 percent, while others may charge you only 2 percent more. In addition, certain states, such as California and Oklahoma, don't allow insurance companies to increase rates after a non-fault claim.

Can you ask for more money when your car is totaled?

In some cases, you may get more insurance money for a totaled car than for repairs. In addition, it is possible to negotiate a higher settlement by providing evidence that your car was worth more than the insurance company's initial valuation.

Do insurance companies prefer to settle?

While each case is unique, insurance companies generally want to settle out of court. Going to court can be expensive and may lead to an insurance company's large award to the plaintiff. Therefore, insurance companies most often settle cases rather than go to trial.

What is a reasonable settlement figure?

A reasonable proposed settlement figure is one that takes into account the amount of awards juries in your area have made in recent, similar cases. Your initial settlement demand should be a number that's high enough to leave you room for negotiation.

Should I call my insurance if it wasn't my fault Progressive?

Start the claims process

Regardless of who's at fault, it's a good idea to inform your car insurance company that an accident occurred.

How long does an accident stay on your record?

In California, accidents typically stay on your driving record for a period of three years from the date of the accident. During this time, the accident will be considered a public record and, therefore, accessible by insurance companies, potential employers, and law enforcement agencies.

How do you negotiate with Progressive?

You can negotiate with Progressive Insurance Company by sending the company a demand letter after an accident. The demand letter should provide information about the accident and all the damages caused by the incident. You can include evidence in the demand letter to support your claim.

How good is Progressive at paying claims?

Progressive placed second to last out of 21 car insurance companies surveyed in JD Power's claims satisfaction study of 2024 with a score of 672/1,000, only beating Mercury. For reference, the study average was 697/1,000, and NJM Insurance Co. earned the first spot at 782.

Is it better to have a $500 deductible or $1000?

Remember that filing small claims may affect how much you have to pay for insurance later. Switching from a $500 deductible to a $1,000 deductible can save as much as 20 percent on the cost of your insurance premium payments.