Yes. Progressive has three kinds of accident forgiveness: Small Accident Forgiveness, Large Accident Forgiveness and an optional version you can buy. The first two are free loyalty benefits in most states. The third is a paid add-on that forgives up to one accident per policy period.
Eligibility is the catch. Small Accident Forgiveness only applies to a small first claim of about $500 or less, Large Accident Forgiveness takes five years with Progressive and a clean record, and the loyalty program behind both isn’t offered in Alaska, California, Hawaii or North Carolina.
Key Takeaways
- Small Accident Forgiveness is automatic for new Progressive customers in most states. It keeps your rate from going up after a first claim of about $500 or less.
- Large Accident Forgiveness is a loyalty reward for customers who have been with Progressive for at least five years without accidents or violations.
- You can also buy Progressive Accident Forgiveness when you buy or renew a policy. It forgives up to one accident per policy period, but it isn’t available in every state.
- The loyalty program that provides the free versions isn’t offered in Alaska, California, Hawaii or North Carolina.
| Type | How you get it | What it does | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Accident Forgiveness | Automatic when your policy starts | Your rate won’t go up after a first claim of about $500 or less | Most states |
| Large Accident Forgiveness | After five years with Progressive and no accidents or violations | Your rate won’t go up after a claim, even one over $500 | Most states |
| Progressive Accident Forgiveness (paid) | Add it when you buy or renew your policy | Forgives up to one accident per policy period, even if it doesn’t qualify for the free versions | Not available in all states |
How Small Accident Forgiveness Works
Small Accident Forgiveness is the one most Progressive customers have from the start. Progressive’s accident forgiveness page says new customers in most states receive it “automatically, as soon as your policy begins,” and that “your insurance rate stays the same for your first claim that’s less than or equal to $500.”
Progressive words the threshold a little differently on different pages. Its auto FAQ says, “We won’t raise your rate if your first claim is less than $500.” Either way, it’s meant for small claims. Separately, Progressive’s claims FAQ says claims it didn’t pay anything on, or paid less than $500 on, typically won’t raise your rate.
How Large Accident Forgiveness Works
Large Accident Forgiveness rewards long-term customers. Progressive says it’s available in most states to customers who have been with Progressive for at least five years and stayed accident- and violation-free. With it, “your rates won’t increase if you have a claim, even if the total claim exceeds $500.”
Time with your previous insurer can count. Progressive’s loyalty program page says up to four years with your prior auto insurer apply toward your loyalty level, as long as there was no gap in coverage when you switched.
Progressive’s Loyalty Levels
Both free forgiveness benefits come from Progressive’s loyalty program, which adds benefits the longer you stay:
| Level | Time with Progressive | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Immediate | Day 1 | Small Accident Forgiveness |
| Silver | 6 months | Continuous Insurance Discount |
| Gold | 1 year | Teen Driver Discount |
| Platinum | 3 years | Continuous Insurance Discount |
| Diamond | 5 years | Large Accident Forgiveness |
| Emerald | 10 years | Priority Call Routing |
| Crown | 20 years | Lifetime Renewal Guarantee |
Progressive says the loyalty program “is not currently available in Hawaii, Alaska, North Carolina, or California.” You can check your level by logging in online or in the Progressive app.
The Paid Accident Forgiveness Option
If you want more protection than the free versions, Progressive sells an add-on. Its FAQ describes it this way: “This optional policy feature lets you add additional accident forgiveness benefits. We’ll forgive up to one accident per policy period, even if it doesn’t qualify for Small or Large Accident Forgiveness.” You can add it when you first buy your policy or at renewal, but Progressive notes it’s “Not available in all states.” Progressive doesn’t publish the price, so ask for quotes with and without it.
What Accident Forgiveness Won’t Do
- It won’t cover your deductible. You still pay the deductible on a collision or comprehensive claim.
- It won’t protect you from every rate increase. Your premium can still change for other reasons at renewal. Progressive also notes that “Accidents that aren’t your fault may still increase your rate in certain states.”
- It may not follow you to another insurer. Forgiveness is a Progressive benefit. A new insurer will apply its own rules to your accident history.
Progressive doesn’t say on its website whether a forgiven accident still appears in your claims history, so ask if that matters to you. RateFrog’s guide to how accident forgiveness works compares programs from several insurers, including GEICO’s claim forgiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Progressive Accident Forgiveness Free?
Two of the three types are. Small and Large Accident Forgiveness are free loyalty benefits in most states. The optional Progressive Accident Forgiveness add-on costs extra, and Progressive doesn’t publish the price.
Does My Old Insurer’s History Count Toward Large Accident Forgiveness?
Partly. Progressive says up to four years with your previous auto insurer count toward your loyalty level if there was no break in coverage when you switched. Large Accident Forgiveness still requires five years in total and a clean record.
Can a Not-at-Fault Accident Raise My Progressive Rate?
It can in some states. Progressive says accidents that aren’t your fault may still increase your rate in certain states.
How Often Can I Use Progressive’s Paid Accident Forgiveness?
The add-on forgives up to one accident per policy period. Small Accident Forgiveness applies to your first small claim.