Does State Farm Offer Accident Forgiveness?

Key Highlights

• No, the State Farm does not have any comprehensive options for accident forgiveness that are specific to Florida.
• In Florida, you will find that there are no options to purchase either an additional or a guaranteed State Farm forgiveness policy.
• The “No-Fault” Insurance laws in Florida impact how accidents can affect your premium rates.
• A single at-fault collision can result in an increase in your rates with State Farm.
• Seeking legal advice can potentially lessen your rate increases and protect your claim from being negatively impacted after your accident.

Does State Farm Offer Accident Forgiveness in Florida?

Accident forgiveness auto policies are frequently marketed as a bonus by most other insurers. Drivers may think that their State Farm first accident forgiveness will be forgiven by insurance companies based on these advertisements. State Farm’s approach, however, is quite different.

I am Alex J. Kompothecras, a Florida lawyer with Alpha Law Group, and we often see Florida drivers who were shocked to find out their accident forgiveness auto insurance premiums increased after an auto accident they thought was an insignificant first-time accident. State Farm does not provide a separate accident forgiveness option for its auto policyholders in Florida, nor does it guarantee protection from future auto insurance premium increases due to an auto accident.

This is most likely why so many Florida insurers promote accident forgiveness as an option, because of Florida’s no-fault insurance laws, which are confusing regarding who pays for what. Understanding how StateFarm Accident Forgiveness operates can save you thousands of dollars in increased premiums over the next several years.

Why Some Sources Say State Farm “Does” Offer Accident Forgiveness?

While there are articles that claim that State Farm offers accident forgiveness, they may not be entirely accurate. In fact, the information in these articles tends to mislead rather than inform Florida drivers. Because those who read the articles don’t have all the facts needed to make an informed decision, most Florida drivers would likely be better off without the articles stating that State Farm offers accident forgiveness.

Unlike other companies that market accident forgiveness with an explicit option for customers to purchase, it’s referred to as “accident forgiveness.” State Farm uses accident forgiveness as part of its internal processes. State Farm will only offer accident forgiveness on a case-by-case basis, depending on several factors.

Key Things Florida Drivers Should Know?

• It’s not universal: State Farm’s accident forgiveness program is not offered uniformly across the United States. There are conflicting reports from different websites and insurance agents about whether or not State Farm offers accident forgiveness. In fact, the availability of accident forgiveness from State Farm varies by state, policy type, and underwriting rules.
• First at-fault accident only: If you live in a state where accident forgiveness is available, typically accident forgiveness only applies to your first at-fault accident within three to five years after your last accident and protects you from an immediate surge in your insurance premiums.
• Not available as an add-on: You cannot buy State Farm accident forgiveness as an additional rider in Florida; there is no option to purchase an accident forgiveness State Farm accident policy in this state.
• Not for tickets: State Farm does NOT have a dedicated program for forgiving traffic citations, unlike their accident forgiveness program. However, they have stated that any state farm ticket forgiveness-related increases can be less impactful than increases related to accidents.
• Qualification matters: As far as qualification goes, if there is any type of qualification for accident forgiveness, then it generally requires multiple years (usually 5+) of a clean driving history and additional requirements may include other factors such as your claims history, length of time as a policyholder and/or whether or not the driver has both auto & home insurance.

Drivers in the state of Florida should not count on these informal criteria to determine their potential rate increase following an accident, as they are not written down anywhere, they are not guaranteed and they are extremely rare.

What Florida Drivers Should Do Instead?

If you want to know how your policy will be affected by an accident

• Contact your local State Farm agent to see if there is any discretionary forgiveness on your specific policy.
• Find out if there are loyalty benefits or discounts available for you as a State Farm customer, such as bundling or safe driving incentives, that may help to offset any increase in premium costs.
• Discuss your case with a Florida accident attorney if fault is disputed or if the injuries you suffered were greater than your PIP limit; however, reclassifying an accident as not at fault will prevent you from being charged a surcharge altogether.

Our Florida law firm Alpha Law Group, believes that many times, disputing an incorrect fault determination can save our clients from some long-term negative consequences to their insurance coverage. In Florida, we have discovered that rather than relying on an insurance provider’s “forgiveness,” it is usually more effective to prove liability in order to protect premium payments in the long run.

Does State Farm Have Accident Forgiveness at All?

State Farm hasn’t come out with any type of public accident forgiveness program. They are known to have offered informal accident forgiveness for very long-term customers who have had many years without an accident in certain states, on a case-by-case basis, after the first accident occurred and the customer was found to be at fault.

In Florida, however, this is rare, undocumented, and never guaranteed. So if you’re asking:

• Does State Farm have accident forgiveness?
• Does State Farm insurance car accident have accident forgiveness?
• Does State Farm offer accident forgiveness?

The honest Florida answer is: not in any reliable or contractual way.

Do you have to pay your deductible if you’re not at fault?

In most cases, at least at first, yes, State Farm will typically reimburse you for the deductible after it has collected the deductible from the other person’s insurance company through subrogation. Florida drivers are often frustrated by the delay in receiving this reimbursement.

How Long Does State Farm Look Back on Your Driving Record?

Typically:

• 3 to 5 years for at-fault accidents
• Longer if multiple incidents exist

This directly relates to:

• State Farm accident surcharge how long
• How long does State Farm go back on driving record

Will State Farm Drop Me After 2 Accidents?

If an accident occurs for both parties:

• If tickets were issued by the police regarding either incident.
• If both claims were made within weeks of each other.
• If any combination of these factors exists, the likelihood of having both accidents at fault will be increased.

In Florida’s shrinking insurance marketplace, non-renewal is a legitimate concern.

Case Study: Reversing an At-Fault Determination to Prevent a State Farm Rate Increase

By Attorney Alex J. Kompothecras, Alpha Law Group

Following a left turn incident at a crowded crossroad, a Florida motorist FMCSA contacted Alpha Law Group after being informed that State Farm was increasing their premiums. Even though it was their first accident in more than a decade, State Farm determined that the motorist was “at fault” for the earlier incident and, as a result, eliminated the State Farm accident free discount. The motorist believed that the other individual was driving recklessly and/or not focused. Therefore, the motorist thought it was appropriate to obtain an attorney’s assistance.

After conducting an independent review of all of the information, including traffic camera recordings, damage to both motor vehicles, and statements made by witnesses, our firm identified significant discrepancies and inaccuracies in the police report associated with the accident. Based upon the evidence acquired through accident reconstruction, our firm successfully demonstrated that the other party was driving at an unreasonable speed, thereby providing sufficient justification for reclassifying the incident as not “at fault”.

Result

State Farm rescinded its blame on the insured and eliminated the increased premium. In addition, they reinstated our client’s policy. This shows that even if Florida does not offer accident forgiveness programs, having someone legally challenge the determination of the insurer is a viable solution for avoiding a potential increase in future insurance premiums.

What Damages Does State Farm Pay After an Accident?

Types of coverage determine the amount of compensation available:

• PIP (up to $10,000)
• Bodily Injury Liability (if Purchased)
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Many clients have asked, “How Much Compensation for Anxiety After a Car Accident?”

Typically, the answer requires the client to step outside the No-Fault System through a Liability Claim or Lawsuit.

Final Takeaway for Florida Drivers

Is State Farm accident forgiveness a true thing? NO, not in Florida! That’s right, even if you make one mistake with your driving record, it will affect your rates for years.

Being familiar with Florida’s no-fault statutes and knowing when to contest fault makes a huge difference financially. With Alpha Law Group’s assistance, you can properly prepare to handle potential premium increases, non-renewals, and false accusations of fault relating to your accident.

Call (941)-304-1500 today for a free consultation and get clear answers about your options.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Accident Forgiveness?

For an insurance policy that has Accident Forgiveness, the insured is protected from an increase in the premium because of a first at-fault accident. The Accident Forgiveness feature must have existed prior to the accident occurring and State Farm does not guarantee this provision for policyholders in Florida.

What Constitutes an At Fault Loss State Farm?

In Florida, an at-fault claim is considered to be an accident where State Farm determines that you, the insured, were responsible or primarily blamed for causing an accident, by using the available information and evidence, statements provided by you and other parties as well as formal/official documentation from Florida law enforcement officials and Florida drivers laws.

How Much Will My Insurance Go Up With an At-Fault Accident State Farm?

Typically, the insurance rate to be paid by customers is raised 15% to 40% for at-fault accidents with State Farm based on how severe the accident was, how many injuries were caused, and whether the policyholder has had other claims and accident-free policyholder discounts before the at-fault accident.

Does State Farm Raise Rates After No Fault Accident?

In general, no; however, if you have multiple claims in a period of a few months, this will also impact the underwriting decision, and will happen regardless of whether you were at fault in any of them.

Do You Have to Pay Your Deductible if You’re Not at Fault State Farm?

Generally yes, in the beginning. However, State Farm may get back the deductible from the driver’s insurance company, which can take time through the subrogation process.