Skip to content Accessibility info

Rathbun Insurance Blog

All You Ever Wanted to Know About Insurance

Auto-Owners At-Fault Accident Forgiveness

Let’s face it—accidents happen. Whether you spaced out at a red light or got a little too confident during a Michigan snowstorm, even careful drivers can have a slip-up behind the wheel. The good news? If you’re insured with Auto-Owners and carry their At-Fault Accident Forgiveness coverage, your first mistake might not cost you in the long run.

Here’s how it works:

Auto-Owners' At-Fault Accident Forgiveness is an optional endorsement that waives the accident surcharge on your policy after your first at-fault accident. That means your premium won’t shoot up because of one bad day.

Who’s eligible?

To qualify, you must have a clean record—no paid at-fault accidents or major violations in the past 36 months. And if you use the benefit? You can earn it again after another 36 claim-free months.

That’s right: it’s not a one-time deal. As long as you stay clean for three years, you can become eligible again.

A few important things to note:

  • You can only forgive one accident every 36 months.

  • The forgiven accident can still be considered for non-renewal (so it’s not a get-out-of-jail-free card).

  • It won’t mess with your existing discounts—like your Diminishing Deductible or Driver Safety Program Discount.

So, should you add it?

If you’re a generally safe driver and want some peace of mind, this benefit is often worth the small cost. It’s a smart way to protect your premium from an unexpected bump in the road.

Want to see if you’re eligible? Let’s take a look at your policy and make sure you’re protected—not just from accidents, but from the financial ripple effects that come with them.