What Is First Accident Forgiveness?
First Accident Forgiveness (FAF) is an optional feature offered by many insurers, including Erie, that prevents your first at-fault claim from increasing your premiums. It's designed to keep new drivers and low‑risk policyholders from facing a rate hike after a single incident.
- What Is First Accident Forgiveness?
- Eligibility Criteria for Erie's FAF
- How to Check Your Eligibility
- Benefits of Adding First Accident Forgiveness
- When It Doesn't Apply
- Cost of First Accident Forgiveness with Erie
- How to Add or Remove FAF
- Timing Matters
- Comparing Erie's FAF to Competitors
- FAQs About Erie First Accident Forgiveness
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Eligibility Criteria for Erie's FAF
Erie evaluates applicants based on several factors before adding FAF:
- Driver age: typically 18–25 years old, though some insurers offer it to older drivers with clean records.
- Driving history: no claims or traffic violations in the last 3–5 years.
- Policy duration: usually requires a minimum of 12 months of continuous coverage.
How to Check Your Eligibility
Use Erie's online tool or call a local agent. Provide your policy number, driving record, and personal details for a quick assessment.
Benefits of Adding First Accident Forgiveness
1. No premium increase on your first claim—protects your budget.
2. Financial peace of mind—you can focus on recovery instead of rate hikes.
3. Potential long‑term savings—avoiding an initial bump can reduce future rate spikes.
When It Doesn't Apply
If you have multiple claims, a history of violations, or a policy lapse, Erie typically does not offer FAF.
Cost of First Accident Forgiveness with Erie
Erie adds a modest surcharge—usually between $30 and $80 annually—depending on your location and driver profile. The exact amount is disclosed during the quote process.
How to Add or Remove FAF
1. Log into your Erie online account.
2. Navigate to Policy Settings and select First Accident Forgiveness.
3. Toggle the option and confirm. For removal, reverse the steps.
Timing Matters
Adding FAF after a claim is too late; it only applies to future incidents. If you've already filed a claim, the rate increase will stand, but you can still add FAF for the next year.
Comparing Erie's FAF to Competitors
| Feature | Erie | Geico | State Farm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligibility Age | 18–25 | 18–25 | 18–25 |
| Annual Surcharge | $30–$80 | $25–$70 | $35–$90 |
| Coverage Duration | 1 year per claim | 1 year per claim | 1 year per claim |
FAQs About Erie First Accident Forgiveness
- Does FAF cover all types of claims? Only at‑fault accidents; non‑at‑fault claims do not affect premiums.
- Can I add FAF mid‑policy? No, it must be selected at the time of renewal or new policy initiation.
- Will it affect my deductible? No, the deductible remains unchanged.