Even if you’re an incredibly safe driver, accidents happen. An at-fault collision may affect your premium. OPCF 39 can change how a qualifying accident is treated, but it doesn’t erase the accident or freeze the entire renewal premium. Learn how accident forgiveness works, the conditions for eligibility, and what limitations to know.
Our team reviewed Ontario Regulation 664, section 5(2.1)–(2.3), FSRA’s optional-coverage guidance, and approved policy forms and rating rules to explain how Ontario’s statutory minor-accident rule differs from contractual accident forgiveness. We also looked into our internal data collected since January 2026 to see how much Ontario drivers pay on average for this endorsement.
What is Accident Forgiveness and What Does it Cover?
OPCF 39 changes how a qualifying at-fault accident is used for rating under the endorsement’s terms. It does not freeze the total renewal premium, and other approved rating changes can still affect your premium.
However, subsequent accidents and convictions are separate rating events. Ask your insurer how the endorsement treats later at-fault accidents and how any conviction is considered under approved rules.
Read More: No-Claims Car Insurance Discount: How It Works
How Much Does it Cost to Add Accident Forgiveness to Your Policy?
Based on our data collected across Ontario between January and June 2026, accident forgiveness costs about $40-$70 per year on average. The exact price varies by insurer, driver profile, and policy.
The Insurance Benefit of Accident Forgiveness
To put this into perspective, let’s do the math. The average car insurance premium in Ontario is roughly $2,345/year. But if you get into an at-fault accident and get the average 20-25% premium increase, your annual cost will go up to $2,969, an increase of more than $600. If we look at these numbers, getting accident forgiveness is more than worth it.
How OPCF 39 Endorsement Works
Ontario Policy Change Forms (OPCFs) are optional provisions that let you modify your car insurance coverage. OPCFs exist for things like replacement vehicles, depreciation waivers, and protection when driving cars you don’t own.
The accident can still appear in your claims history. OPCF 39 affects rating only as described in the issuing insurer’s certificate or endorsement. Because FSRA’s public forms directory does not provide standard OPCF 39 wording, another insurer may assess the disclosed accident under its own approved rules.
What Are the Limitations?
Accident forgiveness in Ontario offers some peace of mind, but it’s not a free pass. For instance, accident forgiveness won’t cover the following:
- Subsequent accidents where you are at fault
- Demerit points
- Major violations like DUIs or reckless driving
Do not assume OPCF 39 automatically covers or excludes every listed driver. Check the actual certificate or endorsement for the named eligible driver, qualifying accident, effective date and any reset rule.
Coverage depends on the driver or drivers identified as eligible under the endorsement. Do not assume every listed secondary driver is excluded or included, so check the schedule and wording.
Do I Need Accident Forgiveness in Ontario?
You’re never legally required to get accident forgiveness in Ontario. However, getting this endorsement is a good idea to safeguard your car insurance rates. Let’s take a look at some scenarios where accident forgiveness will be extremely useful:
- Drivers with a clean driving record. Accident forgiveness is generally designed for drivers who haven’t had a recent at-fault accident and want to protect that record.
- New or inexperienced drivers. A first at-fault accident can have a larger impact on premiums, making the endorsement more valuable.
- People who drive a lot. The more time you spend on the road, the greater your chance of eventually being involved in an at-fault collision.
- Drivers who expect to stay with the same insurer for several years. Since accident forgiveness is usually insurer-specific and doesn’t automatically transfer to a new company, it provides the most value if you aren’t planning to switch insurers soon.
Read More: When to File a Claim and When to Pay Out of Pocket
How Does Accident Forgiveness Affect Future Insurance Applications?
Accident forgiveness in Ontario has a limited impact on future insurance applications because it doesn’t directly affect how other companies view your driving record. Even with accident forgiveness, you cannot control how long an accident stays on your driving record.
Accident forgiveness may remove a specified accident-related rating effect with the issuing insurer. It doesn’t, however, mean that another insurer can’t apply its own approved rules to the disclosed claims history.
How much your rate may increase after a car accident will depend on the following factors:
- The severity of the accident
- Fault determination
- Your driving record
- Your insurance company
Ultimately, the best way to ensure consistently affordable car insurance rates in future applications is to maintain a safe driving record.
Read More: How Much Do Car Insurance Rates Increase After an Accident