03/27/2026
At-Fault Accident Waiver Endorsement (SEF 39 / 39A – Alberta)
Make Sure You’re Properly Covered Before an Accident Happens
Accident protection—often referred to as Accident Forgiveness—is not automatically included on most auto insurance policies. Unfortunately, many drivers only discover this after an at-fault accident, when their premiums increase significantly.
Having worked as a claims adjuster, some of the most heartbreaking conversations I had were with insured clients who genuinely believed they had accident protection—only to find out they did not. Because this coverage is a fee-based endorsement, it must be specifically requested, and insurers will never add it automatically.
Why This Matters
Accidents happen. And without this endorsement, a single at-fault accident can result in thousands of dollars in increased premiums over several years.
A Real-World Example
Recently, my wife and I experienced this issue firsthand with a direct writer—an insurer I had previously worked for. We had:
No at-fault accidents
No tickets
A clean driving history
Despite this, the agent initially insisted that the insurer would not offer the Accident Forgiveness endorsement. I pushed back—hard. Only after escalating the issue and indicating I would contact the Ombudsman was the endorsement finally applied to our vehicles.
The key takeaway? If you don’t ask—and verify—it may not be there.
Qualification Criteria for SEF 39 / 39A in Alberta
While underwriting rules vary slightly by insurer, drivers generally need to meet the following criteria:
Clean Driving Record
Typically no driving incidents for at least 6 years
No Recent At-Fault Accidents
Usually none within the last 3–6 years
No Serious Convictions
No Criminal Code offences or major traffic violations
Policy in Good Standing
Continuous auto insurance history; endorsement must be added per vehicle
Principal Operator
Coverage is generally available only to the principal driver on a personal auto policy (not commercial policies)
Don’t Assume—Review Your Policy
If you qualify for this endorsement and it’s not applied, you’re exposing yourself to unnecessary financial risk. I strongly recommend reviewing your policy to ensure this coverage is in place.
If you have any questions or would like help reviewing your coverage, please feel free to reach out:
📞 587‑331‑8209
📧 [email protected]