Car accidents are an unfortunate part of life. There’s always an aftermath to deal with, which might include personal injuries and property damage. Tennessee residents may wonder how long an accident will remain on their driving records.
How long does an accident stay on your record?
Tennessee is a fault state, so you might wonder if that can affect the length of time car accidents remain on your driving record. Although there are several factors that can determine the penalties you can face if you were responsible for an accident, the accident will stay on your record for three years.
Your car insurance company will consider the accident and check the factors involved. Your insurance rates can increase depending on the insurance company itself, the severity of the accident, how long you’ve been insured by the company, the cost of damages and your age.
Why do car accidents need to be reported?
Motor vehicle accidents must be reported to the insurance company regardless of fault. If an accident causes personal injury or property damage that exceeds $1,000, it should immediately be reported and the police should be called to the scene so that an accident report can be taken.
In the case of a car accident being less serious, it’s still wise to contact your insurance company. If the damage is mild but you still need repairs made to your vehicle, you might have to make that claim toward your insurance policy.
How are your insurance rates affected?
You might think your insurance rates will automatically skyrocket after a car accident. However, taking a defensive driving class can help you gain points on your driving record. The court might even remove the violation from your record.
The reason why insurance rates increase after an accident that was your fault is that the company views you as a higher risk. Being extra careful can prevent your rates from going up.