Can you be denied insurance for bad credit?

Asked by: Dr. Kylee Bergstrom I  |  Last update: June 17, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (32 votes)

Yes, any insurance company has the right to deny coverage. Likely, poor credit won't be the only reason you're denied auto insurance, but it can be a major contributing factor. Other factors that may lead to denial of coverage can include: Poor driving record.

Can insurance companies deny you for bad credit?

In most states you can't be denied insurance solely for credit, though many companies will use credit as a component of eligibility (ex: someone with poor credit has to meet stricter accident/violation criteria than someone with good credit).

Does bad credit affect health insurance?

Most insurance companies using credit information will include it as a factor in determining your rate. For example, someone with a relatively high credit score may pay a lower premium than someone with a relatively low credit score.

Does poor credit affect car insurance?

Four states — California, Hawaii, Massachusetts and Michigan — have banned insurance companies from using credit scores to price or deny insurance policies.

Does credit matter when getting insurance?

In most states, your credit-based insurance scores can affect your eligibility and premiums. But insurance companies generally can't refuse to insure you or cancel your policy based solely on your credit.

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Do insurance companies check your credit?

Most insurance companies use your credit history to help them decide whether to sell you insurance and how much it will cost.

Can you be denied life insurance for bad credit?

Yes, indirectly. Most insurance companies will not reject applications for insurance based only on a low credit-based insurance score, but they may only offer that applicant a policy with a higher premium or higher monthly rate. Paying a higher premium or rate could cost consumers hundreds of dollars per year.

How do I get car insurance with bad credit?

Cheapest car insurance companies for drivers with bad credit

Based on our research, Geico, Nationwide, Mercury, American Family and Travelers are some of the cheapest major providers for drivers with bad credit.

How to build credit quickly?

9 ways to build credit fast
  1. Dispute credit report errors. ...
  2. Pay down your credit card balances. ...
  3. Become an authorized user. ...
  4. Deal with delinquent accounts. ...
  5. Open a credit card account. ...
  6. Take out a credit builder loan. ...
  7. Request a credit limit increase. ...
  8. Keep a mix of different account types.

What credit score do you need for car insurance?

While there's no set minimum score to get car insurance, you'll pay more if you have a lower score. Drivers with a credit score of 580 or below pay about 115% more for full coverage than the average driver with a credit score of 800 or above, according to Bankrate.

What is a bad credit score?

A bad credit score is considered to be a FICO credit score below 580 and a VantageScore lower than 601. If your credit isn't where you would like it to be, remember that a bad credit score doesn't have to weigh you down.

What information do insurance companies have access to?

An insurer can only access your medical records if you give your permission for them to do so. If you agree to let them go through your medical history, they'll contact your doctor and will look at your records over the last five to ten years.

Does health insurance check credit?

As previously stated, insurance companies won't check your credit score so the actual number won't affect insurance rates. But they do look at your credit history on your credit report. And like credit bureaus, insurers use that same credit information to calculate an insurance score.

What if I am too poor for car insurance?

If you can't afford car insurance, don't go without. Instead, try to find a more affordable policy by increasing your deductible, downgrading your coverage, looking for discounts, driving less and comparing prices from multiple insurance companies.

Can a company reject you for bad credit?

Can You Be Turned Down for a Job Because of Bad Credit? Yes, in many states, employers are legally allowed to deny a job applicant based on the results of a credit check, but this usually depends on the nature of the job and the employer's hiring policies.

Why was I denied car insurance?

Reasons you may be denied car insurance

You have several moving violations and a less-than-perfect driving record. Your license has been suspended or revoked. You drive a fast, high-performance vehicle. You are too young to buy your own insurance policy.

How to get a 700 credit score in 30 days?

10 strategies that could improve your credit score in 30 days
  1. Make sure your credit report is accurate. ...
  2. Check your credit score regularly. ...
  3. Pay bills on time. ...
  4. Use credit cards responsibly. ...
  5. Pay down a credit card or loan. ...
  6. Increase your credit limit on current cards. ...
  7. Make payments twice a month. ...
  8. Consolidate your debt.

How can I raise my credit score 100 points overnight?

10 Ways to Boost Your Credit Score
  1. Review Your Credit Report. ...
  2. Pay Your Bills on Time. ...
  3. Ask for Late Payment Forgiveness. ...
  4. Keep Credit Card Balances Low. ...
  5. Keep Old Credit Cards Active. ...
  6. Become an Authorized User. ...
  7. Consider a Credit Builder Loan. ...
  8. Take Out a Secured Credit Card.

What is the average credit score?

The average credit score in the United States is 705, based on VantageScore® data from March 2024. It's a myth that you only have one credit score. In fact, you have many credit scores, because there are many different types of credit scores and scoring models. It's a good idea to check your credit scores regularly.

Can you be refused car insurance for bad credit?

Yes, any insurance company has the right to deny coverage. Likely, poor credit won't be the only reason you're denied auto insurance, but it can be a major contributing factor. Other factors that may lead to denial of coverage can include: Poor driving record.

Does Allstate check your credit score?

Our use of credit information enables us to offer lower premiums to more customers and allows us to cover more drivers and homeowners. ► What you can do: Check your credit reports for accuracy and talk to your Allstate Agent for ways to lower your costs. car insurance costs.

Can bad credit make car insurance go up?

Does credit score affect car insurance rates? Yes. A higher or lower credit score can have a big impact on your insurance rate. Poor credit increases full coverage rates by 86% compared to good credit.

Can you be turned down for insurance because of your credit score?

California

Insurance companies in California don't use credit-based scores or your credit history for underwriting or rating auto policies, or setting rates for homeowners insurance. As a result, your credit won't impact your ability to get or renew a policy, or how much you pay in premiums.

What to do if you are uninsurable?

If you're denied insurance, the first step is to call another insurer—different companies have different parameters. However, if several insurers have denied you, you may need to consider these options: Join a state assigned risk pool – Auto insurers participate on a voluntary basis in state assigned risk pools.

Do you need good credit to get insurance?

Your credit score won't be considered if you live in certain states (California, Hawaii, Maryland, or Massachusetts) because state law prohibits it. Other states have added restrictions and limitations to when and how credit may be used (such as Oregon, Utah and Nevada).