Do I need a credit score to get insurance?

Asked by: Jamison Collins  |  Last update: July 19, 2025
Score: 5/5 (34 votes)

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.

Do insurance companies check your credit score?

Yes. A federal law, the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), states insurance companies have a “permissible purpose” to look at your credit information without your permission. Insurance companies must also comply with state insurance laws when using credit information in the underwriting and rating process.

Does car insurance require a credit check?

Most insurers use credit checks to create a credit-based insurance score to help set your rate. Some insurers provide auto insurance with no credit check, which might seem appealing if you have a poor credit history.

Can you be denied 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.

Can I get car insurance with a 500 credit score?

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.

Why is it that consumers are planning to spend less?

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  8. Keep a mix of different account types.

Can I get insurance without credit?

It is a common pricing factor because of its apparent accuracy in helping auto insurers predict risk. Your credit score won't be considered if you live in certain states (California, Hawaii, Maryland, or Massachusetts) because state law prohibits it.

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.

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.

Does State Farm run your credit?

Most major car insurance companies like GEICO, Progressive and State Farm factor in your credit score when giving you a quote. Some smaller, regional insurers skip credit checks, though their coverage options (and available online information) can be limited.

Can I get a car without a credit check?

If you're shopping for a car, there are a number of ways that you can finance an auto loan. You can work directly with a bank or credit union, get dealership-arranged financing, or go through a “no credit check” or “buy here, pay here” dealership that finances the loan in-house.

Do dealerships check if you have insurance?

The biggest reason most dealerships verify the customer's insurance before completing an auto sale is to comply with the law. While exact requirements vary by state, all drivers are legally required to have liability insurance in order to be on the road.

Does a bad credit score affect car insurance?

If you've ever applied for a credit card, leased a car or gotten a mortgage for a home, you know that credit scores count. You may be surprised to find out they can also affect your car insurance premiums much the same way your driving record, marital status and payment history can.

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.

Does Progressive run your credit?

Does Progressive check credit history when my policy renews? In states where it is allowed or required by law, we periodically review policies, including credit history.

Why would I not be eligible for car insurance?

Having a string of traffic violations or accidents, especially recent ones or those you were found at fault for, could be enough for an insurance company to deny your coverage application. Also, if your license has been suspended or revoked, carriers will likely not approve your application.

Who typically has the cheapest car insurance?

Geico, Nationwide and Travelers are among the least expensive for car insurance. Americans are paying a lot for car insurance these days: Average annual rates for a full coverage policy are up to $2,638 per year, while minimum coverage averages $767 per year.

How long can you go without insurance on a financed car?

Car insurance grace periods vary by company and by state. A grace period is a length of time after your payment is due but before your policy officially lapses and you're without coverage. Car insurance grace periods can last anywhere from one day to a couple of weeks.

Can I get car insurance with no money?

Reputable, zero-down auto insurance doesn't exist. Insurance companies require money upfront before selling a policy, so you cannot get car insurance without a down payment or deposit. Your car insurance "deposit" or "down payment" is typically some percentage of your total car insurance premium.

Do I need a credit card for car insurance?

If you decide not to pay your insurance premium by credit card, you can usually pay online with a debit card, which is like paying by check but faster. Depending on your insurer and situation, other online payment methods include texting, PayPal, electronic funds transfer (EFT), and online checks.

How to get insurance when you have no money?

If you do not have health insurance, Covered California can help you determine if you qualify for Medi-Cal or federal subsidies, and can provide you with coverage options and plan costs. You can contact Covered California by phone at (800) 300-1506, TTY: (888) 889-4500 or by visiting their website at www.coveredca.com.

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  8. Consolidate your debt.

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  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.