Do insurance companies do a hard credit pull?

Asked by: Leonor Howell  |  Last update: July 3, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (25 votes)

Insurance companies thankfully run a soft credit check. There are companies that do not use credit as a rating factor (as we discuss in our related article), but they are hard to find.

Is car insurance a hard or soft pull?

When you request a car insurance quote, the insurance provider typically performs a soft credit inquiry. This type of inquiry does not have a negative impact on your credit score, and it is only visible to you and the insurance company.

Does your credit get pulled for insurance?

Most U.S. insurance companies use credit-based insurance scores along with your driving history, claims history and many other factors to establish eligibility for payment plans and to help determine insurance rates. Again, except in California, Hawaii, and Massachusetts.

Which credit score do insurance companies use?

FICO estimates approximately 95% of auto insurers and 85% of homeowners' insurers use credit-based insurance scores in states where it is a legally allowed underwriting or risk classification factor. Insurers use credit-based insurance scores primarily in underwriting and rating of consumers.

Does Progressive do a hard credit check?

We do check credit bureau reports; however, we look at many other data points to make a final decision, and we regularly approve customers with less than perfect credit or very little credit history. Progressive Leasing obtains information from credit bureaus.

Why Do Insurance Companies Check Credit? | Insurance Credit Checks Explained

40 related questions found

Do insurance companies do a hard pull on credit?

There are companies that do not use credit as a rating factor (as we discuss in our related article), but they are hard to find. So, if you're worried about car insurance companies pulling your credit negatively impacting you, rest assured they only do a soft pull.

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.

Does bad credit affect car insurance?

Just like a ticket or an accident, a low credit score can drive up your car insurance rate.

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.

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 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 good credit score?

There are some differences around how the various data elements on a credit report factor into the score calculations. Although credit scoring models vary, generally, credit scores from 660 to 724 are considered good; 725 to 759 are considered very good; and 760 and up are considered excellent.

What is a soft credit check?

A soft credit check is an inquiry into your credit report, initiated either by you or a company. A soft inquiry can occur even if you didn't apply for credit. It is primarily used to screen for preapproval offers or for a background check. Credit scores are not impacted by soft credit checks.

What is a bad insurance score?

Insurance scores using the LexisNexis Risk Classifier range from 200 to 997. According to the company, a score of 770 or better is considered good and will get you favorable rates. A score of 500 or below is considered poor and could result in higher premiums or being turned down for coverage.

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.

Does Geico use credit scores for insurance?

According to a survey by Conning and Co., over 92% of all major insurers, including GEICO, use credit-based insurance scores to help determine insurance premiums in most states. In many cases, this information helps lower the cost of insurance.

Do insurance companies do a hard credit check?

Credit card companies and the like are doing hard pulls, which show up as inquiries- insurance is a soft hit so it doesn't show up and doesn't impact your score.

What are insurance companies not allowed to ask you?

If you're applying for health insurance, pregnancy status or plans to have children shouldn't come into the conversation. Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), pregnancy is considered a pre-existing condition, and insurers cannot deny coverage or charge higher premiums due to it.

Can insurance companies see your history?

An insurance company does not have the right to your medical information unless you grant their request. In some cases, however, the insurance company might attempt to access your medical records through a subpoena or a court order. This allows them to bypass the need for your written permission.

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.

What bills improve your credit score?

As with cell phone bills, cable and internet bills can help your score if you opt in to a service like Experian Boost that gives you credit for utility and other kinds of payments. Just be mindful that not all of your credit reports will be affected.

Does Progressive check credit?

An insurance score is a score calculated from information on your credit report. Credit information is very predictive of future accidents or insurance claims, which is why Progressive, and most insurers, uses this information to help develop more accurate rates.

Do insurance companies use FICO score?

The insurer will use the credit score along with other more traditional rating factors such as motor vehicle records and claims history.