Do insurance companies need your social security number?

Asked by: Michale Hagenes  |  Last update: December 22, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (26 votes)

There is no law prohibiting insurers from requesting a social security number. An insurer has the right to ask for a social security number where the information is reasonably related to underwriting. One such purpose is to obtain a credit report of an insured.

Why do insurance companies need my Social Security number?

Life insurance companies will use your SSN to pull reports that help ensure the underwriting process is accurate and fair. Some reasons why a life insurance company will ask for your SSN are: To confirm your identity: Using personal information like a SSN can help the carrier make sure you are who you claim to be.

Can I refuse to give my Social Security number?

Anyone can refuse to disclose his or her number, but the requester can refuse its services if you do not give it.

Is it safe to give SSN to an insurance agent?

As a general rule, don't give your SSN (or any other private information) to someone who cold calls you. Before working with an agent or broker, you should confirm that they are licensed by the insurance department in your state, and certified to work with the exchange.

Do companies ask for your Social Security number?

Employers often request Social Security numbers for background or credit checks, but they are advised to do so only when absolutely necessary, and some states require additional privacy safeguards.

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Is it OK to give out your Social Security number?

Each time an individual divulges his or her SSN, the potential for a thief to illegitimately gain access to bank accounts, credit cards, driving records, tax and employment histories and other private information increases.

Who actually needs my social security number?

Education institutions for records and financial assistance. State licensing agencies i.e. professional, occupational, and recreational agencies. Any business that is required to report to the IRS such as banks, investment advisors, real estate purchases, and transactions above $10,000.

Do you need SSN for insurance?

Car insurance companies request potential customers' social security numbers because it is the easiest way to access vital information about the insured. Insurers use a driver's SSN to gather information such as their driving record, age, and marital status, each of which are important contributors to rates.

Is it illegal to let someone use your Social Security number?

Mere possession of that information is innocuous, but possessing it for the purposes of committing a fraud, or identity theft, etc is illegal.

Do you need to give SSN for car insurance?

The good news is, you don't necessarily need your SSN to get car insurance. Some insurers require you to provide your SSN to get quotes or coverage, but many don't.

Why should you be careful about not giving your Social Security number out?

You should be careful about sharing your number. The following information is from the Social Security Administration and the Federal Trade Commission. A dishonest person who has your Social Security number can steal your identity and apply for loans or credit cards in your name.

Am I required to give my Social Security number to my doctor?

Yes, you can refuse unless you're legally required to provide your Social Security number (SSN). However, there's also no law preventing businesses from asking for it or refusing you service if you don't provide it.

Do internet companies need your Social Security number?

It is normal for companies that provide internet, cable or phone service to ask for a prospective customer's Social Security number so they can run a credit check. They are, in a way, extending credit to you, in the form of service that you haven't yet paid for. What's your track record of paying your bills?

Do homeowners insurance companies need Social Security numbers?

To get a homeowners insurance quote, you'll typically be asked to provide identifying information such as your birth date and Social Security number, as well as the address of the home you want to insure.

Why an insurance company needs your personal information to give you a quote?

Insurers use Social Security numbers to confirm your identity and pull information from your credit report that helps them generate a more accurate quote.

Do you need to give your Social Security number for life insurance?

Many carriers require a Social Security Number for a number of important reasons. An insurance company doesn't have a legal requirement to insure everyone who applies, so it is within their right to deny coverage to someone without a Social Security Number.

Can someone access your bank account with your Social Security number?

An identity thief can use your SSN together with your PII to open new bank accounts or access existing ones, take out credit cards, and apply for loans all in your name.

Who can ask for a Social Security number?

Who has the right to request your SSN? Federal law mandates that state Departments of Motor Vehicles, tax authorities, welfare offices, and other governmental agencies request your SS number as proof that you are who you claim to be.

Is it bad if someone has your Social Security number?

Scammers use your Social Security number (SSN) to get other personal information about you. They can use your SSN and your good credit to apply for more credit in your name. Then, when they use the credit cards and don't pay the bills, it damages your credit.

Can an insurance company ask for a social security number?

There is no law prohibiting insurers from requesting a social security number. An insurer has the right to ask for a social security number where the information is reasonably related to underwriting. One such purpose is to obtain a credit report of an insured. 3.

Can I add someone without a social security number to my insurance?

If your family member doesn't have a social security number, they can still be included in your plan if they have lawful immigration status. If you or a family member don't provide an SSN on your application, you'll need to provide appropriate documentation within 90 days.

How to get insurance with no social security number?

You may be able to use your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of an SSN. Most insurance plans are focused more on your current residence than your SSN. You just need to submit proof that you live in the state. Determine your eligibility.

Is it normal to have to give your social security number?

You'll need to share it if you have an investment adviser or are engaging in a cash transaction of $10,000 or more -- like buying a car or house. Government agencies that provide benefits can also request your number, including the US Department of Labor and state agencies that administer Medicaid.

Is it safe to give Wise my social security number?

It's a completely secure, one-time only verification process that we have to do as part of how we're regulated in the US. We don't run a credit check or share your number.

Why do companies ask for your social security number?

Why do employers need my social security number? If an employer decides to extend you an offer, they will eventually need your social security number to verify your identity and work authorization and perhaps to complete a background check. However, they don't need it in the initial hiring phase.