Do you need good credit for car insurance?

Asked by: Sam Luettgen  |  Last update: July 6, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (61 votes)

If you don't have a credit history, you might see higher car insurance rates, as insurers typically view this as a risk. However, some states (such as CA, HI, MA, or MI) don't allow credit scores to determine insurance rates.

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.

Can you get car insurance without good credit?

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.

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.

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.

How your credit score can impact car insurance rates

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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.

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.

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 paying car insurance build credit?

The short answer is no. There is no direct affect between car insurance and your credit, paying your insurance bill late or not at all could lead to debt collection reports. Debt collection reports do appear on your credit report (often for 7-10 years) and can be read by future lenders.

Do insurance companies check your credit?

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.

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.

Why do you need good credit for car insurance?

Drivers with better credit tend to pay lower rates, so improving your credit could lower your premium. However, your premium will only be impacted if you live in a state that allows credit to be used as a rating factor and if you are with a company that uses credit-based insurance scores.

Is it better to buy car insurance online or with an agent?

Buying insurance online can often result in lower customer costs due to the elimination of commission fees for the insurance agent. However, buying insurance through an agent can offer a more personalized experience and in-depth policy analysis, leading to finding the most cost-effective coverage options.

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 applying for car insurance hurt credit?

Before we dive into the specifics, let's define what a soft credit inquiry is. When you ask for a car insurance quote, the insurance company will usually perform a soft credit inquiry. A soft inquiry does not affect your credit score and is only visible to you and the company that performed it.

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 Geico check 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 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.

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.

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.

Why is my credit score going down when I pay on time?

Maintaining a good credit score is crucial for various financial needs. Your credit score can drop despite paying on time due to factors like high utilisation ratio, reduction in available credit limit, incorrect information in your credit report, or opening multiple new accounts.

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.

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.

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.