Does State Farm check credit for car insurance?

Asked by: Bennie Hirthe  |  Last update: September 5, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (40 votes)

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 State Farm use credit scores for car insurance?

Yes, State Farm does use your credit score as a factor when determining your car insurance rates, as do most major insurers. However, credit checks by auto insurers do not harm your credit score and are only done in states where it is legal for your credit score to affect your rates.

Do they check credit for car insurance?

Auto insurance companies might check your credit and use a credit-based insurance score when reviewing your application for a new policy or renewal. In most states, your credit-based insurance scores can affect your eligibility and premiums.

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.

What is considered bad credit for car insurance?

What credit score is considered “bad” for car insurance purposes? Companies might categorize credit scores differently, but FICO considers scores “poor” if they're under 580.

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Can I get a car with a 480 credit score?

Yes, it's possible to finance a vehicle purchase with a 500 credit score or even below that. Keep in mind, though, that you can generally expect limited options, as well as high interest rates and fees. If possible, try to improve your credit before applying.

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.

Can bad credit make car insurance go up?

Depending on the laws about insurance in their state, drivers with Very Poor credit scores can see rate increases anywhere between 56% and 207%. Drivers can lower their insurance rate by an average of 17% (or $384) by improving their credit score by just one tier.

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 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.

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.

How many claims before State Farm drops you?

Insurers, like State Farm or GEICO, do not have a fixed number of claims that automatically lead to policy cancellation. This is more likely to happen if you have three or more claims, a record of DUI, at-fault car accidents with high bodily injury and property damage costs and other traffic violations.

How does State Farm rank for car insurance?

State Farm is the largest auto insurance company in the U.S. based on written premium, or the total amount it bills customers. Progressive is the second-largest car insurance company, followed by Geico and Allstate.

Can you use credit card for State Farm insurance?

Many large insurers let you use a card for your auto insurance premiums. Progressive, Geico and State Farm all allow payment by credit card and were also some of our top picks for car insurance this year, due to their savings options, availability, and coverage.

Do car insurances look at credit scores?

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.

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.

Do insurance companies do a hard credit check?

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.

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.

Why would I get declined for car insurance?

There are some common reasons for an insurer to deny car insurance, such as: Fraud, such as someone who puts false information on an application or submits a fraudulent accident claim. Arrest for a driving under the influence. New driver applying for insurance on his/her own.

What is the lowest credit score to buy a car?

According to Car and Driver, “Most used auto loans go to borrowers with minimum credit scores of at least 675. For new auto loans, most borrowers have scores of around 730. The minimum credit score needed for a new car may be around 600, but those with excellent credit often get lower rates and lower monthly payments.”

How long does it take to fix a 480 credit score?

The severity of your credit score and the reasons for its decline will impact how long it will take to fix a bad credit score. It could be a few months if you only need to fix a few minor things or pay off some debts, but it could also take as long as six years if you've accumulated a larger amount of debt.

What is the lowest credit score to buy a house?

While credit score requirements vary based on loan type, lenders generally require a credit score of at least 620 to buy a house with a conventional mortgage.