Does your credit score affect insurance rates?

Asked by: Israel Collins  |  Last update: February 13, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (52 votes)

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 is a good credit score for insurance?

In general, a good credit score is 670 or above, with scores above 800 considered excellent. If your score is in this range, you're likely receiving lower insurance rates based on your credit. If your credit score is under 580, on the other hand, your credit could be significantly raising the cost of coverage.

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.

Do insurance companies look at 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.

Can bad credit stop you from getting car insurance?

Most auto insurance companies assess credit history as part of their algorithm for determining rates for drivers (in states where it is allowed). However, some companies offer what is called no-credit-check auto insurance. These insurance companies do not use your credit history to generate your auto insurance rate.

How to Get A PERFECT Credit Score For $0

35 related questions found

Will my car insurance go up if my credit score goes down?

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 is the best auto insurance for people with bad credit?

Geico has the cheapest average rates of the companies we reviewed for drivers with bad credit.

What affects car insurance rates?

Auto insurance premiums reach their low point in a driver's mid-50s before rising for older drivers aged 70-plus.
  • Driving and claims history. This rating factor is straightforward. ...
  • Credit score. ...
  • Location. ...
  • Other personal demographics. ...
  • Coverage levels and deductibles. ...
  • Vehicle type. ...
  • Annual mileage. ...
  • Ownership status.

Why does your credit score matter for insurance?

A credit-based insurance score allows insurers to quote the fairest, most appropriate rate for every customer. About half of our existing customers pay a lower premium based on their credit score.

What is a good credit score?

For a score with a range of 300 to 850, a credit score of 670 to 739 is considered good. Credit scores of 740 and above are very good while 800 and higher are excellent.

Does insurance go up with bad credit?

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 State Farm check credit for car insurance?

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 your credit score determine your insurance rates?

Note: Credit-based insurance scores can't be used to determine insurance rates in California, Hawaii, and Massachusetts.

Does it hurt your credit score to get car insurance quotes?

Since getting a quote won't affect your scores, regularly getting quotes might be a good way to find out if you could save money by switching insurance companies.

What is the credit limit for insurance?

Credit Limit” is the credit limit set by the insurer for every buyer with whom the policy holder trades. The level of the limit is set at the maximum amount in normal circumstances that can be owed by the buyer at any time.

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.

Can insurance companies see your credit score?

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.

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 paying car payments build credit?

Making regular, on-time payments on a car loan can positively impact credit scores.

How can I lower my car insurance rate?

If you're wondering how to get a lower car insurance rate, use these methods for lowering your premium:
  1. Qualify for insurance discounts. ...
  2. Increase your deductible. ...
  3. Reduce your coverage. ...
  4. Compare rates. ...
  5. Try usage-based insurance. ...
  6. Take a defensive driving course. ...
  7. Get a car that's cheaper to insure.

What are 3 factors that lower your cost for car insurance?

Here are some ways to save on car insurance1
  • Increase your deductible.
  • Check for discounts you qualify for.
  • Compare auto insurance quotes.
  • Maintain a good driving record.
  • Participate in a safe driving program.
  • Take a defensive driving course.
  • Explore payment options.
  • Improve your credit score.

How do I get around expensive insurance?

Nine ways to lower your auto insurance costs
  1. Shop around. ...
  2. Before you buy a car, compare insurance costs. ...
  3. Ask for higher deductibles. ...
  4. Reduce coverage on older cars. ...
  5. Buy your homeowners and auto coverage from the same insurer. ...
  6. Maintain a good credit record. ...
  7. Take advantage of low mileage discounts. ...
  8. Ask about group insurance.

Can my credit score lower my car insurance?

Bottom line. Your credit score is one of the most significant factors in your car insurance costs. Getting your credit score up, even marginally, could save you hundreds in auto insurance payments every year.

What credit score is used for car insurance?

What to know first. On average, drivers with poor credit pay 113 percent more for full coverage car insurance than those with excellent credit. California, Hawaii, Massachusetts and Michigan prohibit or limit the use of credit as a rating factor in determining auto insurance rates.

Can bad credit make car insurance go up?

Does credit score affect car insurance rates? Yes. A higher or lower credit score can have a big impact on your insurance rate. Poor credit increases full coverage rates by 86% compared to good credit.