Credit scores can impact many areas of your life. Your credit score can make certain processes more or less difficult, such as buying a house, opening a credit line, or getting a loan for a car. You may be surprised to learn that your credit score can also impact how much you pay for car insurance.
Partly, insurance premiums are determined by perceived risk. Higher credit scores are viewed by insurance companies as more likely to pay late or file a claim . The insurance premium will be lower if your credit score is higher than your credit score. You may feel more confident about your insurance decisions if you understand how insurance companies assess your credit score.
What are the factors that affect my car insurance rates
Auto insurance companies use a variety of rating factors to determine eligibility and your premiums. Although these factors are common for most companies, every company will weigh each factor differently. If you have had any auto accidents in the past, certain companies might charge more.
These are the key factors most insurance companies consider when rating policies:
- Age
- Gender
- Address
- Year, make and year of vehicle
- Use of vehicles and their mileage
- Citation history
- Accident history
- Information about previous insurance policies
- Information about credit
An auto policy helps you to manage your financial responsibilities after an accident. Rates are determined by the likelihood of you filing a claim. Insurance companies cover some expenses resulting from car crashes.
Rating factors are used by insurance companies to determine how likely it is that you will file a claim. Each insurance company has a different set rate and views these rating factors in a different way. Comparing insurance companies is a great way to find the right policy for you.
How does your credit score impact car insurance rates
Your credit score can have a significant impact on your auto insurance rates. However, only certain details are taken into account. An insurance company uses a credit based insurance score. Insurance companies are not concerned about how much you make, but how you manage your money. Credit-based insurance scores do not include personal information like age, gender, or address. Insurance companies instead look at the following:
- Outstanding debt: This refers to the total amount of debt that you have.
- Credit history length: This indicates how long you’ve had credit available.
- Credit mix: This is a combination of different credit lines, such as auto loans or credit cards.
- Your payment history: This is how you’ve paid your debts over the years.
- The pursuit of new credit: This is a recent attempt to open up new credit lines.
These factors together help insurance companies evaluate their insureds. Studies show a correlation between claims filed and credit-based insurance scores. Statistics show that the higher your credit score, you are more likely to file an insurance claim. Insurance companies will charge you more for a lower credit score because they perceive this as an increased risk.
What state-specific factors impact insurance premiums
Every state has its own laws regarding auto insurance. This includes geographic factors such as the likelihood of an accident in a particular area or the possibility of a vehicle being stolen. The average insurance premium varies from one state.
Below is a table that shows the average premium for full coverage in different states and Washington, D.C., organized by credit tier. California, Hawaii, and Massachusetts may not be shown as they prohibit credit from being used as an insurance rating factor for car insurance.
What can I do for my credit score to increase?
Your credit score is an important aspect of your financial health. High credit scores can help you get loans approved, qualify for lower interest rates, or have a greater credit limit. There are many ways to improve your credit score. It may take some time but improving your credit score could help you lower your car insurance premiums.
You must pay your bills on time
Insurance companies will look at your payment history. Companies may look at your payment history to determine if you have a history with late payments. Your credit score could be improved by paying your bills on time.
Reduce hard credit inquiries to a minimum
When you apply for credit, the company that you are applying to will pull your credit reports. A high number of inquiries can lead to a decrease in your credit score. You might want to wait to apply for a loan, or line of credit, if you’re trying to improve your credit score.
Keep an eye on your progress regularly
It can be very beneficial to monitor your credit score in many ways. Knowing your credit score will help you take the steps necessary to improve it. You can also review your credit reports regularly to spot inaccuracies and fraudulent activity. You can dispute any suspicious information if you notice it.
Questions frequently asked
What can I do to monitor my credit score
Each of the major credit bureaus, Experian TransUnion, Equifax, will provide a free copy to you of your credit report once a year. You can also use other apps or services to monitor your credit more frequently.
What can I do to improve my credit score for insurance?
Your credit score is not the same thing as your credit score. However, improving your credit score can help you get insurance. Your credit score and credit-based insurance score can be improved by paying your bills on time, avoiding difficult inquiries, and potentially lower premiums.