Which Car Insurance Companies Do Not Use Credit Scores?
Which insurance companies don't use credit scores?
All major car insurance companies — including GEICO, Progressive and State Farm — do a credit check during the quoting process. In fact, credit is one of the major rating factors used by underwriters when determining car insurance rates. At present, only four states disallow the use of credit history in setting rates: California, Hawaii, Massachusetts and Michigan though other states are considering banning the practice.Â
The data-driven insurtech Root Insurance has recently vowed to phase out the use of credit when setting rates. Root plans to be the first car insurance company to do so, though the use of credit as a rating factor seems to be in place as of 2022.
Key Takeaways:
- All major car insurance companies check credit (where applicable)
- California, Hawaii, Massachusetts and Michigan outlaw the use of credit scores in pricing
- Usage-based telematics programs can be a good option for drivers with poor credit
- Getting a car insurance quote does not affect your credit score
Why do car insurance companies check credit?
Car insurance companies view your credit score as an informative rating factor. Historical data from the Federal Trade Commission shows drivers with poor credit file more claims than do drivers with excellent credit, and that these drivers' claims are more costly to an insurer.
Ultimately, the goal of underwriters is to minimize the risk to the insurer, which means that those seen as "high-risk" are often subject to higher premiums — or sometimes denied coverage entirely. Some companies place a higher emphasis on credit than others, meaning that quotes can vary widely from one insurer to another.
How does credit affect car insurance premiums?
Those with good credit often pay far less for insurance than do those with a poor credit history. The difference in average auto insurance rates between the lowest level of credit and the highest is upward of $1,500 per year.
Credit Tier | Avg. Annual Premium |
---|---|
Poor | $3,147 |
Fair | $2,071 |
Good | $1,760 |
Very Good | $1,627 |
Excellent | $1,506 |
Dynamic auto insurance data methodology
Methodology: The auto insurance rates displayed above and throughout this page are dynamic, meaning the data will refresh when the most recent information is made available. Rates are based on a sample driver profile — a 30-year-old single male driver with a Honda Accord and full coverage. This profile was adjusted based on common pricing factors used by major car insurance companies, like age, coverage level, driving record and others.
No credit auto insurance guide
Those with no credit history still have options for finding affordable car insurance. Consult our guide to the best car insurance companies for drivers with limited credit histories to find out more.
What are the best options for no-credit-check car insurance?
In some cases, your credit won't be used to determine your insurance premium. If you live in California, Hawaii, Massachusetts or Michigan your credit score isn't a rating factor. This is because these states' legislators feel that credit score evaluation may disadvantage low-income drivers. If you live in one of these states, you're in the clear.Â
Outside of these states, few options exist for car insurance without a credit check, though you should still be able to find good coverage at a reasonable price by shopping around or considering a usage-based telematics program.
Telematics car insuranceÂ
For drivers worried about credit checks, telematics and usage-based car insurance programs can be good options. These programs base your insurance rates primarily on your driving performance and frequency rather than demographics alone. Using an in-car device or a mobile app, a telematics device monitors your driving behaviors to create your premium.
In theory, usage-based insurance is great for safe drivers who might be paying more for car insurance because of non-driving-related factors — for instance, poor or low credit. While telematics programs are relatively new in the insurance industry, most popular companies have their own programs in addition to their standard pricing model.
Telematics can monitor the following:
- Harsh braking
- Rapid accelerationÂ
- Mileage
- Time of day drivenÂ
- Mobile device usage while driving
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Zebra tip: shop around for quotes
Getting quotes from many different companies is a good way to find better prices. All companies weigh credit and other factors differently, meaning that you could find better rates simply by shopping around and comparing multiple quotes. Better still, getting quotes has no impact on your credit.
How does credit score impact insurance: a state-by-state analysis
Depending on your state, a poor credit score can impact you differently while shopping for auto insurance. As mentioned above, California, Hawaii, Massachusetts and Michigan currently ban insurers from using credit.Â
While not outright banning the process, the states of Texas and Colorado have limits on how insurers can use these scores, or at least require the justification of their use from insurers according to Bloomberg.Â
Find your state below and follow the link for more state-specific information.
Find affordable rates today!
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About The Zebra
The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.
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