What Are Credit-Based Insurance Scores?

Credit-based insurance scores are specialized three-digit numbers — typically ranging from 200 to 997 — that insurance companies calculate from your credit report to predict the likelihood you'll file a claim. Unlike traditional FICO credit scores used by lenders, these scores are specifically designed for risk assessment in the insurance industry.

How Insurance Scores Differ from Credit Scores

While both types of scores draw from your credit report, they weight factors differently. The FICO insurance score model breaks down as follows:

• Payment history (40%): Your track record of paying bills on time
• Outstanding debt (30%): Total amount of debt you currently carry
• Length of credit history (15%): How long you've maintained active credit accounts
• New credit inquiries (10%): Recent applications for new credit
• Credit mix (5%): Variety of credit types like cards, mortgages, and loans

Each insurance company generates its own proprietary score, so your rating can vary between insurers. By law, these scores cannot include race, gender, age, income, nationality, religion, disability, or marital status.

Factors That Lower Your Insurance Score

Several behaviors can negatively impact your credit-based insurance score:

• Missing or late payments on credit accounts
• Carrying high balances relative to your credit limits
• Having limited or short credit history
• Filing for bankruptcy or having accounts in collections
• Applying for multiple new credit accounts in a short period

Understanding these factors helps you identify areas for improvement that can lead to lower insurance premiums. If you're comparing car insurance quotes, your credit-based score will be one of the key factors determining what rates you receive.

Why Insurance Companies Use Credit Information

Insurance companies rely on credit-based scores because extensive research demonstrates a strong correlation between credit behavior and insurance claims. This practice has been validated through multiple independent studies and regulatory reviews.

The Statistical Connection

A Federal Trade Commission study confirmed that credit scores are accurate predictors of insurance claims. Research shows drivers with the worst insurance scores are significantly more likely to file claims — and larger ones — compared to those with the best scores. This pattern holds true across both auto and homeowners insurance, giving insurers confidence in the predictive power of these scores.

Industry Perspective

Insurers argue that credit-based scoring allows them to:

• More accurately assess individual risk levels
• Price policies fairly based on statistical data
• Prevent lower-risk customers from subsidizing higher-risk drivers
• Maintain competitive rates by identifying good risks

As of May 2026, proposals to restrict credit-based scoring remain active in several states, including Missouri, Oklahoma, New York, Illinois, and West Virginia — though no new federal ban has been enacted. Illinois SB 1486 passed the House in March 2026, and a reintroduced federal bill is also under consideration. The industry trade association notes that 47 states still permit some form of credit-based scoring. Understanding how insurers view credit risk can help you make strategic decisions when shopping for car insurance.

How Much Credit Affects Your Car Insurance Rates

The impact of your credit score on insurance premiums can be substantial, often resulting in rate differences of over 100% between credit tiers. This makes credit one of the most significant factors in determining what you'll pay for coverage.

Average Premium Differences by Credit Tier

According to 2026 data based on analysis of over 61 million car insurance rates, drivers with poor credit pay approximately 109% more for full coverage car insurance than those with exceptional credit — an extra $1,421 per year. Poor-credit drivers (below 580) pay around $2,729 per year, while those with exceptional credit (800+) pay approximately $1,308 per year. Learn more about what affects car insurance rates beyond just credit.

Source: The Zebra, 2026 national averages for full coverage (61M+ rates analyzed)

Drivers who improve their credit by just one tier save an average of $355 per year (17%). Moving from poor to fair credit alone can save approximately $489 annually — making credit improvement one of the most powerful financial moves a driver can make. Check the 2026 car insurance rate trends to understand how the broader market is shifting.

Credit as One of Many Rating Factors

While credit significantly impacts rates, it's just one of several factors insurers consider. Your final premium also depends on:

• Driving record and accident history
• Claims history
• Age and years of driving experience
• Location and ZIP code
• Vehicle make, model, and year
• Annual mileage
• Coverage levels and deductibles

Different insurers weight these factors differently — some emphasize credit more heavily, while others focus more on driving record or vehicle type. This variation is exactly why comparing quotes from multiple companies is so important. You can also explore best cheap car insurance options to find the most competitive rates regardless of your credit situation.

States That Ban or Restrict Credit-Based Insurance Scoring

Not all states permit insurers to use credit information when setting rates. As of May 2026, four states have completely banned the practice, while three others have placed meaningful restrictions on its use.

States with Complete Bans

California: Insurers cannot use credit scores for underwriting, rating, or setting premiums on auto policies. This prohibition stems from Proposition 103 and has been in place for decades, making California one of the most consumer-friendly states for drivers with poor credit.

Hawaii: Auto insurers are banned from using credit in underwriting standards, rating plans, or premium calculations.

Massachusetts: Law forbids use of credit information for setting rates, underwriting new policies, or renewing auto coverage. This protection extends to all drivers regardless of their credit situation.

Michigan: Insurers cannot use credit to deny, cancel, refuse renewal, or determine rates for auto policies. Michigan's ban, stemming from 2020 no-fault reform legislation, provides comprehensive protection for consumers.

States with Partial Restrictions

Maryland: Insurers can consider credit for initial new policy rates but cannot use it to deny applications, cancel policies, refuse renewals, or increase renewal premiums.

Oregon: Insurers cannot cancel or refuse renewal based on credit but can consider limited credit information for initial underwriting and rating.

Utah: Credit can be used for initial underwriting (not as the sole factor) and only to offer discounts, not surcharges. This approach rewards good credit without penalizing poor credit.

Proposals to expand restrictions are actively advancing in additional states — including Illinois (SB 1486, passed the House in March 2026), New York (AB A10524), Missouri, Oklahoma, and West Virginia — along with a reintroduced federal bill, though none have been enacted into law as of May 2026.

How to Improve Your Credit-Based Insurance Score

Improving your credit-based insurance score takes time but can lead to significant savings on your car insurance premiums. The strategies below focus on the factors that matter most to insurance scoring models.

Priority Actions for Score Improvement

Pay All Bills on Time

Payment history accounts for 40% of your insurance score — the single most important factor. Set up automatic payments or reminders to ensure you never miss due dates on credit cards, loans, utilities, and other bills. Even one late payment can stay on your report for up to seven years and drop your score by 50–100 points.

Reduce Outstanding Debt

Work to pay down balances, especially on credit cards. Aim to keep your credit utilization below 30% of your available credit limits — ideally under 10%. Prioritize high-interest debt first, but make minimum payments on all accounts to maintain positive payment history.

Maintain Established Credit Accounts

Length of credit history matters. Keep older accounts open and active rather than closing them, as this demonstrates financial stability. Even if you don't use a card regularly, charging a small purchase monthly and paying it off keeps the account contributing positively to your credit history.

Limit New Credit Applications

Each hard inquiry can temporarily lower your score by a few points. Apply for new credit only when necessary and avoid multiple applications in a short timeframe. If you're rate shopping for loans, do it within a 14–45 day window when multiple inquiries are typically counted as one.

Monitor and Dispute Errors

Check your credit reports annually from all three bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) at AnnualCreditReport.com — reports are now available weekly for free. Dispute any inaccuracies such as accounts that don't belong to you, incorrect payment statuses, or outdated information.

Important 2025–2026 credit update: The three major credit bureaus voluntarily removed paid medical collections and unpaid medical collections under $500 from credit reports starting in 2023 — these changes remain in effect. However, the CFPB's broader rule to ban all medical debt from credit reports was finalized in January 2025 but vacated by a federal court in July 2025. As a result, unpaid medical debt over $500 can still appear on your report and impact your credit-based insurance score. Fifteen states have enacted their own medical debt protections — verify your state's rules and check your report to ensure voluntary removals have been applied correctly.

Credit-Building Tools

Consider these options to establish or rebuild credit:

• Credit-builder loans: 6–24 month products specifically designed to build credit history
• Secured credit cards: Require a deposit but report to credit bureaus just like traditional cards
• Authorized user status: Being added to a family member's account in good standing
• Experian Boost: Tool that adds rent and utility payments to your Experian credit file
• Rent reporting services: Services that report monthly rent payments to credit bureaus

These tools work best when combined with consistent, positive financial habits. Understanding how car insurance premiums are calculated can help you see the full picture of where credit fits in.

Getting Affordable Car Insurance with Poor Credit

Even with poor credit, several strategies can help you secure more affordable coverage. The key is combining multiple approaches to offset the higher rates your credit score might trigger.

Shop Multiple Insurers

Since each company calculates insurance scores differently, rates can vary dramatically between carriers. Based on the latest 2026 data, the most affordable options for poor-credit drivers nationally include Travelers, GEICO, Nationwide, and Progressive — with regional carriers like COUNTRY Financial, USAA, and Erie offering competitive rates where available. Always compare quotes from at least 5–7 companies. Drivers with high-risk profiles should also review high-risk car insurance options for specialized coverage.

Source: Bankrate / LendingTree / Insurify 2026 national estimates for poor-credit drivers

Maximize Discounts to Offset Higher Rates

Use every available discount to counteract credit-related surcharges:

• Bundle auto and home/renters insurance (typically 10–25% savings)
• Take a defensive driving course (5–10% discount)
• Install anti-theft devices (2–5% discount)
• Opt for paperless billing and auto-pay (2–5% discount)
• Maintain continuous coverage without lapses
• Drive fewer miles annually (low-mileage discount)
• Stay on a parent's insurance policy if you're a young adult

These discounts can stack, potentially reducing your premium by 30–40% or more. See how car insurance myths around discounts can cost you money.

Consider Usage-Based Insurance

Some insurers offer telematics programs that track your driving habits through a mobile app or device. Good driving behavior — such as avoiding hard braking, limiting nighttime driving, and maintaining steady speeds — can earn discounts of 10–40% regardless of your credit score. Root Insurance bases rates almost entirely on driving behavior, making it one of the strongest options for poor-credit drivers in the 34 states where it operates.

Popular usage-based programs include:

Learn more about how premiums are calculated and how telematics data is factored into your rate.

Request Credit-Based Re-Rating

If your credit has improved since you first obtained coverage, contact your insurer and ask about a re-rating. Some companies will review your updated credit information mid-term or at renewal and adjust premiums accordingly. If you've improved your score by 50+ points, this single call could save you hundreds of dollars.

Explore Non-Standard Insurer Options

For drivers who have difficulty securing standard coverage, carriers specializing in high-risk auto insurance may offer competitive options. These carriers often place less emphasis on credit than mainstream companies — though premiums may still run 50–200% above standard rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it legal for insurance companies to check my credit?

Yes, it is legal in most states for insurers to check your credit and use credit-based insurance scores when determining rates. Federal law allows insurers to access your credit information for underwriting purposes under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. However, California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, and Michigan prohibit this practice entirely for auto insurance, while Maryland, Oregon, and Utah have specific restrictions. Insurance companies typically conduct soft inquiries when providing quotes, which do not affect your credit score.

How long does it take for credit improvements to lower my insurance rates?

Credit improvements typically affect your insurance rates at your next policy renewal, which usually occurs every 6 or 12 months. Positive changes may appear on your credit report within 1–2 months of making improvements, but insurers generally review credit only at renewal. If you've made significant progress — such as paying down debt or resolving collections — contact your insurer directly to request a re-rating rather than waiting for automatic renewal. The sooner you start improving, the sooner you'll see savings.

Can I get car insurance without a credit check?

While most major insurers use credit-based scores in states where it's permitted, you do have options. If you live in California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, or Michigan, insurers are legally prohibited from checking your credit for auto insurance. In other states, usage-based insurance programs — like Root Insurance, which weights rates heavily on driving behavior — offer an alternative path to affordable rates for poor-credit drivers. Additionally, some regional or non-standard insurers may weigh credit less heavily, so using the best auto insurance companies guide to compare at least 5–7 companies is the best way to find these options.

Will shopping for car insurance quotes hurt my credit score?

No, getting car insurance quotes will not hurt your credit score. When insurers check your credit to provide a quote, they perform a "soft inquiry" or "soft pull," which does not affect your score at all. This differs from "hard inquiries" that occur when you apply for loans or credit cards, which can temporarily lower your score. You can request as many insurance quotes as you need without any negative impact, making it all the more important to shop around for the best rate.

Does paying my car insurance bill on time help my credit score?

Unfortunately, paying your car insurance premiums on time does not typically improve your credit score, as most insurance companies do not report payment information to credit bureaus. However, failing to pay can hurt your credit if your account goes to collections or unpaid balances are reported as debt. To build credit that leads to better insurance rates, focus on paying credit cards, loans, and mortgages on time, as these have the greatest impact on your credit-based insurance score. You can also explore tools like Experian Boost, which adds utility and rent payments to your credit file.