Save Money On Your Car Insurance By Increasing Your Credit Score
Who doesn't want to save money on car insurance? And while you might think the best way to do it is hopping between car insurance companies who are competing for your business, there's a little more to it than that.
Surprisingly, your credit score actually plays a big role in your car insurance premiums, and many times an insurance company who is offering you a lower rate is doing it because your credit score has gone up since you signed up for your current car insurance policy. Here's how to bump your credit score to help push you to the best car insurance rates.
First, Understand Why Your Credit Score Matters
Insurance companies are all about predicting risk. They need to make sure that the premiums they take in are enough to both pay out any claims and to keep the lights in their office on.
One of the things that insurance companies have found is that people with lower credit scores are more likely to file car insurance claims. Why? On average, someone with a higher credit score is in a better financial position with money in the bank and available credit limits.
For those smaller claims that are less than or barely more than their deductible, high credit score individuals are more likely to simply pay out of pocket without involving the insurance company. Those in worse financial positions won't be able to afford the needed repairs without filing an insurance claim.
Second, Understand That Your Credit Score Isn't Always Accurate
While credit scores are good predictors about the average behaviors of a large number of consumers, they aren't always accurate for each individual. Your credit score might be lower not because of any financial difficulty but because of how you use your credit.
For example, you might have an old credit card with only a $1,000 limit. Maybe you use it for most of your daily expenses and frequently have a balance of $800-900 each month that you immediately pay in full. Even though you pay in full, your credit score is calculated based on the statement balance, and your score will go down for having a card using nearly its entire limit.
Three Steps to Take to Improve Your Credit Score and Reduce Your Premiums
- Keep all credit card balances at 30% of the limit or less at all times by reducing your spending on the card, paying early, or requesting an increased limit.
- Don't apply for new credit cards right before you purchase car insurance -- new credit lowers your score.
- Let your credit score age -- it gets better over time as long as you avoid bad habits -- and request a new insurance quote every time it increases 25 to 50 points.
For more information, contact Greg Thomas Insurance Agency Inc. or a similar company.
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