Good scores always come with their own bag of perks. Credit scores also work the same way. They are an important non-driving factor in determining your car insurance rates. Many car insurance companies use a credit-based auto insurance score to decide whether or not to accept you as a policyholder and, if they do, what rate you'll pay. While credit is only one of several factors that affect your rate, it can help you save money.
Credit scores have an equal impact on your insurance rates as the other driving and non-driving factors that govern it. Companies use your credit score to evaluate whether or not to accept you as a policyholder and what premium you'll pay if they do.
What one can look for is customizable policies, customer service, and affordable rates. Based on the average annual premium rates, here is a list of the best insurance companies that provide the best rates for drivers with good credit.
Insurance Company | Minimum Coverage | Full Coverage |
---|---|---|
USAA | $390 | $1231 |
Amica | $411 | $1384 |
Auto Owners | $388 | $1357 |
Erie | $415 | $1239 |
Credit scores are one of the non-driving factors that determine insurance rates. Research has indicated that credit-based insurance scores can predict the likelihood of an accident. Also, those with a good credit score are less likely to file a claim. An independent study by the Federal Trade Commission revealed that credit-based scores are effective risk predictors.
Hence, companies count on credit scores to determine the respective policy rates.
Though most companies use credit scores to determine the risk as an insurance payer, there are companies that do not consider the same for your auto insurance rates. Similarly, states like Michigan, California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, and Washington (temporarily) do not use credit scores to determine insurance rates.
There are few insurance companies that do not consider credit scores for your insurance.
There are companies that offer usage-based and telematics insurance, not taking credit scores to determine insurance premiums. Roots Insurance, MetroMile, SmartMiles from Nationwide, and Milewise from Allstate, provide usage-based insurance. The telematics-based insurance schemes are Progressive Snapshot, Lemonade Car Insurance, Farmers Signal, and State Farm Drive and Safe.
An excellent credit score will make your policy cheaper and more affordable. Those with a poor credit score pay an average of $1600 more than those with a good credit score.
Also known as the FICO score, a credit score is drawn from the data contained in your credit report. This information is used by insurance companies and lenders to determine your likelihood of timely loan repayment, impacting your interest rates.
FICO Score | Status |
---|---|
300-579 | Poor |
580-669 | Fair |
670-739 | Good |
740-799 | Very Good |
800-850 | Excellent |
The difference in the average annual premium rates for full coverage for the various credit tabs is given below.
Excellent Credit | Good Credit | Average Credit | Poor Credit |
---|---|---|---|
$1493 | $1680 | $1871 | $3789 |
State | Average Car Insurance with Excellent Credit | Average Car Insurance with Poor Credit |
---|---|---|
Alabama | $1680 | $3296 |
Alaska | $1279 | $2249 |
Arizona | $1563 | $3785 |
Arkansas | $1673 | $3683 |
Colorado | $1724 | $3493 |
Connecticut | $2007 | $4876 |
Delaware | $2103 | $4259 |
Florida | $2597 | $5410 |
Georgia | $2104 | $3381 |
Idaho | $1303 | $2509 |
Illinois | $1417 | $2960 |
Indiana | $1238 | $2330 |
Iowa | $1175 | $2293 |
Kansas | $1693 | $3175 |
Kentucky | $2050 | $4788 |
Louisiana | $2763 | $5873 |
Maine | $1312 | $3380 |
Maryland | $2064 | $3708 |
Minnesota | $1583 | $3733 |
Mississippi | $1622 | $3211 |
Missouri | $1601 | $3702 |
Montana | $1824 | $3354 |
Nebraska | $1690 | $3306 |
Nevada | $2157 | $3594 |
New Hampshire | $1261 | $3521 |
New Jersey | $2209 | $5241 |
New Mexico | $1455 | $2592 |
New York | $2138 | $5691 |
North Carolina | $1292 | $1910 |
North Dakota | $1626 | $3627 |
Ohio | $1037 | $2110 |
Oklahoma | $2034 | $3503 |
Oregon | $1530 | $2768 |
Pennsylvania | $1625 | $3368 |
Rhode Island | $1917 | $4220 |
South Carolina | $1841 | $3595 |
South Dakota | $1,057 | $3,998 |
Tennessee | $1,686 | $4,448 |
Texas | $2006 | $3576 |
Utah | $1569 | $3239 |
Vermont | $1221 | $3034 |
Virginia | $1418 | $3034 |
Washington, D.C. | $2077 | $4015 |
West Virginia | $1576 | $3394 |
Wisconsin | $1248 | $2811 |
Wyoming | $1558 | $3263 |
Though you might be paying less, there are hacks to save on your car insurance.
Regardless of your credit score, the insurance companies can take into consideration a number of factors that determines your eligibility and premium.
The auto insurance rates published in this guide are based on the results of research completed by Way.com’s data team. Using a mix of public and internal data, we analyzed millions of rate averages across U.S. ZIP codes.
Quotes are typically based on a full coverage policy average unless otherwise noted within the content.
These rates were publicly sourced from insurer filings and should be used for comparative purposes only — your own quotes will differ. Given this, it’s important to go through our insurance steps form to find how much you can save with way.com
Credit scores are one of the major non-driving factors that determine the premium rates. While a good credit score can reduce your premium rates, a poor credit score can categorize you as a high-risk driver, increasing your premium rates.
A credit score that lies between 670-850 (good-excellent) is considered to have an effect on decreasing your car insurance rates.
No, it has no impact on your credit score. Auto insurers check your credit using a soft pull, which does not reveal your complete credit history and has no effect on your credit score.
A high amount of debt, due payments, short credit history, accounts in collection, and high number of credit inquiries can decrease your credit score.
Access your digital insurance card through the app. You no longer need to carry your physical insurance card with you.
Receive reminders before your renewal. Way.com will also send new quotes from up to 45 insurance companies with your renewal reminder.
Keep everyone on your policy up to date by sharing your insurance information.
Make changes to your policy right from the app (coming soon) and ask for expert advice.