What does my credit rating have to do with purchasing insurance?
Credit scores are based on an analysis of an individual’s credit history. Insurers often generate a numerical ranking based on a person’s credit history, known as an “insurance score,” when underwriting and setting the rates for insurance policies. Actuarial studies show that how a person manages his or her financial affairs, which is what an insurance score indicates, is a good predictor of insurance claims. Insurance scores are used to help insurers differentiate between lower and higher insurance risks and thus charge a premium equal to the risk they are assuming. Statistically, people who have a poor insurance score are more likely to file a claim.
What is the difference between my credit score and my credit history?
Your credit history is all the information—such as credit accounts, balances due and details of your payment history—contained in your credit report. This information is collected and updated regularly by the three reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion). Your credit report also contains information about bankruptcies, overdue debt from collection agencies, foreclosures, liens and judgments. Whenever you apply for a loan or a line of credit, you authorize your lender to ask for a copy of your credit report. This is how inquiries appear on your credit report. Your credit score is a numerical calculation based on the information in your credit report. Your credit score, also known as your FICO score, is used by lenders to determine your credit worthiness. Your score will go up or down based on your payment history, account balances, new inquiries and a number of other factors. For more information visit MyFICO.com.
Taken from iii.org
