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New data reveals that drivers with poor credit pay almost 85% more for car insurance nationwide

Written by Katie Dee

Edited by Alyssa DiCrasto

Published on 2023-11-11

Read time: 3 min

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According to new research by Rate Retriever, credit score is one of the biggest determining factors for car insurance rates in all states besides California, Hawaii, and Massachusetts, where credit-based rating practices have been banned.

The Auto Insurance Rates Quarterly Update found that drivers with poor credit scores have premiums that are 84% higher on average than those with good credit while those with excellent credit pay 17% less.

Why is credit score considered in car insurance?

In most states, your credit score is one of several factors that are assessed in order to determine your exact car insurance rate. Research has shown that poor credit may be an indicator of a driver’s likelihood to file a claim while those with better credit scores are less likely to be involved in a covered accident.

Car insurance companies will look at an individual’s credit score to try and gauge how much risk would be associated with covering them. Because of the assumption that those with poor credit bring more risk, those drivers will have higher car insurance rates.

Even if you have poor credit, it is still possible to save money on car insurance. Take our quiz to compare personalized rates and find savings in 30 seconds.

States where credit score has the largest impact on rates

Credit check papers

Since each state sets their own regulations for car insurance pricing, the impact that credit score will have varies depending on the state you live in. Currently, the state where credit scores have the most severe impact on car insurance rates is Michigan with a 158% price increase for drivers with poor credit. That is $3,511 more per year when compared to Michigan drivers with good credit.

On top of being the most expensive state for car insurance overall in 2023, New York also has some of the highest penalties for poor credit. According to Rate Retriever’s research, a low credit score can result in a 127% increase in car insurance prices in New York when compared to drivers with good credit.

The state with the third highest credit-based rate increase is Minnesota. The report showed that drivers in this state pay 114% more to insure their vehicle if they have poor credit. Comparatively, drivers with excellent credit have premiums that are 19% less.

States where credit score has the smallest impact on rates

Rate Retriever’s research revealed that among states where credit score is a factor in rating, the state that experienced the smallest impact is Washington. In this state, having low credit results in an 11% increase in car insurance premiums while excellent credit only results in a 3% decrease in rates compared to those with good credit.

North Carolina and Nevada tie for the second smallest percentage increase. Drivers with poor credit in these states only pay 40% more for car insurance than those with good credit.

However, because the average annual premium in Nevada is $2,188, individuals with poor credit in this state will pay significantly higher premiums compared to those in North Carolina where the average premium is only $1,310.

To see how credit score impacts rates in your state, read the full report.

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