Credit-based Insurance Score FAQs
- What is a credit-based insurance score?
- How are insurance scores determined?
- Are insurance scores the same as credit-scores?
- How does Amica use insurance scores?
- How can I find out my insurance score?
- What information affects my insurance score?
- What information does not affect my insurance score?
- I have an excellent credit rating. Does this mean I qualify for the best insurance premium?
- Does the use of insurance scores affect my credit rating?
- What if the information on my credit report is wrong?
What is a credit-based insurance score?
A credit-based insurance score, also known as an insurance score, is a snapshot of a consumer's insurance risk picture at a particular point in time based on information contained in a consumer's credit report. Since insurance scores have statistically proven to be a sound predictor of future loss, insurers use these scores, along with many other factors, to evaluate new and renewal insurance policies.
How are insurance scores determined?
The consumer's credit information is entered into a computer model which analyzes the information and generates an insurance score. The scores are dynamic, changing as new information is added to a consumer's credit report. Insurers will typically ask for a current score when they receive a new application for insurance, or prepare to renew an existing policy, so they have the most recent information available. Please be advised Amica representatives do not have access to your individual credit report.
Are insurance scores the same as credit-scores?
It is important to note that there is a distinction between a financial credit score and an insurance score. The financial credit score uses information from a consumer's credit report to indicate the ability to repay amounts borrowed. The insurance score predicts the likelihood of future insurance losses.
How does Amica use insurance scores?
Amica uses insurance scores along with a number of other predictive rating variables such as accidents, violations and vehicle type to determine the most accurate premium available for our policyholders. Insurance scores serve as an objective, accurate and consistent tool that we use to better estimate the likelihood of future claims. By doing this, we can better control risk, enabling us to offer insurance coverage to more consumers at a fairer cost.
How can I find out my insurance score?
Insurance scores are furnished to Amica by a third-party vendor. Unfortunately, we are unable to disclose the scores to our customers as this information is proprietary.
What information affects my insurance score?
An insurance score is generally based on the following: payment history, bankruptcy, foreclosures and collection activity, length of credit history, the amount of outstanding debt in relation to credit limits, types of credit in use and new application for credit. These items may vary from state to state.
What information does not affect my insurance score?
An insurance score does not take into account income, race, gender, marital status, religion, age, geographic location, nationality, ethnicity or handicap. It only considers your credit history.
I have an excellent credit rating. Does this mean I qualify for the best insurance premium?
Since insurance scores measure items related to insurance losses and credit scores measure creditworthiness, these scores may be very different. There may be items on a credit report relevant to a credit score but not relevant to an insurance score. Additionally, insurance companies consider a number of other factors when determining your automobile premium such as driving record, prior loss history, and vehicle type. For your homeowner premium, insurers may consider prior loss history, construction type, distance to fire stations and fire hydrants, and presence of protective devices such as smoke detectors and alarm systems. State laws and regulations also vary, so the factors insurers may use to calculate premium may differ by state.
Does the use of insurance scores affect my credit rating?
There is no effect on your credit rating when Amica makes an inquiry into your credit history. However, the inquiry will be present on your credit report, should you choose to obtain one.
What if the information on my credit report is wrong?
If you find errors on your credit report, you should report the errors to the credit reporting agency. By law, the credit reporting agency must investigate and respond to your request. Once these errors have been corrected, please notify Amica as you may qualify for a more favorable rate. Please be aware that some errors may have little or no affect on your insurance score and/or insurance premium.
