People who have bad credit are likely hesitant about buying insurance. On the other hand, insurance companies most likely check your credit and permit you to buy their facilities or not. Finding cheap insurance for bad credit can be tricky but possible to do. Here, we will inform you some tips.
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Why Does Having Bad Credit Affect Insurance?
Insurance companies need to check your credit history before you claim your quotes. They will advise you whether you should purchase their facility or not. People who have higher credit will get a lower premium. People with good credit mostly have good money management and less often claim coverage.
On the other hand, people with bad credit most likely have bad management of their money and properties. They also tend to claim coverage often. For that reason, the insurers will see you as a risk customer and offer a high premium for you.
Bad Credits and How to Improve It
Most Insurance companies in the US use credit-based scoring. Credit-based is the best method to keep track of customers’ finances and potential risks. Keep in mind, credit scoring from each Insurance company might differ from one another.
However, they will mostly score you based on these criteria: 35% for payment history, 30% for the amount owed, 15% for the length of credit history, 10% for new credit, and 10% for mixed credit.
There is cheap insurance for bad credit; however, you have to make sure that you improve your credit. These are the ways to make your credit grade better:
1. Pay Your Debts and Loans On-Time
Try to pay your payment on time, while paying off your larger debt regularly. Don’t owe a huge amount of money in a short period of time.
2. Monitor Your Purchase History
Always check your purchasing history. This way, you can manage your money carefully. It would help you to track any scamming activity.
3. Don’t Make Many Credit Accounts at the Same Time
Don’t make a new credit many times. Try to stay on one credit rather than make multiple types of credit. Keep your oldest credit open. It would affect your credit score.
4. Use Your Credit Wisely
Be wise using your credit and remember to take a debt only if you can afford it. Always pay on time. Keep the balance of the credit card low. Then, keep track of your credit card history.
How to Find Cheap Insurance for Bad Credit
Here are the tips for finding cheap insurance for bad credit:
1. Find Usage-based Insurance
Although most insurance companies are credit-based insurances, some insurance companies rate the price based on usage. They would reward you if you can keep your things safe. As a result, you can save a lot of money if you are careful with your things.
Another case might happen to car insurance. Some car insurance applies a system where they set the price based on the mileage you have driven. Therefore, you can save money, if your driving activity is infrequent.
2. Look for the Discounts
Insurance companies usually give you a discount for certain conditions and criteria. For example, car insurance might give you discounts for being a good student or a good driver. You can take advantage of this opportunity. There is no need to be shy to ask for discounts.
3. Revisit the Provider’s Policy
Always check their policy. Always make sure that you properly understand their terms and policies. You may consider their facilities with your needs. Is it worth it? Will they give you full coverage while you are having trouble with money?
You can also check their minimum rate and how much it will increase. Some insurance companies might give you a low premium at first. However, the premium rates will increase each year. Some even increase up to 118% or more per year. Therefore, you need to check your policy carefully.
4. Comparing the Insurance Companies
You won’t know which is better insurance if you don’t compare them. You can compare the benefit and performance of customer support of each provider. Check the price of the premium and how much it increases each year. Then, you can decide which one is cheap insurance for bad credit.
Example of Cheap Insurance for Bad Credit
Here are the examples of cheap insurance in the US:
1. USAA
USAA is good for you if looking for low rates for home and auto coverage. If you are a first-time driver or have new vehicles, this company would be the best for you. However, this company wouldn’t be good for you if you aren’t affiliated with the U.S. Military.
USAA is considered cheap insurance for bad credit. This company has an annual premium 38% cheaper than other competitors. For average monthly rates for good drivers, USAA’s rates are around $98 compared to Farm Bureau’s which are $131. USAA gives you discounts, especially if you are affiliated with the U.S. military.
2. State Farm
State Farm can be a good option if you are looking for low-rate insurance. This company is good for you who need multiple types of insurance. In addition, it is available in every state in the US except California, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island.
State Farm will give you standard coverage and certain types of discounts. State Farm is one of the cheapest insurance in the U.S. Moreover, this company has low annual rates of $1500 compared to average annual rates of $1820.
3. Geico
Geico is a good cheap insurance for bad credit. Their transaction is easy since you can do it online. This company is good for you to have multiple types of insurance. However, this would be difficult for you, if you were in an at-fault accident for the last five years.
Geico’s rates are 19% lower than average rates, especially for those who don’t have violations or accidents in their records. However, they rate high for risky drivers. For example, an 18-year-old driver with an accident record will have annual rates up to $3000 above average annual rates.
Which Insurance Suits Your Credit?
Finding cheap insurance for bad credit might be a bit difficult, yet it’s still possible. You can try to find usage-based insurance or insurance that offers you good discounts. In the meantime, you can improve your credit grades by paying your bill on time and managing your money properly.