You might think that paying for your car insurance each month affects your credit in the same way that paying other recurring bills does. In most cases, paying for car insurance does not help build credit. This is mostly because car insurance is not an installment loan, so it isn’t reported to the major credit bureaus.
However, if your insurance account goes delinquent and is sent to collections, that could have a negative impact on your credit score. In this way, car insurance does have the potential to affect your credit score.
How Does Paying Car Insurance Work?
Like most types of insurance, car insurance works by making monthly (or annual) premium payments to the insurance company. Then, if you are in an accident that is covered by your policy, the insurance company may pay to repair or replace your vehicle, subject to the deductible listed on your policy.
Every car insurance policy is different, so work with your agent to make sure you understand how your particular policy works.
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Paying Car Insurance With a Credit Card
Many insurance companies do allow you to pay for your car insurance with a credit card. However, it’s possible that your company may only allow payment by cash, check, or bank transfer.
If you do pay for your car insurance with a credit card, make sure that you are including that amount in your monthly budget. That way, you can make sure to have enough money in your bank account to pay your credit card statement in full.
How Your Credit Score Can Be Affected by Paying Car Insurance
While your regular and on-time car insurance payments likely will not have an effect on your credit score, that doesn’t mean your score can’t be impacted by paying car insurance. Specifically, your credit score can be affected by not paying your car insurance premiums. If your insurance agency sends your account to a debt collection agency, that could result in negative impacts to your credit score.
Does Paying Car Insurance Help Build Credit?
As we’ve mentioned before, paying your car insurance does not usually help with building credit. So if you’re hoping to do so, you’ll need to look at other avenues, like making regular on-time payments to your creditors. Additionally, paying off a debt affects your credit score by lowering your debt-to-income ratio and your overall credit utilization, so that could be another avenue to consider.
Factors to Consider When Paying Car Insurance With a Credit Card
The biggest factor to consider if you want to pay your car insurance with a credit card is whether or not your insurance company accepts credit card payments. While many insurance agencies do, some do not. If your agency does not take credit card payments, you’ll have to find an alternative way to pay your bill.
Additionally, you’ll want to make sure that you have the money budgeted to pay off your credit card balance in full when it comes due. That way, you’ll avoid accruing interest on your car insurance payment if you used your credit card to cover it.
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Consequences of Missing a Car Insurance Payment
If you’re significantly late with a car insurance payment and your account is sent to collections, that can negatively impact your credit score. However, the biggest consequence of missing a car insurance payment is that you may not be covered if you get into an accident. Generally, car insurance covers you only if your premium payments are up-to-date.
Additionally, if you live in a state where car insurance is required and your insurance has lapsed, you may face civil or criminal charges.
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Do Car Insurance Payments Appear on Your Credit Report?
Generally, car insurance payments do not appear on your credit report. This is in contrast to other types of recurring payments like mortgages or loans. However, if you make significantly late payments, your insurance company may report those late payments to the credit bureaus.
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Does Your Credit Score Impact Car Insurance Rates?
While paying your car insurance does not usually impact your credit score, the reverse is not true. Your credit score can (and often does) impact the rates that you are charged for car insurance.
A lower credit score can mean that your insurance premiums are higher. That is yet another reason to work on improving your credit score by following solid financial practices.
Factors That Determine Your Car Insurance Rate
Here are some of the major factors that can determine your car insurance rate:
• Age
• Gender
• Make and model of your car
• Location (ZIP code) where you typically park your car
• Your driving habits, including how much you drive and your driving record
• The type of coverage you choose, as well as the limits and deductibles
• Your credit score
If you’re looking to lower your car insurance costs, making changes in some of the above areas can help. This could include improving your credit or driving record or reviewing your coverage needs.
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Other Ways to Build Credit
Although paying your car insurance on time does not usually impact your credit, there are a few other ways you can build your credit.
Paying Your Bills On Time
One of the best ways to build your credit is by paying your bills on time, each and every month. Set up a budget and make sure that your monthly expenses are less than your monthly income. Work toward having an emergency fund to help cover you when you have unexpected expenses. Organize your bills and make sure that you pay them by their due dates.
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Responsibly Using a Credit Card
Another way of establishing credit is by responsibly using a credit card. Most credit card payments and balances are reported to the major credit bureaus. Responsibly using a credit card and paying it off in full each month can help you build credit.
Additionally, some credit cards, like the SoFi Credit Card, offer rewards, such as cash-back rewards, with each purchase. Those rewards can serve as a bit of extra income each month to help you meet your financial goals.
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Taking Out a Personal Loan
When potential creditors look at your credit report, many of them are looking for evidence that you can be trusted to pay your debts. If you don’t have many items on your credit report, lenders may not be sure if you’ll be responsible with additional debt. Taking out a personal loan (and then responsibly paying it back in full) can be one way to build your credit.
The Takeaway
While having and paying for car insurance is important if you regularly drive a vehicle, it usually won’t have much of an impact on your credit score. However, if you don’t pay your insurance premiums when they’re due, your account might be sent to collections, which can negatively impact your credit score. If you’re looking for ways to build your credit, you might consider getting a personal loan or opening and responsibly using a credit card.
When you’re ready for a new credit card, you can consider a cash-back rewards credit card like SoFi’s credit card. With the SoFi credit card, you can earn unlimited cash-back rewards if you’re approved. Then, use those rewards as a statement credit, invest them in fractional shares, or put them toward other financial goals you might have, like paying down eligible SoFi debt.
FAQ
Can unpaid car insurance affect my credit score?
Yes, unpaid car insurance can negatively affect your credit score. If you make significantly late payments, your insurance company might report the late payments to the credit bureaus. If your account becomes too delinquent, it may be sent to collections, further impacting your credit score.
How does my credit score impact my car insurance rate?
Many insurance companies do consider your credit score and credit history when determining the rates you pay for car insurance. As with many financial products, having a good credit score can help you to pay lower monthly premiums for car insurance.
Can I get car insurance with low credit?
Yes, it is possible to get car insurance with low credit, though your monthly premiums may be higher than those of a similar applicant with better credit. If you’re looking at lowering your car insurance, one option is to raise your credit score. You could accomplish this through paying down debt, examining your credit report for inaccuracies, or being more regular about making on-time payments to your creditors.
Photo credit: iStock/Believe_In_Me
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