--- title: What Does My Credit Have To Do With What I Pay For Insurance? description: Read the HPM blog to learn how your credit can impact what you pay for insurance. image: https://hpminsurance.com/hubfs/Assets/General%20Insurance/credit%202.jpg --- [![HPM Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/hubfs/HPMinsurance-Aug2017/Images/HPM_Logo_Large.jpg)](https://www.hpminsurance.com/) [![Client_Portal_Small_Web_Header_600x120_transparent](https://hpminsurance.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Client_Portal_Small_Web_Header_600x120_transparent.png?width=347&height=70&name=Client_Portal_Small_Web_Header_600x120_transparent.png)](https://insurlink.vertafore.com/end-insured/2005196-1) ** [603-673-1201](tel:6036731201) - [Personal Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/personal-insurance-quotes-new-hampshire) - [Auto Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/car-insurance-new-hampshire) - [Corvette Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/corvette-insurance-new-hampshire) - [Homeowners Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/homeowners-insurance-new-hampshire) - [Airbnb Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/airbnb-insurance-new-hampshire) - [ATV Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/atv-insurance-new-hampshire) - [Boat Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/boat-insurance-new-hampshire) - [Builders Risk Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/builders-risk-insurance-new-hampshire) - [Classic Car Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/insurance-quotes/classic-car-insurance-nh) - [Condo Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/insurance-quotes/condo-insurance-nh) - [Dental Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/dental-insurance-new-hampshire) - [Earthquake Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/earthquake-insurance-new-hampshire) - [EBike Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/ebike-insurance-new-hampshire) - [Flood Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/flood-insurance-new-hampshire) - [Health Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/health-insurance-in-new-hampshire) - [High Value Home Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/insurance-quotes/high-value-home-insurance) - [Island Home Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/island-home-insurance-new-hampshire) - [Jewelry Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/en/jewelry-insurance-new-hampshire) - [Investment Property Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/investment-property-insurance-new-hampshire) - [Life Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/insurance-quotes/life-insurance) - [Long Term Care Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/long-term-care-insurance-new-hampshire) - [Medicare Supplements Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/medicare-supplements-insurance-new-hampshire) - [Mobile Home Insurance](https://www.hpminsurance.com/mobile-home-insurance-new-hampshire) - [Motorcycle Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/motorcycle-insurance-new-hampshire) - [Renters Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/renters-insurance-new-hampshire) - [RV Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/rv-insurance-new-hampshire) - [Snowmobile Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/snowmobile-insurance-new-hampshire) - [Tractor Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/tractor-insurance-new-hampshire) - [Travel Medical Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/insurance-quotes/travel-medical-insurance) - [Umbrella Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/personal-umbrella-insurance-new-hampshire) - [Wedding Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/wedding-insurance-new-hampshire) - [Business Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/business-insurance-new-hampshire) - [Automotive](https://hpminsurance.com/auto-repair-shop-insurance-new-hampshire) - General Commercial Insurance - [Business Owners Policy](https://hpminsurance.com/business-owners-policy-new-hampshire) - [Business Interruption Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/business-interruption-insurance-new-hampshire) - [Commercial Auto Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/commercial-auto-insurance-new-hampshire) - [Commercial Flood Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/commercial-flood-insurance-new-hampshire) - [Commercial Property Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/commercial-property-insurance-new-hampshire) - [Commercial Umbrella Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/commercial-umbrella-insurance-new-hampshire) - [Cyber Liability Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/cyber-insurance-new-hampshire) - [Directors and Officers Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/directors-and-officers-insurance-new-hampshire) - [Employment Practices Liability Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/employment-practices-liability-insurance-new-hampshire) - [Equipment Breakdown Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/equipment-breakdown-coverage-new-hampshire) - [Errors & Omissions Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/errors-and-omissions-insurance-new-hampshire) - [Flood Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/flood-insurance-new-hampshire) - [General Liability Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/general-liability-new-hampshire) - [Inland Marine Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/inland-marine-insurance-new-hampshire) - [Pollution Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/pollution-insurance-new-hampshire) - [Workers Compensation Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/workers-compensation-insurance-new-hampshire) - Group Benefits - [AFLAC](https://hpminsurance.com/aflac) - [Group Health Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/group-health-insurance-new-hampshire) - [Key Man Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/insurance-quotes/business-insurance/key-man-insurance-nh) - Commercial Vehicle - [Box Truck Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/box-truck-insurance-new-hampshire) - [Food Truck Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/food-truck-insurance-new-hampshire) - [Snow Plowing Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/snow-plowing-insurance-new-hampshire) - Contractors - [Builders Risk Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/builders-risk-insurance-new-hampshire) - [Contractors Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/contractors-insurance-new-hampshire) - [Electricians Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/electrician-insurance-new-hampshire) - [Handyman Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/handyman-insurance-new-hampshire) - [Landscaper Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/landscaping-insurance-new-hampshire) - [Plumbing Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/plumbing-insurance-new-hampshire) - [Roofing Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/roofing-insurance-new-hampshire) - [Septic System Installer and Cleaner Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/septic-installers-and-cleaners-insurance-new-hampshire) - [Snow Plowing Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/snow-plowing-insurance-new-hampshire) - [Tree Service Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/tree-service-insurance-new-hampshire) - Habitational - [Condo Master Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/condo-master-policy-new-hampshire) - [Investment Property Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/investment-property-insurance-new-hampshire) - [Landlord Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/landlord-insurance-new-hampshire) - [Rental Property Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/rental-property-new-hampshire) - Hospitality - [Bakery Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/bakery-insurance-new-hampshire) - [Bar Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/bar-insurance-new-hampshire) - [Catering Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/en-us/catering-insurance-new-hampshire) - [Coffee Shop Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/coffee-shop-insurance-new-hampshire) - [Liquor Liability Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/liquor-liability-insurance-new-hampshire) - [Microbrewery Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/microbrewery-insurance-new-hampshire) - [Restaurant Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/restaurant-insurance-new-hampshire) - [Life Sciences](https://hpminsurance.com/life-sciences-insurance-new-hampshire) - Manufacturing - [Manufacturing Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/manufacturing-insurance-new-hampshire) - [Product Liability Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/product-liability-insurance-new-hampshire) - Personal Care Services - [Hair Salon and Barber Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/salon-and-barber-insurance-new-hampshire) - [Home Health Care Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/home-health-care-insurance-new-hampshire) - [Sports & Fitness Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/sports-and-fitness-insurance-new-hampshire) - Professional Services - [Consultant Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/consultant-insurance-new-hampshire) - [Bookkeeping Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/bookkeeping-insurance-new-hampshire) - [Professional Liability](https://hpminsurance.com/professional-liability-insurance-new-hampshire) - Retail - [Convenience Stores Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/convenience-store-insurance-new-hampshire) - [Jewelers Block Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/jewelers-block-insurance) - Social Services & Nonprofit - [Nonprofit Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/nonprofit-insurance-new-hampshire) - Specialty Commercial Insurance - [Franchise Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/franchise-insurance-new-hampshire) - [Gig Economy Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/gig-economy-new-hampshire) - [Hemp Crop Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/en/hemp-crop-insurance-new-hampshire) - [Jewelers Block Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/jewelers-block-insurance) - [Life Sciences Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/life-sciences-insurance-new-hampshire) - [Lumber Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/insurance-quotes/business-insurance/lumber-insurance-nh) - [Sports Team Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/sports-team-insurance-new-hampshire) - [Small Business Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/small-business-insurance-new-hampshire) - [Start Up Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/insurance-quotes/business-insurance/start-up-insurance) - [Get a Quote](https://hpminsurance.com/instant-quotes-homeowners-auto-renters) - [About Us](https://hpminsurance.com/about-us) - [Contact Us](https://hpminsurance.com/about-us) - [Meet Our Team](https://hpminsurance.com/about-us/meet-our-team) - [HPM Insurance Goffstown](https://hpminsurance.com/meet-the-team/insurance-goffstown-nh) - [HPM Insurance Amherst](https://hpminsurance.com/about-us/meet-our-team/hpm-insurance-amherst) - [HPM Insurance Bedford](https://hpminsurance.com/about-us/meet-our-team/hpm-insurance-bedford) - [HPM Insurance Bristol](https://hpminsurance.com/about-us/meet-our-team/hpm-insurance-bristol) - [HPM Insurance Laconia](https://hpminsurance.com/about-us/meet-our-team/hpm-insurance-laconia) - [HPM Insurance Littleton](https://hpminsurance.com/about-us/meet-our-team/hpm-insurance-littleton) - [Companies We Represent](https://hpminsurance.com/about-us/companies-we-represent) - [Testimonials](https://hpminsurance.com/about-us/testimonials) - [Career Opportunities](https://hpminsurance.com/careers-at-hpm-insurance) - [Trusted Choice Agency](https://hpminsurance.com/research-center/trusted-choice-agency) - [Professional Memberships](https://hpminsurance.com/about-us/professional-memberships-and-awards) - [Acquisitions](https://hpminsurance.com/looking-to-sell-an-insurance-agency) - [HPM Referral Rewards](https://hpminsurance.com/client-service/hpm-referral-rewards) - [HPM Press](https://hpminsurance.com/hpm-press) - [HPM Media Page](https://hpminsurance.com/media) - [Testimonials](https://hpminsurance.com/about-us/testimonials) - [Blog](https://hpminsurance.com/blog) - Office Locations - [Amherst, NH](https://hpminsurance.com/office-locations/insurance-in-amherst-nh) - [Bedford, NH](https://hpminsurance.com/office-locations/insurance-in-bedford-nh) - [Bristol, NH](https://hpminsurance.com/insurance-bristol-nh) - [Goffstown, NH](https://hpminsurance.com/insurance-goffstown-nh) - [Laconia, NH](https://hpminsurance.com/insurance-laconia-nh) - [Littleton, NH](https://hpminsurance.com/insurance-in-littleton-nh) - [Client Portal](https://hpminsurance.com/client-portal) ## [What Does My Credit Have To Do With What I Pay For Insurance?](https://hpminsurance.com/blog/entryid/4113/what-does-my-credit-have-to-do-with-what-i-pay-for-insurance-) Written by [April Weismann](https://hpminsurance.com/blog/author/april-weismann) on 11/15/2013 01:03 PM in [Personal Insurance](https://hpminsurance.com/blog/topic/personal-insurance). ![](https://www.hpminsurance.com/Portals/fulkerson/I-Stock%20photos/credit%20score.jpg?width=219&height=205&name=credit%20score.jpg) ![insurance score](https://hpminsurance.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Assets/General%20Insurance/credit.jpg?width=638&name=credit.jpg "insurance score")Insurance companies are always trying to predict the future.  Though the carriers don't have a crystal ball, they do use the information available to them, which, in NH, includes your credit score.  This HPM blog dives into how and why this information is used and some tips on how to improve your insurance score.  Why is my credit score impacting my premium? The very nature of the insurance business is pooling enough premium of many, to pay for the claims of a few.  It would be a lot easier to charge an appropriate rate if the carriers knew exactly who would have a claim and who would not.  Because insurance companies have yet to develop a crystal ball, their employees use the tools available in an attempt to predict behavior and hence the future.  The more obvious factors contributing to premium for a NH auto policy include age and driving history while NH homeowners insurance factor the replacement cost of a home and prior losses.  A less obvious factor insurance companies use is your insurance score which weighs your credit history.  ## What is an insurance score? An insurance score uses information from your credit report in an attempt to predict how often you are likely to file a claim.  Many insurance companies believe that the way one handles credit says a lot about responsibility.  That said, an insurance score is not the same as a credit score.  Both are derived from information within a credit report; however, they attempt to predict different behavior. A credit report predicts how likely one is to repay a loan with a large factor being your income.  While lenders will look at income in making loan decisions, insurance companies do not.  For example, when you get a quote on a NH homeowners policy, the carrier will order credit information from one of the three major US credit bureaus.  This information is then entered into that carrier's specific program weighing payment history, collections, credit utilization and bankruptcies to come up with your insurance score.   ## What does my credit history have to do with how I drive my car? Having a good insurance score does not necessarily mean you are a good driver or responsible homeowner;  however, studies have shown that consumers with better insurance scores generally file fewer claims.  It is important to keep in mind that insurance relies heavily upon statistics.  It is not a surprise that young drivers statistically have more accidents, but that does not mean that every young driver has an accident. Insurance companies are applying the same logic with looking at credit scores. ## Do all insurance companies use credit history as a factor in the rating? No, but it is harder and harder to find a company that does not.  At HPM Insurance we represent more than ten insurance companies offering home and car insurance in NH.  Ten years ago just a few companies used credit as a factor; however this year the last two companies within our agency who were holding out changed their rating model to include an insurance score. ## What kinds of things impact my insurance score? Any time someone looks at your credit report, the credit bureaus record this information and refer to it as an "inquiry."  The number of inquiries on your record can impact your insurance score; however, under most models used by insurance companies, the only inquiries that affect your insurance score are those you initiate yourself.  Think about all the credit card offers you receive in the mail.  Those are all inquiries done by the credit card companies, so not looked at in the same way as if you applied for credit.  If you actually apply for credit, whether it is a mortgage, car loan or store credit an inquiry is noted on your record.  Applying for a lot of credit in a short time shows you may be taking on more than you can handle and could adversely impact your credit and hence insurance score.![NH Insurance Score](https://hpminsurance.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Assets/General%20Insurance/credit%202.jpg?width=638&name=credit%202.jpg "NH Insurance Score") ## How can the insurance company look at my credit without my permission? Both the federal and state Fair Credit Reporting Acts (FCRA) say that insurance companies may look at your credit information without your permission for underwriting practices.  The federal law may be found at [www.ftc.gov](http://www.ftc.gov/) while the NH state law is RSA 359-B and may be found on the [NH Statutes](http://www.generalcourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/NHTOC/NHTOC-XXXI-359-B.htm) web site. ## What are my rights if my premium increases due to my credit history? Insurance companies are required to provide information on who to contact if you have questions regarding your insurance score.  This information is typically mailed when the entire policy is issued, and not upon renewal where just the declarations pages are sent.  It is suggested that you keep the entire package of information in a safe place in case you need to refer to it.  Your insurance agent does not have access to your credit score, nor is privy to the factors that make up the insurance score.  They can however point you in the right direction if you have any questions regarding your insurance score. ## Can my insurance score help me save money on insurance? Not all use of credit score is a bad thing.  If you have a good credit score combined with a good driving record, you will most likely be charged a lower rate. Once you understand what factors impact what you pay for your insurance, you can make better decisions about your overall finances and save money in the end.  ### Possibly related posts: - [How Does a Speeding Ticket Impact My Auto Insurance in New Hampshire?](https://hpminsurance.com/blog/how-does-a-speeding-ticket-impact-my-auto-insurance-in-new-hampshire) - [How Will Tariffs Likely Impact Your NH Home & Auto Insurance Rates?](https://hpminsurance.com/blog/how-will-the-tariffs-impact-your-nh-home-auto-insurance-rates) - [When is the Best Time to Buy Life Insurance?](https://hpminsurance.com/blog/when-is-the-best-time-to-buy-life-insurance) - [How to Insure an Engagement Ring](https://hpminsurance.com/blog/how-to-insure-an-engagement-ring) ## Request Free Insurance Quotes! ### [Rss Feed](https://hpminsurance.com/blog/rss.xml) - [Personal Insurance (61)](https://hpminsurance.com/blog/topic/personal-insurance) - [Homeowners Insurance (44)](https://hpminsurance.com/blog/topic/homeowners-insurance) - [Business Insurance (35)](https://hpminsurance.com/blog/topic/business-insurance) - [Car Insurance (26)](https://hpminsurance.com/blog/topic/car-insurance) - [Agency News (24)](https://hpminsurance.com/blog/topic/agency-news) - [Commercial Insurance (21)](https://hpminsurance.com/blog/topic/commercial-insurance) - [Safety Tips (14)](https://hpminsurance.com/blog/topic/safety-tips) - [Health Insurance (9)](https://hpminsurance.com/blog/topic/health-insurance) - [Claim Information (8)](https://hpminsurance.com/blog/topic/claim-information) - [Auto Insurance (7)](https://hpminsurance.com/blog/topic/auto-insurance) - [Insurance Tips (6)](https://hpminsurance.com/blog/topic/insurance-tips) - [Boat Insurance (5)](https://hpminsurance.com/blog/topic/boat-insurance) - [Commercial Auto Insurance (5)](https://hpminsurance.com/blog/topic/commercial-auto-insurance) - [Workers Compensation Insurance (5)](https://hpminsurance.com/blog/topic/workers-compensation-insurance) - [Jewelry Insurance (4)](https://hpminsurance.com/blog/topic/jewelry-insurance) - [Landlord Insurance (4)](https://hpminsurance.com/blog/topic/landlord-insurance) - [Small Business Insurance (4)](https://hpminsurance.com/blog/topic/small-business-insurance) - [save money (4)](https://hpminsurance.com/blog/topic/save-money) - [Cyber Insurance (3)](https://hpminsurance.com/blog/topic/cyber-insurance) - [Flood Insurance (3)](https://hpminsurance.com/blog/topic/flood-insurance) - [NH Homeowners Insurance (3)](https://hpminsurance.com/blog/topic/nh-homeowners-insurance) - [renters Insurance (3)](https://hpminsurance.com/blog/topic/renters-insurance) - [Life Insurance (2)](https://hpminsurance.com/blog/topic/life-insurance) - [NH Auto Insurance (2)](https://hpminsurance.com/blog/topic/nh-auto-insurance) - [Property Insurance (2)](https://hpminsurance.com/blog/topic/property-insurance) - [Agency Happenings (1)](https://hpminsurance.com/blog/topic/agency-happenings) - [Business Insurance New Hampshire (1)](https://hpminsurance.com/blog/topic/business-insurance-new-hampshire) - [Condo Insurance (1)](https://hpminsurance.com/blog/topic/condo-insurance) - [Employee Benefits (1)](https://hpminsurance.com/blog/topic/employee-benefits) - [High Value Home Insurance (1)](https://hpminsurance.com/blog/topic/high-value-home-insurance) - [High-Value Homeowners Insurance (1)](https://hpminsurance.com/blog/topic/high-value-homeowners-insurance) - [Home Insurance (1)](https://hpminsurance.com/blog/topic/home-insurance) - [Motorcycle Insurance (1)](https://hpminsurance.com/blog/topic/motorcycle-insurance) - [New Hampshire Insurance (1)](https://hpminsurance.com/blog/topic/new-hampshire-insurance) - [RV Insurance (1)](https://hpminsurance.com/blog/topic/rv-insurance) - [Travel Insurance (1)](https://hpminsurance.com/blog/topic/travel-insurance) - [commercial property insurance (1)](https://hpminsurance.com/blog/topic/commercial-property-insurance) - [homeoweners insurance (1)](https://hpminsurance.com/blog/topic/homeoweners-insurance) ## Subscribe to Our Blog - ### Don't Wait. Get a quote today! - [** Start Now ](https://www.hpminsurance.com/insurance-quotes) - or - Call Us At [603-673-1201](tel:603-673-1201) ** 603-673-1201 #### Find out more - [Insurance Quotes](https://www.hpminsurance.com/insurance-quotes) - [Research Center](https://www.hpminsurance.com/research-center) - [About Us](https://www.hpminsurance.com/about-us) - [Client Service](https://hpminsurance.com/client-portal/) - [Blog](https://www.hpminsurance.com/blog) - [Office Locations](https://www.hpminsurance.com/about-us) #### Stay connected [Read Our Blog](https://www.hpminsurance.com/blog) [** ](https://www.facebook.com/HPMinsurance) [** ](https://www.linkedin.com/company/hpm-insurance) #### Main Office HPM Insurance Learn how to protect yourself, your family and your business. Visit http://www.hpminsurance.com to get all the information you need. 101 Ponemah Road Amherst, NH 03031 **Hours:** 8:00am - 5:00pm, M - F Phone: 603-673-1201 [![Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance New Hampshire](https://res.cloudinary.com/expertise-com/image/upload/f_auto,fl_lossy,q_auto/w_auto/remote_media/awards/nh_manchester_car-insurance_2021_transparent.svg)](https://www.expertise.com/NH/manchester/car-insurance) © 2026 HPM Insurance | [Privacy Statement](https://hpminsurance-3427324-hs-sites-com.sandbox.hs-sites.com/about-us/privacy-statement) | This material is for informational purposes only. All statements herein are subject to the provisions, exclusions and conditions of the applicable policy, state and federal laws. For an actual description of coverage, terms and conditions, please refer to the applicable insurance policy or check with your insurance professional. The illustrations, instructions and principles contained in the material are general in scope and, to the best of our knowledge, current at the time of publication. Website Built & Powered by [Jump Suit Group](https://www.jumpsuitgroup.com/) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "April Weismann", "url" : "https://hpminsurance.com/blog/author/april-weismann" }, "datePublished" : "2013-11-15T18:03:00.000Z", "headline" : "What Does My Credit Have To Do With What I Pay For Insurance?", "image" : [ "https://hpminsurance.com/hubfs/Assets/General%20Insurance/credit%202.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://hpminsurance.com/blog/entryid/4113/what-does-my-credit-have-to-do-with-what-i-pay-for-insurance-", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://hpminsurance.com/hubfs/HPMinsurance/Images/HPM_Logo_Large.jpg" }, "name" : "HPM Insurance" } } ```