Auto Insurers Use Shady Practice to Set Rates

Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty says studies have shown that scoring has a disproportionate effect on minority groups.  “The industry’s attempt to ignore this issue shows a failure to treat its consumers fairly and equitably” he says. 

Hunter, with the Consumer Federation, says another big issue is that the information in credit reports is not always accurate, leading to inaccurate scores. (Which is why you should check your credit report regularly and correct any mistakes.)  Scores can also vary, depending on which of the three credit reporting bureaus an insurer is using, he says.  

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Consumers are advised to shop around for auto insurance.  Among companies that do factor in credit, different auto insurers assign different weights to it.  Having poor credit could account for 30% of the total premium for one insurer and only 5% for another, says Boyd.

It may even pay to talk to more than one insurance agent because different agents represent different insurers, Hunter says. 

He also says under federal law insurers must inform consumers who don’t get the best rates because of their credit history the reasons their insurance score was less than perfect. Consumers are then entitled to a free credit report from the credit agency used by the insurer.

—For the best offers on home, health and auto insurance, visit our Insurance Center at BankingMyWay.com.

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