Credit Based Insurance Scores

Section 215 of the FACT Act (FACTA)1 requires the Federal Trade Commission (FTC or the Commission) and the Federal Reserve Board (FRB), in consultation with the Department of Housing and Urban Development, to study whether credit scores and credit-based insurance scores affect the availability and affordability of consumer credit, as well as automobile and homeowners insurance. FACTA also directs the agencies to assess and report on how these scores are calculated and used; their effects on consumers, specifically their impact on certain groups of consumers, such as low-income consumers, racial and ethnic minority consumers, etc.; and whether alternative scoring models could be developed that would predict risk in a manner comparable to current models but have smaller differences in scores between different groups of consumers. The Commission issues this report to address credit-based insurance scores primarily in the context of automobile insurance. Credit-based insurance scores, like credit scores, are numerical summaries of consumers' credit histories. Credit-based insurance scores typically are calculated using information about past delinquencies or information on the public record (eg: bankruptcies); debt ratios (i.e., how close a consumer is to his or her credit limit); evidence of seeking new credit (e.g., inquiries and new accounts); the length and age of credit history; and the use of certain types of credit (e.g., automobile loans).

"Credit Scores and You" is the definitive guide on how to create, maintain, or repair your credit score. Knowing how to get your credit score over 700 and to keep it there can save you tens of thousands of dollars over the course of your lifetime. The book is the result of the author's desire to give financial direction and inspiration to his two sons as they grew into young adults. His career in lending and the financial world has provided a keen understanding of what is required to build a solid financial base, and how vitally important an excellent credit score has become in business, and in day-to-day life. It shares real life experiences, and provides information on getting started in finances, handling money, and how to build your credit history. Learning about trade lines, the credit scoring system, and when to consider various loan products is discussed. How your credit history impacts what you do and what it can cost you over time is the essence of this subject. A good credit score involves much more than what it will cost for a particular loan product. Your credit score is considered when you apply for a job, when you are looking for housing, and how the insurance company views you as customer. That simple three-digit number has become more profound since the mid 1990's than ever before. Your credit score will determine whether or not you are approved for a loan product. In many cases it will also dictate how much you will pay in interest rates and fees. Excellent credit scores will open many more doors and save you money. A good credit score will also help you when applying for a job. Many employers will run a credit check along with a background check before they will consider a candidate for employment. High or low credit scores are considered a reflection on how an applicant may perform on the job. Insurance companies have their own methods for determining risk, and charge insurance premiums based on that data. Credit scores in recent years have become one of the factors that they look at on an insurance application. High or low credit scores can be one of the determining factors in what they charge. Having an understanding of the importance of a great credit score should not be underestimated. 'Credit Scores and You' will give the reader an excellent basis for getting on the right track toward financial wellness.

Credit scores are a mystery to many American consumers. Even the most seasoned professionals are shocked to learn how easily their credit can be destroyed. In CREDIT SCORE POWER, author Tracy Becker offers insight into navigating the scoring system and focuses on how to help consumers keep their credit scores high. With more than twenty years of experience in the industry, Becker gives a simple and clear view of what makes and breaks fantastic credit scores. CREDIT SCORE POWER discusses the following: The credit bureaus and what they do Credit scores and the credit score process Methods for shopping for a mortgage Financial distress The secret to having the best credit Credit monitoring and identity protection Credit scores are an important aspect of consumers lives and can greatly affect the interest paid on loans and credit cards. The information presented by Becker helps people understand the system in order to have the best opportunity and highest savings in interest a credit score can offer.

“A great credit score can help you finish rich! Liz Pulliam Weston gives solid, easy-to-understand advice about how to improve your credit fast. Read this book and prosper.” David Bach, bestselling author of The Automatic Millionaire and The Automatic Millionaire Homeowner “Excellent book! Insightful, well written, and surprisingly interesting. Liz Pulliam Weston has done an outstanding job demystifying an often intimidating and frustrating topic for the benefit of all consumers.” Eric Tyson, syndicated columnist and bestselling author of Personal Finance for Dummies “No one makes complex financial information easy to understand like Liz Pulliam Weston. Her straight-talk and wise advice are invaluable to anyone with a credit card or check book—and that’s just about all of us.” Lois P. Frankel, Ph.D., author of Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office and Nice Girls Don’t Get Rich “In a country where consumers increasingly pay more when they have bad credit, Liz Pulliam Weston’s book provides excellent tips and advice on ways to improve your credit history and raise your credit score. If you just apply one or two of her insightful suggestions, you’ll save many times the cost of this book.” Ilyce R. Glink, financial reporter, talk show host, and bestselling author of 100 Questions Every First-Time Home Buyer Should Ask “Your credit score can save you money or cost you money—sometimes a lot of money. Yet, most people don’t even know their scores, much less know how to make them better. Liz Pulliam Weston can help you fix that. In this easy-to-understand guide you’ll learn how to make sure your score helps you get the best deal on loans and insurance. You can’t afford not to read it.” Gerri Detweiler, consumer advocate and founder of UltimateCredit.com The #1 Best-Selling Guide to Improving Your Credit Score... Now Thoroughly Updated for the Financial Crisis! In post-crash America, it’s tough to get credit...and even tougher to get rates and terms you can afford. That makes your credit score more important than ever before. Now, MSN Money/L.A. Times personal finance columnist Liz Pulliam Weston has updated her best-selling book on credit scores to show how you can maximize your score right now—and save yourself a fortune! Weston reveals the tough new realities of borrowing and credit scoring, and shows why they aren’t going to change any time soon. She rips away the mystery surrounding credit scoring, including the FICO 08 overhaul, and tells you exactly how to use the new system to maximize your score. You’ll learn how to fight back against lenders who want to lower your limits or raise your rates...bounce back from bad credit and bankruptcy...choose the right credit solutions and avoid options that only make things worse. One step at a time, Weston will help you build (or rebuild) your credit score—so you can get the credit you need and deserve! Survive a credit crisis, one step at a time How to protect or rebuild your credit score after a major financial setback Fix your credit score in as little as 72 hours Rapid rescoring: what it can fix, what it can’t fix, and how to use it Don’t let the myths of credit scoring cost you a fortune! What you’ve been told just isn’t true: how credit scores really work What drives your score—and what doesn’t The real impact of credit cards, loans, late payments, inquiries, credit counseling, and more