Your driving record isn’t the only factor that can increase your rates. Many insurers also use credit-based insurance scores to help calculate car insurance rates. This can make it harder to get cheap car insurance with poor credit in many states.
A credit-based score includes the same factors as a regular credit score, such as debt and payment history, but weighs them differently. California, Hawaii, Massachusetts and Michigan don’t allow insurers to use credit when determining car insurance rates.
Credit can have a shocking impact on auto insurance costs. Drivers with poor credit may pay over $400 more a year on average than those with good credit.
If you’re looking for affordable car insurance from a large company, Geico might be a good place to start. Based on our analysis of large insurers, the company has the lowest average rates for good drivers with poor credit, at $870 per year, or $73 per month, on average.
Still, you should always shop around to get the best car insurance rates, no matter your credit history.
Company | Average annual rate | Average monthly rate |
|---|---|---|
Geico | $870 | $73 |
Nationwide | $912 | $76 |
Travelers | $1,053 | $88 |
State Farm | $1,163 | $97 |
USAA* | $568 | $47 |
