Do all auto insurance companies require a social security number for a quote?

[traces7]

We're looking at changing our auto insurance. It's tripled since adding our 16 yr old DD and buying a new vehicle. I tried looking online for different rates and every one that I've tried so far wants me to enter my social security number. Is this common now? I'm a little nervous about giving that info out. We've been with our current auto insurance for 25 years at least now and I haven't checked around in a few years.

Also, does anyone recommend anyone with lower rates especially for teenage drivers. We're with Allstate now and have been happy, but not sure we can afford them anymore. Thanks for any advice!

 

[barkley]

I keep hearing that credit scores are a consideration w/insurance rates but I honestly do not recall having to provide any ss numbers when we changed companies a couple of years ago (but we called local agents directly for quotes).

as for lower rates w/teen drivers-we had state farm when dd was getting ready to drive, and found farmers offered lower rates in adding her (and us subsequently getting a new vehicle). things that helped keep it lower-keeping a 'b' average at school and taking a safety course offered by insurance company on-line. honestly though-the biggest savings came w/age. dd purposely waited till after turning 18 to get her license and that saved us massive amounts-and as she's aged up each year our insurance has gone down with each subsequent renewal (oh-and we also keep our rates lower by making sure to bundle our auto insurance w/ the same company we have homeowners and dd's college renters insurance with, this along with paying our auto insurance in full at every 6 month renewal creates multiple large discounts).

 

[tvguy]

. things that helped keep it lower-keeping a 'b' average at school .

No luck with a good student discount with my kids. They had the grades, but my insurance company did away with the discount because they discovered that good students tend to be bad drivers, and tend to drive more miles.

 

[eliza61]

Not sure how new it is. I got my current policy two years ago and the asked for my ss. Like pp mentioned they claim it was to check credit score. I never understood that

 

[Sadie22]

Those who present lower risk are offered better rates for lots of things, not just auto insurance.

 

[disneysmyhappyplace]

We're looking at changing our auto insurance. It's tripled since adding our 16 yr old DD and buying a new vehicle. I tried looking online for different rates and every one that I've tried so far wants me to enter my social security number. Is this common now? I'm a little nervous about giving that info out. We've been with our current auto insurance for 25 years at least now and I haven't checked around in a few years.

Also, does anyone recommend anyone with lower rates especially for teenage drivers. We're with Allstate now and have been happy, but not sure we can afford them anymore. Thanks for any advice!

I just went through the same thing looking for a better quote with a new 16 year old driver. So expensive!!!!! I left my social out and the quote still went though. Didn't feel safe putting it in multiple sites. We ended up with Allstate and they were $1600 cheaper than what we were paying!!!! We bundled our home and auto. Good luck. Progressive and geico quoted well too

 

[tvguy]

I guess technically auto insurance companies are selling you a product on time, thus the need for a credit check and a social security number. At least here in California auto insurance companies issue you a proof of insurance card for your entire policy period, usually 6 months. A lot of folks don't pay the 6 month premium up front, but in monthly installments. You make your first month installment, then don't make the next 5 and have a claim 2 weeks before then end of the 6 months, that insurance company is on the hook to pay the claim, even though you haven't paid the premium.
I had someone in that exact situation hit my parked car, and the guy didn't even notify his insurance. I called the first business day, and his insurance said they wanted to wait to open the claim after he called. 3 days later, after calls from me and my insurance company everyday, he admitted what happened. His insurance dragged their feet, but my insurance told them they would pay the claim if they didn't settle within 7 days, and tack on administrative costs. They finally offered $150.....my three estimates were $750, $900 and $1,100. I told them I would gladly go to the lowest cost shop, but no way I would accept an offer $600 below the cost of the repair. They finally cut a check, for $1,000, to cover the repairs and a rental car, something I did not ask for and did not need.

 

[Colleen27]

Yes, they all do. I'm not sure if it is different in states that don't allow companies to price based on credit score, but here that can be a bigger factor in insurance pricing than driving record so you can't get an accurate quote without providing your info. I'll admit, it dissuades me from shopping around too much because I figure the more places our numbers are stored the more likely it is that the info will eventually be compromised.

 

[traces7]

Thanks to everyone for your replies. Sounds like it's normal to have to give out your social security number, but I just hate doing that. I'll have to try calling more local agents for quotes I think and try leaving it off if I go for a quote online. We do bundle auto, home and boat insurance now and DD gets a good student discount.

 

[supersnoop]

Thanks to everyone for your replies. Sounds like it's normal to have to give out your social security number, but I just hate doing that. I'll have to try calling more local agents for quotes I think and try leaving it off if I go for a quote online. We do bundle auto, home and boat insurance now and DD gets a good student discount.

It's not just that you're giving them your SSN, but you're authorizing them to check your credit.