 TITLE: Why Do Auto Insurance Companies Consider Your Credit? CONTENT: How to Improve Your Credit Score Before Applying for Car Insurance\n------------------------------------------------------------------\nBecause credit-based insurance scores are largely based on the same underlying information that as other types of credit scores, similar actions can help you improve all your credit scores. These include:\n*   **Pay bills on time and in full.** Missing payments, having accounts sent to collections and filing for bankruptcy can all hurt your credit scores. On the flip side, making on-time payments can help your scores.\n*   **Pay down debts.** Having outstanding debts can hurt your credit scores, as can using a large portion of your available credit limit on your credit cards. Having low credit card balances and then paying your bill in full each month could help your score and save you money on interest.\nOver time, your credit scores may also improve as the length of your credit history increases. You may also benefit, a little, from having experience with both revolving and installment accounts in your credit history. Additionally, be mindful of applying for new credit as the resulting hard inquiries can temporarily hurt your scores. END