Consumers who choose to shop for coverage without providing their driver’s license or social security numbers should know that there is certain information that is needed in order for carriers to provide as accurate of a quote as possible.

Motorists who wish to obtain quotes will most likely be asked to provide their name, address, age, and year, make and model of their vehicle; these items are necessary to calculate premiums. Drivers will also be asked to give a description of their driving history and in some states their credit as well.

Although consumers may be able to shop without providing personal information it is important to be as truthful as possible in order to shop effectively. Failing to mention tickets or accidents will only lead being misquoted and if the motorist decides to buy the policy, their driving history will be checked which can increase premiums at the time of purchase; the same applies to credit.

Approximately 40 states allow insurers to use credit history to rate applicants and once a social security number is given to a company, not mentioning a poor credit history can change the cost of coverage. To better understand a carrier’s use of credit and insurance scores a motorist should refer to their state resources such as the Missouri Department of Insurance which lists the companies that use credit and how it is used.