Auto Insurance Scores: Accessible Without Ssn?

It is possible to get car insurance without providing your Social Security Number (SSN). However, the availability of such policies varies by location and insurance company. While some insurers require your SSN to check your credit history and criminal record to determine your insurance rates, others do not. In some states, insurers are restricted from using credit information in their calculations.

If you are looking for car insurance without providing your SSN, you may have a more limited number of insurers to choose from. It is recommended to compare rates from multiple insurers, as some companies will be more lenient than others.

How to get a car insurance quote without an SSN

It is possible to get a car insurance quote without providing your Social Security Number (SSN). While most insurers will ask for your SSN, some companies make it optional.

To get a car insurance quote without an SSN, you can:

• Use a quote comparison website: These sites will ask you some basic questions and provide anonymous quotes. While the quotes may not be completely accurate, they should be close to the actual rates.
• Contact insurance companies directly: Ask insurers if they require an SSN during the application process. Some companies may only need your driver's license number or other forms of identification.
• Work with an independent insurance agent: These agents have contacts at multiple insurance companies and can help you find a policy that doesn't require an SSN.

Keep in mind that even if you can get a quote without an SSN, you may still need to provide it to obtain coverage. Insurance companies use your SSN to access vital information, such as your driving record, credit history, and address, which are important factors in determining your rates.

Companies that don't require an SSN

While most auto insurance companies require your Social Security Number (SSN) to finalise your insurance rates, some companies do not ask for it. Here are some of the best auto insurance companies that don't ask for your SSN:

Geico

Geico offers some of the most affordable rates in the car insurance industry, averaging $82 monthly for full coverage. It has an up-to-date mobile app and website, and high customer satisfaction. However, it has fewer local agents for in-person service.

Progressive

Progressive offers full coverage without an SSN, and its rates are affordable for high-risk drivers. It is easy to get a Progressive auto insurance quote online, and its Snapshot program can help low-mileage, safe drivers save money. However, its customer service ratings are not as good as those of its competitors, and its rates are expensive for teen drivers.

State Farm

State Farm is one of the largest insurance companies in the US, with high levels of customer satisfaction. It offers affordable rates for people with a speeding ticket or accident history and a wide variety of discounts. However, it does not offer options like new vehicle replacement, vanishing deductibles, and accident forgiveness, and its rates are high for drivers with poor credit scores.

Allstate

Allstate offers high claims satisfaction and has a guarantee that credits you with the equivalent of your six-month premium if you are unhappy with how they handled your claim. It also has Drivewise, a program that can save you up to 40% for safe driving practices. However, Allstate has higher-than-average rates, and its customer reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) average 1.12 out of 5 stars.

Farmers

Farmers has agencies across the United States for in-person service. It offers customisable coverage, and its Farmers Signal program can save you up to 30% on car insurance rates. However, Farmers does not have a great website or mobile app, and its rates for teen drivers can go up to $810 monthly.

Liberty Mutual

Liberty Mutual offers 24/7 claims assistance and has good policy customisation options, including better car replacement, original parts replacement, Mexico auto insurance, and gap insurance. However, it has some of the highest rates compared to other top providers, and its customer reviews on the BBB average 1.08 out of 5 stars.

Nationwide

Nationwide offers one of the highest good driver discounts, at over 40%. It also has good customer satisfaction, with a 0.41 complaint index score from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. However, it has limited local agents and is not available in Alaska, Hawaii, Louisiana, and Oklahoma.

American Family

American Family offers a discount for Costco members and has a vast agency network for face-to-face assistance. However, it is only available in 19 states, and its competitors offer cheaper rates.

Other Options

Other auto insurance companies that do not ask for an SSN include The Zebra and AutoInsurance.org.

Why car insurance companies need your SSN

Car insurance companies request your social security number (SSN) as it is the easiest way to access vital information about you. It is the most accurate method they have to gather information about an applicant.

Insurers use your SSN to gather information such as your driving record, age, and marital status, all of which are important contributors to your insurance rates. While insurance companies can find this information by querying your name and address, having your SSN on file simplifies the process.

In most U.S. states, credit history is a major factor in determining insurance costs. Insurers use your SSN when running credit reports to assess your credit history. A poor credit score may lead to a higher insurance rate.

Your SSN is also used to verify your identity, and to check your criminal record. Based on your criminal background check, the insurance company will be able to see whether you've ever committed insurance fraud, vehicular manslaughter, or other crimes that might impact your auto insurance rates. If you have a criminal record, you may need to purchase high-risk insurance.

You can get car insurance without an SSN, but availability varies from company to company and state to state. If you don't provide your SSN, you may have to pay higher rates.

How to protect your SSN when dealing with auto insurance companies

While auto insurance companies can use your name and home address to pull your motor vehicle record, they are likely to get a higher level of accuracy if they also use your SSN. Your SSN is very personal, and giving it to the wrong person could result in identity theft.

• Research online: Look for insurers that explicitly state their SSN requirements on their websites or in their marketing materials. This information can help you identify companies that may not ask for an SSN.
• Contact insurance agents: Reach out to independent insurance agents who work with multiple insurance companies. They can provide information on insurers that are more flexible with their identification requirements.
• Compare insurance rates: Every insurance company has its own policy guidelines regarding which clients they will and will not write policies for. The easiest way to find a car insurance policy without an SSN is to consult an independent insurance agent with contacts at multiple insurance companies.
• Ask insurance companies: Contact insurance companies directly and ask about their policies regarding SSN requirements during the application process. They can clarify whether they ask for an SSN or if they accept alternative forms of identification.
• Only deal with reputable companies: If you have not requested an insurance quote and someone contacts you asking for your SSN, do not provide it. To keep your SSN safe, only deal with reputable insurance companies.
• Be cautious about providing your SSN: You might not need to worry about how to get auto insurance without an SSN. The auto insurance companies that do ask for an SSN take your privacy very seriously. It's always best to go with a reputable company to ensure your information is secure. However, you can get an idea of which company can offer a better deal without providing your SSN.

What to do if you're uncomfortable sharing your SSN

If you're uncomfortable sharing your Social Security Number (SSN), there are a few things you can do to protect yourself and keep your information secure. Here are some tips:

• Be cautious about who you share your SSN with: Only share your SSN with verified and reputable organisations or individuals. Do not give out your SSN just because you're asked to do so. Ask why they need it and how they will protect your information.
• Verify the reason for requesting your SSN: Understand why a company or individual is asking for your SSN. In some cases, there may be legitimate reasons, such as running a credit check or verifying your identity. However, you are not obligated to provide your SSN without a valid reason.
• Offer alternative forms of identification: In some cases, you may be able to provide alternative forms of identification instead of your SSN. For example, a driver's license, Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), or passport number can often be used for identification purposes.
• Protect your personal information: Keep your SSN and other sensitive information secure. Do not carry your Social Security card with you unless necessary, and do not share your SSN over the phone, email, or text messages. Use password-protected files to protect digital documents containing your SSN.
• Monitor your credit report and financial accounts: Regularly check your credit report and financial accounts for any signs of suspicious activity or identity theft. This will help you detect and address any issues early on.
• Use privacy protection services: Consider using privacy scan services to remove your information from public websites. You can also use identity protection services to monitor your SSN and alert you if it is being used inappropriately.
• Be aware of phishing attempts: Do not respond to emails, calls, or text messages asking you to confirm your SSN. These are often phishing attempts by scammers trying to steal your personal information. Remember that legitimate organisations will not contact you directly to request your SSN.
• Shred physical documents: Destroy and dispose of any physical documents that contain your SSN, such as old financial statements, medical bills, or tax returns. This will help prevent identity theft.
• Use multi-factor authentication: Protect your online accounts by enabling two-factor authentication. This adds an extra layer of security and ensures that you are the only one with access to your account.
• Keep your software up to date: Set your devices to automatically update their software and operating systems. This will help patch security flaws and prevent cybercriminals from exploiting them to steal your SSN and other personal information.

Remember, your SSN is sensitive information, and it is understandable to be cautious about sharing it. By following these tips, you can help keep your SSN secure and reduce the risk of identity theft or fraud.

Frequently asked questions