A Social Security number (SSN) is a nine-digit number the Social Security Administration assigns to American citizens. Giving your Social Security Number to the wrong person could result in identity theft – and with it, many headaches.
However, there are times when giving out your SSN might be necessary, such as when you’re applying for a loan, getting a driver’s license, applying for utility services and getting a quote for car insurance.
Here’s what you need to know about auto insurance companies and your Social Security Number.
Do insurance companies need your Social Security Number?
Usually, yes.
Not all car insurance companies ask you for your Social Security number (SSN) as part of the quoting or application process, but many will, especially if they use credit-based insurance rates.
CarInsurance.com partners with car insurance companies that check credit-based insurance scores as a factor in your insurance rate. However, in some states, carriers are restricted from using credit information in their calculations.
States that limit how your car insurance companies can use your credit score to determine rates include:
- California
- Hawaii
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Oregon
- Utah
- Washington
Why do car insurance companies need your Social Security Number?
Your Social Security Number doesn’t have much to do with your driving record, but it does help an insurer determine some important information about you.
For example, a Social Security Number often is required because it makes it easier to pull reports that verify the information you have provided during the quoting process. This is an important step in finalizing the premium amount you will pay.
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.
Obtaining your Social Security Number allows the insurance company to run a credit check. Credit history has been shown to offer information that is a good predictor of the likelihood that someone will file an insurance claim.
Many auto insurance companies use insurance scores based on your credit report. If your credit is not verifiable, you might pay a higher car insurance rate. The carriers that don’t require a Social Security Number will use your address and name to calculate an insurance score.
Do I have to provide my Social Security Number to buy car insurance?
You can refuse to give your Social Security Number to a prospective car insurance company, but that can backfire in the form of higher insurance rates.
If the car insurance provider uses credit-based insurance rates and the company cannot look at your credit report due to a lack of SSN information, the insurer may either decline to sell you a policy or offer coverage at a higher rate. The same is true if they can’t pull your motor vehicle record.
Insurance rates are all about risk assessment, and not having vital information inhibits the insurance company from accurately assessing the risk you pose as a driver.
As a result, the insurer will typically err on the side of caution and consider you high risk, resulting in higher insurance rates. If you want the best car insurance rates, provide your SSN.
FAQ: Social Security Numbers and car insurance
Why would an insurance adjuster ask for my Social Security Number?
It is common for an insurance adjuster to ask for a Social Security Number as a security measure to ensure they are speaking with the right person. Adjusters might also use an SSN to check the insurer’s database for prior claims.
Is it safe to give an auto insurance company my Social Security Number?
To keep your Social Security Number safe, deal only with reputable insurance companies. If you have not requested an insurance quote and someone contacts you—via phone, email or text—and requests your SSN, do not provide the number.
What if I do not have a Social Security Number?
If you need to get an SSN, contact the Social Security Administration.
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Laura Longero
Executive Editor
Laura is an award-winning editor with experience in content and communications covering auto insurance and personal finance. She has written for several media outlets, including the USA Today Network. She most recently worked in the public sector for the Nevada Department of Transportation.
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John McCormick
Editorial Director
John is the editorial director for CarInsurance.com, Insurance.com and Insure.com. Before joining QuinStreet, John was a deputy editor at The Wall Street Journal and had been an editor and reporter at a number of other media outlets where he covered insurance, personal finance, and technology.
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Leslie Kasperowicz
Managing Editor
Leslie Kasperowicz is an insurance educator and content creation professional with nearly two decades of experience first directly in the insurance industry at Farmers Insurance and then as a writer, researcher, and educator for insurance shoppers writing for sites like ExpertInsuranceReviews.com and InsuranceHotline.com and managing content, now at CarInsurance.com.
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Nupur Gambhir
Managing Editor
Nupur Gambhir is a content editor and licensed life, health, and disability insurance expert. She has extensive experience bringing brands to life and has built award-nominated campaigns for travel and tech. Her insurance expertise has been featured in Bloomberg News, Forbes Advisor, CNET, Fortune, Slate, Real Simple, Lifehacker, The Financial Gym, and the end-of-life planning service.