Credit and credit history can affect your insurance rates-

Both your claims history and your credit record can influence your insurance rates, and may even make getting insurance difficult. Enclosed is some information on where to get your reports.

Get a copy of your credit record at any of the three major credit bureaus ... Equifax, Experian and Trans Union.

The Federal Trade Commission website (http://www.ftc.gov/) has information that states by law these organizations cannot charge more than $9 for your credit report. On their credit bureau websites, you may find them offering all kinds of enhanced reports for $20, $30 or more. Just remember they MUST offer you a basic credit report for $9. Look around to find the $9 report.

It's a good idea to check your credit report once a year and make sure it's accurate. You may also catch an Identity Thief before they do too much damage to your credit by checking regularly.

Equifax - www.equifax.com or 800-685-1111

Experian - www.experian.com or 888-397-3742

Trans Union - www.transunion.com or 800-888-4213

Identity theft is a major issue that can take years and lots of money to fix. Be proactive and check your credit report.  It can help prevent identity theft and alert you to possible problems that could lead to increased insurance rates.

I hope you found this information useful.