Infinity Auto Insurance, like most U.S. carriers, uses your credit-based insurance score to help determine the cost of your auto policy. This score is derived from your credit history, not your credit rating alone, and can affect premiums by as much as 30 % in many states. Understanding how the rating is calculated, which factors matter most, and what you can do to improve it will help you manage costs and choose the right coverage.
- What Is a Credit-Based Insurance Score?
- How Infinity Calculates Your Score
- Impact of Credit Rating on Premiums
- State Regulations That Limit Credit Use
- Improving Your Credit Score for Better Rates
- Infinity's Discount Programs Tied to Credit
- Safe Driver Discount
- Loyalty Discount
- How to Check Your Credit-Based Insurance Score
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Does a single late payment ruin my rate?
- Can I appeal Infinity's rating?
- What if I live in a state that bans credit scoring?
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What Is a Credit-Based Insurance Score?
A credit-based insurance (CBI) score is a statistical model that predicts the likelihood of filing a claim. Insurers, including Infinity, receive this score from credit bureaus and use it alongside driving history, vehicle type, and location to set rates.
How Infinity Calculates Your Score
Infinity follows the industry‑standard three‑tier model:
- Tier 1 (Excellent): Scores 800‑850 – typically qualifies for the lowest discounts.
- Tier 2 (Good to Fair): Scores 650‑799 – standard rates with modest discounts.
- Tier 3 (Poor): Scores below 650 – higher premiums, often with fewer discount options.
Exact cut‑offs can vary by state because some jurisdictions restrict the use of credit information.
Impact of Credit Rating on Premiums
Research from the Consumer Federation of America shows that drivers with poor credit scores pay about 30 % more than those with excellent scores, even after accounting for driving record differences.
| Credit Tier | Typical Premium Impact | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Excellent (800‑850) | –15 % to –30 % discount | Industry Study |
| Good/Fair (650‑799) | Standard rate (baseline) | Industry Study |
| Poor (<650) | +15 % to +30 % surcharge | Industry Study |
State Regulations That Limit Credit Use
As of 2024, 19 states plus Washington D.C. restrict or prohibit using credit scores for auto rates. In those states, Infinity relies more heavily on driving factors. The list includes California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, and Michigan.
Improving Your Credit Score for Better Rates
Even small improvements can move you to a lower tier. Follow these proven steps:
- Pay all bills on time – payment history is the largest factor.
- Reduce credit utilization to below 30 % of total limits.
- Avoid opening multiple new credit accounts within a short period.
- Check your credit reports for errors and dispute inaccuracies.
Most changes reflect on your CBI score within 30‑60 days.
Infinity's Discount Programs Tied to Credit
Infinity offers specific discounts that are directly linked to credit performance:
Safe Driver Discount
Requires a clean driving record and a credit tier of Tier 1 or Tier 2.
Loyalty Discount
Available after three years of continuous coverage; a higher credit tier can increase the discount by up to 5 %.
How to Check Your Credit-Based Insurance Score
Infinity does not provide the raw score, but you can request it from the major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) for a fee, or use free services like Credit Karma that estimate CBI scores.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a single late payment ruin my rate?
One late payment may lower your tier, but the impact diminishes after six months of on‑time payments.
Can I appeal Infinity's rating?
Yes. You can submit a written request with supporting documentation; Infinity will review and may adjust the tier if errors are found.
What if I live in a state that bans credit scoring?
Your premium will be based on driving history, vehicle safety features, and mileage, eliminating the credit impact.