Do auto insurance companies have authority to require social security numbers for policyholders?

In applying for auto insurance, I note that several companies want social security numbers from applicants. Is this a legal requirement for obtaining auto insurance? or is it the policy of the insurer? or is it optional?

Mainly I would like to know if you MUST give your SS#. Companies can ASK anything they want, but I want to know if I can say, "I decline to give my SS#, and the company still has to offer me a quote/or a policy.

YES, they even run your credit score now & can refuse you if it is not up to there standard!!! That is just wrong!!! It is mandatory to have vehicle insurance, a credit score doesnt have anything to do with it. I guess they give you the higher rate if it is a low score thats unconstitutional & descriminating!!!

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I have ran into that same problem and i am not really sure why they do it but i know it factors into your payment premium. i have never heard of anyone getting turned down for their credit score but it does make your rate higher. I think and dont quote me on this but our driving records and Drivers licence are also being tied to our ssn. so i think its easier to look up when we last had insurence. also if you are paying on a car they can submit that ssn number to your car compnay so they know that 123-55-1234 actually has incurence and they can look up your account that way. you know what i mean??? I dont think its right but so many things are tied to our numbers. and i think thats why they ask for it. if you are looking for a good rate what i would do before you buy a car is look at the average insurence for the car and the safety ratings and stuff. like my car is a 2006 kia. i am 24 i have had my licence since i was 15 with no tickets i have a horrible credit score but for full coverage is only 260 every six months. and that is for more insurence then the state requires. so it really pays to shop around.

also if you do shop around you can tell them you are just wanting a quote and you would prefer that you dont run the credit till you deside to pursue the quote. and then DONT give them the ssn.

or if they will not give you a quote with out the ssn make sure you get all your insurence quotes with in 10 days wait about 30 days pull your credit report and then write VIA LETTER (the old fashion mail system is best for this) a letter stating you were shopping for insurence and all quotes (LIST THEM) should be treated as one inquiry.

I did this with mine when i was getting an approval with for my kia and its not a big deal. it just takes some paitence and a 35 cent stamp. if you have any questions i fixed my credit up by myself it just took some time your are more then welcome to IM me and i can tell you anything you need to know.

yes. When I applied for car insurance, they ran my ss #, found out I had VERY bad credit and refused to give me policy. I even offered to pay 6 months up front and was still told no. I had a policy with State Farm, moved to another state where the cost tripled (with State Farm) I moved back here and my insurance then was almost $200 a year more just because I had bad credit. It's not fair but they know we have to have insurance and they like everyone else will screw us if they can get away with it

I work for an insurance company that is credit based. I know, it is stupid. The company I work for won't give me insurance because of my credit. It is something they use for a consumer report, which tells them your credit standing. It will not impact your credit, but it will show up as an inquiry. They have the right to refuse you, but by law you need insurance...so even if your credit is less than perfect, you will still be able to get insurance from some company...they have to give it to you, but you may have to pay more. I guess they show how "worthy" you are and it will also show if they think you are going to make a payment to them.

I am not sure why you would not want to provide your social if you have a legal drivers license. cause they will then run a check on your driving history anyways. I no that they trying more and more to keep thosse illegal persons off the road. So that is why there asking for more information

yes they do and they run credit checks too............