Unauthorized Checking Of Credit Reports

[chrisf2573]

Did not have any idea where to put this so I decided that this was as good as any. I am 34, live in Illinois and had BK 8 years ago.

I get a letter from my insurance agency and they thanked me for choosing them for my homeowners insurance. However, because of "UNFAVORABLE NUMBER OF ADVERSE PUBLIC RECORDS", "INSUFFICIENT LENGTH OF CREDIT HISTORY", "RECENT ADVERSE PUBLICK RECORDS", "TOO MANY RECENT CREDIT CHECKS".
My problem is that I have had this company for my homeowners insurance for 5 years, and had them for renters insurance 5 years prior to that. So why did they wait 5 years to determine my credit was not good for their insurance rates? That should have been determined 5 years ago when I started the homeowners policy.
I am 34 I cannot understand why my credit history would not be long enough?
Even more concerning is why they are checking my credit without my permission?
Can a company or anyone check your credit without your permission? If so, then how can you be blamed for having too many credit checks? You are essentially being blamed for something outside your control.
I have done no recent applications for credit cards, loans, or anything. My most recent purchase was a new car back in September of 2006 and they told me that my credit score was in the mid-to-upper 700's. So the insurance company did not use my credit score as a determination because I have a good score.
I have requested a copy of my credit report, and I have to write the insurance company to determine how they decided this. They will only disclose that information by mail.
I really truely believe that no one should be checking my credit without my permission. That is personal information and releasing that without my permission is a violation of my privacy. Not to mention a security risk. I think that the insurance company has done this intentionally in order to squeze more money from their customers. I have done nothing to prompt them to do any checks, or asked for any changes in my policy.

[Mr. Knowitall]

You renewed your policy, presumably.

[Betty3]

At this time I would hold for the copy of your credit report & see what it shows.

[Almosthome]

Did not have any idea where to put this so I decided that this was as good as any. I am 34, live in Illinois and had BK 8 years ago.

I get a letter from my insurance agency and they thanked me for choosing them for my homeowners insurance. However, because of "UNFAVORABLE NUMBER OF ADVERSE PUBLIC RECORDS", "INSUFFICIENT LENGTH OF CREDIT HISTORY", "RECENT ADVERSE PUBLIC RECORDS", "TOO MANY RECENT CREDIT CHECKS".
My problem is that I have had this company for my homeowners insurance for 5 years, and had them for renters insurance 5 years prior to that. So why did they wait 5 years to determine my credit was not good for their insurance rates? That should have been determined 5 years ago when I started the homeowners policy.
I am 34 I cannot understand why my credit history would not be long enough?
Even more concerning is why they are checking my credit without my permission?
Can a company or anyone check your credit without your permission? If so, then how can you be blamed for having too many credit checks? You are essentially being blamed for something outside your control.
I have done no recent applications for credit cards, loans, or anything. My most recent purchase was a new car back in September of 2006 and they told me that my credit score was in the mid-to-upper 700's. So the insurance company did not use my credit score as a determination because I have a good score.
I have requested a copy of my credit report, and I have to write the insurance company to determine how they decided this. They will only disclose that information by mail.
I really truly believe that no one should be checking my credit without my permission. That is personal information and releasing that without my permission is a violation of my privacy. Not to mention a security risk. I think that the insurance company has done this intentionally in order to squeeze more money from their customers. I have done nothing to prompt them to do any checks, or asked for any changes in my policy.

Probably, although I am not sure, you authorized them to make inquiry into your credit report when you signed the contract. I suspect it is in the original policy or in an addendum you've received. Question: Can you agree to allow them to look at your credit report if they send you an addendum saying they will now do this without your express consent?

Here is the relevant FCRA section - there may be other sections which apply:

§ 604. Permissible purposes of consumer reports [15 U.S.C. § 1681b]
(a) In general. Subject to subsection (c), any consumer reporting agency may furnish a
consumer report under the following circumstances and no other:
(1) In response to the order of a court having jurisdiction to issue such an order, or a
subpoena issued in connection with proceedings before a Federal grand jury.
(2) In accordance with the written instructions of the consumer to whom it relates.
(3) To a person which it has reason to believe
(A) intends to use the information in connection with a credit transaction
involving the consumer on whom the information is to be furnished and
involving the extension of credit to, or review or collection of an account
of, the consumer; or
(B) intends to use the information for employment purposes; or
(C) intends to use the information in connection with the underwriting of
insurance involving the consumer; or
(D) intends to use the information in connection with a determination of the
consumer's eligibility for a license or other benefit granted by a
governmental instrumentality required by law to consider an applicant's
financial responsibility or status; or
July 30, 2004 13
(E) intends to use the information, as a potential investor or servicer, or
current insurer, in connection with a valuation of, or an assessment of the
credit or prepayment risks associated with, an existing credit obligation; or
(F) otherwise has a legitimate business need for the information
(i) in connection with a business transaction that is initiated by the
consumer; or
(ii) to review an account to determine whether the consumer continues to
meet the terms of the account.

[Betty3]

You replied to a thread from 7-2007. The original poster hasn't posted on this forum since.