Specific Details Regarding Driving Record and Credit Check

Hello all,

I was thrilled to find such an informative resource because I will soon have my background delved into by a large company that has offered me a position. I realize that not all background checks are equal, as is often said in these forums, but I am assuming that their third-party checking firm is thorough.

My questions:

1. How much can be revealed in the credit/financial check? Meaning, aside from a credit score and timeliness of payments, can they actually see the balances on your credit card and bank accounts? I haven't had any major issues in terms of collections or non-payment, but my credit card is maxed out to the absolute limit and my debit account pretty much empty to the last dollar!

The position is a seriously corporate, Master's degree required, managerial position from a demanding firm and I am afraid that if this is the case, I will be seen as 'irresponsible' or worse. Do you know if they can also see this?

I recently found an official definition on credit reports, which says, "A credit report is simply a rundown of your payment history, listing your accounts, balances and your payment behavior for each. " The fact that balances are mention is pretty scary, and sounds like quite an invasion of privacy!

2. I cancelled my auto insurance policy a few months ago because I was going to be travelling, and for the remaining time I borrowed a friend's car and wasn't going to be using my own, and wanted to avoid needless payment. Now that I'm back and ready to reinstate everything, I realize how stupid I was - now my registration is cancelled as a result, and I am told that I would get an SR-22 when I reinstate my insurance & registration. Surely the SR-22 will show up in a background check, but I hear this is frequently associated with drunk drivers and major infractions that have no comparison to my stupid lapse, so I am scared it will hurt me.

I did some research and saw that if I had signed a 'non-use affidavit' certifying that the car would not be in use during that period (which it truly wasn't, save for two emergency instances), the SrR-22 form can be waived. However, can I sign this now, after the fact, and have it work retroactively?

3. The job also requires a security clearance. Not the high-level, hardcore polygraph type security clearance, but the more standard type. Can anyone tell me what I can expect?

Thanks so much. I can't tell you how much I appreciate your time and input.

Best,
Roly

If you sign a release for them to pull a credit report, they can pull a credit report. Go to annualcreditreport.com to see what's on your credit reports with the major bureaus.

I doubt that the DMV will let you do anything retraoctively, but it doesn't cost anything to ask them.

Background checks vary; we have no way of knowing what they will look for in relation to the security clearance.

Hi,

You will only need an sr22 filing if you were convicted of a violation (DUI, reckless driving, driving without insurance, etc...)

The insurance goes with the vehicle first and the driver second, so if you did not own a vehicle and you were driving someone else's insured vehicle, you were more than likely covered and will not need an sr22 filing. Talk you your insurance agent and your local dmv.

Some states will fine you if you have a registered vehicle that is not insured, and if they suspend your driving privileges because of unpaid fines, you may be required to carry and sr22 filing.

Also - fyi: sr22 filings (the sr stands for safety and responsibility) are required to show that if you cause damage to someone else as a result of a serious offense, you have the financial ability - through your insurance - to cover the damages you cause. Your insurance company sends proof to the dmv that you have insurance that meets the minimum amount required by law (which is usually not enough coverage) and if your insurance ends for any reason they will also notify the dmv of the lapse.

From what you have described, I doubt you need an sr22 filing, however only the dmv can tell you that for sure, and only your insurance company can provide the filing (unless you want to post a surety bond with the state - much more expensive and not a great way to go...)

Rachel

The bottom line is we have no way of knowing how thorough of a background check they will do & what they will pick up.