How Insurance Companies Set Your Rates | Blog | Vargas & Vargas Insurance

If you’ve ever applied for a loan or are currently paying off a credit card, you’re probably familiar with credit scores. But have you heard of insurance scores? Much like credit scores, insurance scores are used by insurance companies to predict how likely you are to file a claim, pay your insurance on time and thereby assess your risk level as a client.

At Vargas & Vargas Insurance, we often receive questions about what exactly insurance scores are, how they’re determined, and how they can affect your insurance policies. In this article, we’ll dive into all these questions to give you a clearer understanding of insurance scores.

Understanding Insurance Scores

Insurance scores are three-digit numbers that insurance companies use to evaluate the potential risk of insuring a new client. These scores help insurers decide if they want to take you on as a client and how much to charge you for your premium. A higher score means you’re seen as less of a risk, which could lead to better insurance offers, while a lower score might make it tougher to find affordable coverage.

Independent Insurance agencies, such as Vargas & Vargas Insurance, don’t use or have access to these scores themselves—this is something that the carriers handle directly using their own unique algorithms (think of it like a secret sauce). Because each carrier uses a different formula, your insurance score can vary from one insurer to another.

How Credit Scores Influence Insurance Scores

Yes, your credit score plays a significant role in determining your insurance score. Insurers have found a correlation between low credit scores and a higher likelihood of filing claims. The idea is that if someone manages their finances well, they are also likely to be responsible in other areas of their lives, such as driving safely or maintaining their home, thereby reducing potential risks.

It’s important to note, however, that while your credit score affects your insurance score, the reverse is not true—your insurance activities don’t impact your credit score.

State Regulations on Insurance Scores

The use of insurance scores isn’t uniform across all states. For instance, in Massachusetts, insurance carriers are prohibited from basing premium rates or decisions on policy renewals on credit-based scores. However, insurers may still consider these scores when deciding whether to take on a new client. Other states that limit or prohibit the use of insurance scores include California, Hawaii, Maryland, Michigan, and Washington.

If you live in one of these states, other factors will play a more significant role in determining the cost of your insurance policies.

Calculating Insurance Scores

When calculating your insurance score, carriers predominantly consider your credit score. However, other factors can also influence your score, including:

  • Your history of insurance claims
  • Your driving record, including any past accidents
  • How regularly you make timely payments
  • Your total amount of outstanding debt
  • The length of your credit history
  • The variety of credit types you have
  • How often you’ve applied for new credit
  • Any recent bankruptcies or foreclosures

Keep in mind that different insurers might prioritize some factors over others or might consider additional elements in their calculations.

Improving Your Insurance Score

Improving your insurance score largely revolves around enhancing your credit score and being a responsible policyholder:

  • Make sure to pay all your bills on time.
  • Work on reducing your overall debt.
  • Avoid taking on new credit lines unnecessarily.
  • Be a safe driver and conscientious homeowner to avoid claims where possible.

Can You Check Your Insurance Score?

When receiving a policy quote, you can ask the insurance company if they used your insurance score in their decision-making process. While you might not be able to access your specific insurance score easily, understanding your credit score can give you a good indication, as it’s a major component of the insurance score.

Conclusion

Understanding insurance scores is essential for anyone looking to purchase insurance. These scores play a significant role in how insurers assess your risk and determine your premiums. At Vargas & Vargas Insurance, we are always ready and willing to help you navigate through the complexities of insurance scores and ensure you find coverage that meets your needs. If you have any questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at 617-298-0655.

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What Happens to My Auto Insurance After a Hit & Run?

By carlos vargas • November 21, 2025
If someone hits your car and drives off, it’s called a hit and run . Imagine leaving the grocery store to find your bumper smashed with no note or witnesses. It’s not just the damage that’s frustrating; it’s the uncertainty about what to do next. Why Are Hit & Runs Confusing? Many drivers aren't sure what to do because we aren’t often taught how insurance works for these situations. But the more you know, the more protected you’ll be. At Vargas & Vargas Insurance , we guide drivers through hit and run claims, breaking down the process in simple terms. Key Questions Answered: What is a hit & run under Massachusetts law? What auto insurance helps in this situation? Will your premium go up? What immediate steps should you take? What Is a "Hit & Run"? A "hit and run" involves another driver damaging your car or injuring you and leaving without giving their info. It could happen in a parking lot, on the street, or even at home. Massachusetts law requires you to report it and file a claim. Coverage That Helps in a Hit & Run Your auto policy can help—if you have the right coverage. Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM): Essential for covering injuries to you or passengers. Collision Coverage: Covers car damage but requires you to pay the deductible. Note: Massachusetts is a no-fault state , needing collision and/or UM coverage for protection. Will Your Insurance Rates Rise? It depends. If considered a not-at-fault accident, rates might not increase. However, lack of a police report or a history of claims might affect rates. Reporting it properly is crucial. What Actions Should You Take? Call the police immediately to file a report. Take photos of all damage and surroundings. Seek witnesses or security camera footage. Contact your insurance agent for advice on filing a claim. Keep all records , like police reports and photos. The Bottom Line You can't control reckless drivers, but you can control your preparedness. Here's what you need to know: Have collision and uninsured motorist coverage for protection. A police report is essential. Your agent is your best ally for making claim decisions.  If you’ve returned to your car to find damage without a note, you know the stress. Now you know the steps to take and the protections you need. At Vargas & Vargas Insurance , we’re here to make this simple and stress-free. Unsure if your policy protects you from a hit & run? Call us at 617-298-0655 . Let’s ensure you’re covered before it happens.

Personal Liability Insurance: What Happens When Someone Gets Hurt on Your Property

By carlos vargas • November 21, 2025
In this post, we'll guide you through what happens when someone is injured on your property, how personal liability insurance can provide protection, and the steps you should take immediately if an accident occurs. By the end, you'll understand common scenarios that trigger personal liability coverage, what's included (and not included) in a standard policy, how claims are managed, and practical tips to protect yourself both before and after an accident. Understanding Personal Liability Insurance Personal liability insurance is designed to protect you financially if you are found legally responsible for someone’s injury or damage to their property. Typically, this coverage is part of your homeowners or renters insurance policy. If an incident occurs on your property and you’re held responsible, your personal liability insurance can help cover: Medical expenses for the injured person. Legal defense costs if you’re sued. Settlement or judgment amounts awarded to the injured party. Without this coverage, you could face out-of-pocket expenses which could amount to thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the situation. Common Injury Scenarios on Your Property Personal liability coverage may be applicable in situations like: A guest slipping on an icy walkway. A child falling off a swing in your backyard. A delivery driver tripping over a loose step. A neighbor’s fence being damaged by a tree falling from your yard.  Accidents can happen even if precautions are taken, and unfortunately, being "careful" doesn't automatically shield you from legal or medical bills. What’s Not Covered It's crucial to understand that personal liability insurance doesn't cover everything. Most policies exclude: Injuries to you or household members. Intentional acts causing harm. Certain high-risk situations, such as injuries from business activities conducted at home (unless you have separate business liability coverage). Understanding these exclusions can prevent surprises and the frustrations often accompanying a denied claim. What Happens After an Injury on Your Property If someone is injured on your property: Get medical help immediately — the priority should be the person’s safety and well-being. Document the incident — take photos, collect witness statements, and record all details. Notify your insurance company — report the incident promptly, even if unsure whether the injured party will make a claim. Avoid admitting fault — stick to the facts when speaking with the injured person and your insurer. Once a claim is filed, your insurance company will: Investigate the incident. Determine whether your policy covers the claim. Handle negotiations, settlements, or defense in court if necessary. How to Protect Yourself Before an Accident Happens While insurance covers the unexpected, prevention is better than reaction. Reduce your risk by: Keeping walkways clear of ice, snow, and clutter. Repairing loose steps, handrails, and flooring. Properly maintaining landscaping and trees. Providing adequate lighting for entrances and pathways. Regular maintenance not only keeps your property safe but shows responsible behavior if a claim is filed. The Role of Your Insurance Broker An experienced insurance broker can help you: Review your policy to ensure adequate liability coverage limits. Clarify exclusions so you understand what's not covered. Guide you through the claims process if an injury occurs. Suggest umbrella insurance for additional liability protection beyond your standard policy limits. Having a broker means you aren't navigating these situations alone — you'll have someone familiar with your policy advocating for you. The Bottom Line Accidents can occur anywhere to anyone at any time. If someone gets hurt on your property, personal liability insurance can safeguard your finances, cover legal costs, and help manage the situation professionally. The key is understanding how your coverage works before you need it. This involves knowing your policy limits, understanding exclusions, and ensuring you have sufficient protection in place. Additional Resources: Insurance Information Institute – Understanding Liability Coverage NAIC – Consumer’s Guide to Home Insurance