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Why do home insurance companies need your social security number?

I was filling out an online form to apply for homeowners insurance, but then it requested my social security number. With all the scams out there, I panicked and backed out of the application. But my friend says it's normal for insurers to ask for a SS number. Why do home insurance companies need your social security number?

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Rachel Rigolino · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Insurers need applicants’ social security numbers for a variety of reasons, from confirming your identity to checking your credit score and looking to see whether you’ve filed false insurance claims in the past (or done something else that makes you more of a risk).
If you’re uncomfortable sharing this information online, you can always call the insurer, but also realize that online forms from legit operators have security software to protect your number.
What will happen if you decide not to share your social security number, either online or over the phone?
  • Some insurance companies will charge you higher premiums. Why? Because they can’t access your credit score without your social security number.
  • You won’t be able to use their online services such as filing claims online or getting online quotes.
  • And for some insurers this will be a deal-breaker. They won’t allow you to apply for a policy.
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.

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