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Texas Department of Insurance
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TDI Credit Scoring Study Synopsis

In 2004, The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) conducted a legislatively mandated study on the use of credit scoring. The study analyzed policyholder data at the individual level to determine whether credit scores are an effective predictor of risk, and to examine the impact of its use on different classes of consumers.

Preliminary findings indicate a strong relationship between credit scores and claims experience. Poor credit scores are associated with increased claims activity. Furthermore, the study found that Black, Hispanic, young, and low-to-moderate income policyholders tend to have worse credit scores than White, Asian, older, and high income policyholders.

Further analysis by TDI isolated the effects of multiple variables to determine whether credit scoring provides additional predictive capabilities beyond those of traditional rating variables. January 2005 results of that analysis

TDI's study is groundbreaking in the quantity and quality of data analysis undertaken to better understand the practice of credit scoring. The study was mandated by the Texas Legislature in 2003, at the same time that an array of consumer protection measures were enacted to regulate its use.

Methodology

Data in TDI study surpasses data used in many other published studies; it includes race and ethnicity information at the individual level rather than at the aggregate level used in previous studies (e.g., zip codes, census tract data). In all, the study looked at data for 2,000,000 policyholders, and included six auto credit scoring models and three homeowners credit scoring models. The study methods, findings and conclusion were peer reviewed by two leading universities and the Texas Office of Public Insurance Counsel.

Use of Credit Information by Insurers
Without Appendix (94kb PDF)

Use of Credit Information by Insurers
With Appendix (316kb PDF)

Supplemental Report - Use of Credit Information by Insurers in Texas
(153kb PDF)

For more information, contact: MediaRelations@tdi.texas.gov

Last updated: 9/22/2021