One of the biggest expenses related to car ownership is insurance costs. Drivers need to be protected on the roads, and insurance is the only surefire way to keep you covered. Unfortunately, this necessary policy can be quite expensive, and if your credit score is worse than you'd like, it could cost you even more. 

The truth about credit scores
Credit scores play a role in your insurance rates. But credit history is just one of many factors that impact insurance premiums, along with your driving record, location and other financial details. Esurance noted that many companies use credit-based scores to evaluate how likely you are to have an insurance claim in the future. Numerous studies have shown that this figure is relatively accurate when it comes to predicting your risk for an accident and the following claim, so it makes sense for providers to consider this when deciding on insurance premiums. 

Of course, insurance is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to how a credit score impacts the bottom line. Your history will influence the type of auto loan you qualify for and what your interest rates are. You can improve your credit score in an attempt to make these other expenses more palatable, but it's going to be a slow process. Focus on making payments on time and eliminating debts as you can. In the end, this effort may even be beneficial to your insurance rates. 

Put your best foot forward
Because your credit score does matter when it comes to car insurance, you're going to want to put yourself in the best position possible before buying a used car. However, drastically improving a credit score can take a lot of time. If you need to get behind the wheel quickly, you may have to look to other resources that will help you save. That's where New Jersey State Auto Auction can help. 

This auction lot is home to hundreds of Carfax-certified used cars, and many of these options are available at low costs. People with less-than-ideal credit scores can find affordable vehicles with the help of the on-site financing department. The team of experts can get you guaranteed credit approval regardless of your credit history, securing you the loan you need to afford a used car.