Mass. insurance chief bans credit scores

The Massachusetts insurance commissioner has banned use of credit scores in auto insurance coverage decisions under a final set of rules reforming the state's auto insurance market.

Commissioner Nonnie Burnes added a provision that had been sought by consumer advocates and some auto insurance companies.

Draft rules that Burnes proposed in August would have forbid insurers from using data from credit reports in setting individuals' rates during a one-year transition to the new market.

The final rules from Burnes go further by banning use of credit information not only in setting rates, but also in decisions by insurers on whether to cover someone or not.

The ban would remain in effect during the one-year market transition to allow more study of the issue. (AP)