Credit score may influence premiums

Dear Readers: Do you know what goes into determining the insurance premium for your auto insurance? One factor may be your credit score.

Not long ago, many insurance companies decided that your credit may be a good indicator of how likely you are to have a loss. That’s only one facet of the formula, though.

Where you live, the age of the drivers, what kind of car you drive and how many miles you put on the vehicle each year also go into determining how much you pay for coverage.

Check with your insurance company, and also peruse the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (naic.org) website.—Heloise

HALLOWEEN HINTS Dear Readers: It’s that time of year again, and here are some Halloween trick-or-treat safety hints:

■ Going in a group is always safest.

■ Only go to a house if the porch light is on, and don’t go inside the home.

■ Walking, not running, is safer, and a flashlight is a must.

■ A mask can be a hazard. Can you use makeup instead?

■ Wear reflectors on your costume, and make sure you won’t trip over your costume.

■ Check candy and treats before allowing children to consume them.

—Heloise

ROOTING OUT PAIN Hi, Heloise: Two weekly bouts of unbearable left hip pain. Two X-ray sessions. Two doctor visits. Nothing found.

I removed my wallet from my pants pocket. No pain.— Francis D., Reading, Pa.