Credit file - do I exist?

Basil_Hume

Hello :money:

I'm planning to acquire a car through a personal lease or similar in about 6 weeks time. I had a decent credit file when I last checked in 2004 and have always repaid any credit. In recent times though, I have rarely used credit and I have recently moved - so I thought I'd better check my file again with the car lease application in mind.

I first tried annualcreditreport.co.uk, who could not identify me on their records. I thought little of this at the time as they are quite a new firm. However, yesterday I tried Experian's "free 30-day trial" to access my file... but their computer also cannot identify me.

I'm a bit concerned now as I don't seem to exist! The utilities at our rented flat are in my partner's name (perhaps an oversight?) or joint names, but my banking, mobile phone and credit card are registered at this address. I've been here for over 6 months.

Does anyone have any suggestions or advice to offer?

Thanks :beer:

hjb123

Maybe it would be worth you ringing someone like credit expert (who I think do experian) and speak to someone (unless you already have done so) rather than just via computer? They may be able to explain what the problem is.

Are you registered to vote? In the FAQ with Credit Expert they say that everyone who is over 18, registered on the voters roll and has a credit history should have a national credit score.

Basil_Hume

Thanks Helen. I don't think that I am on the electoral register - perhaps this is the problem. I naively assumed that if one paid Council Tax that you were added to the roll! I will add myself asap, but it looks as if the local council does a trawl from August to November by post and adds any newcomers only in January of the following year! :mad:

Is it possible to apply for credit / a lease without being on the roll, or will I have to wait until January?

hjb123

Im not sure afraid - your best thing would be to speak to someone at CreditExpert or look at their FAQ on their website though I cant really see one applicable to you - it just says that they update their details monthly with information from the local councils etc - check it out at:http://www.joincreditexpert.com/homepage/faq.asp?hold=False&faqDisplay=26#26

markmc999

Id say you probably do still exist. Most things stay on file for 3 years and some 6 so the info is probably still around. There online systems however are probably not able to confirm your who you say you are and to help protect your identity are not allowing the transaction.

Try giving them a call on Tuesday and ask for advice or try for a postal application with proof of ID.

loubie_lou

I think you can add yourself to the electoral role at any time of the year. I did not have to wait for one of the voting forms to come through the door. Mind you it may help to give your local council a quick ring. :j

Basil_Hume

Ah rats. :mad:

I've requested both Experian and Equifax credit files; both have written to me asking for documents to verify my identity.

Sadly these include a utility statement from the last 2/3 months. The gas, phone and electricity are in the sole name of my partner (who is away for another two weeks) - and the council tax and water, which are in joint names, are over 2/3 moths old.

I've registered to vote, but the next update of the register is now in December for Bristol!

What can I do?