Effect of searches on credit file

VisionThing

I know that searches have an effect on our credit rating, but to what extent?

I had a notification from Experian that there were "several" new markers on my account. When I checked it seems that my recent foray onto price comparison sites for home insurance resulted in 8 companies searching me.

I would understand if they were either the company I finally settled on or any of those I had searched via their own websites, but these are just other companies which cropped up in my results - why do they need to be searching me anyway when I am not seeking anything from them?

I was feeling confident about applying for one of the "poor credit" cards, but I guess I should now wait for these search markers to fade into the background.

How long is a search considered a negative aspect on file?

These searches are not showing on Noddle or Equifax.

YorkshireBoy

They're unrecorded ID enquiry searches. As such they're not seen by lenders when searching your file.

VisionThing

That's good to know. The Experian email made it sound like a huge panic! Hehe

Thank you.

MABLE

VisionThing wrote: »

That's good to know. The Experian email made it sound like a huge panic! Hehe

Thank you.

Why does not surprise me!

Nasqueron

VisionThing wrote: »

That's good to know. The Experian email made it sound like a huge panic! Hehe

Thank you.

Probably to try and encourage you to keep paying the charge for the totally worthless "service" they offer. If you're paying £15 a month or whatever just cancel it, they have to provide you with a copy of your file for £2.

VisionThing

Nasqueron wrote: »

If you're paying £15 a month or whatever just cancel it, they have to provide you with a copy of your file for £2.

Two weeks into my free month at the moment and not intending to pay, but thanks for the heads-up!

[Deleted User]

VisionThing wrote: »

When I checked it seems that my recent foray onto price comparison sites for home insurance resulted in 8 companies searching me.

...why do they need to be searching me anyway when I am not seeking anything from them?

But you are, you are seeking insurance quotes (and therefore a service) from all the insurers listed on the price comparison website!

As above though, I wouldn't worry, i have hundreds on mine from many of these price comparison websites instantly sending me a reminder etc for old cars i have had because i forgot to delete them from my account.

As an aside though, searches disappear after 24 months (On Noodle anyway)

VisionThing

newbieboy wrote: »

But you are, you are seeking insurance quotes (and therefore a service) from all the insurers listed on the price comparison website!

As an aside though, searches disappear after 24 months (On Noodle anyway)

I get that, I just didn't think they would need to search my credit file just to give a quote - they get all the info they need from the forms we complete to sign up.

Never mind, if these searches have no effect I'll just ignore them.

Thanks. 24 months I can live with.