Another soft search question, innit

desthemoaner

Hi All

I obtained an Experian credit account via the MSE Credit Club a couple of years back. All well thus far.

Today and in response to an email from MSE CC inviting me to check my score, I logged in and found several entries in my credit search file made on the same date earlier this month. All the searches listed were by insurance companies--I have not applied for any insurance recently. The searches were made under my name, but using an address which I left last year (Experian have my new address). 

I've contacted Experian about the matter, and they've helpfully explained what a soft search is, but not yet explained or investigated how such a search can appear when no insurance has been applied for. Anyone know what might be going on?

Barkin

Any insurance policies coming up for renewal? 

CliveOfIndia

Barkin said:

Any insurance policies coming up for renewal? 

This is the most likely explanation - very often, your current insurer (whether it's for car, house, whatever) will run a soft search before offering you a renewal quote.  Some of the aggregators (compare the market and such-like) will also sometimes do the same.

A soft search from insurance companies is usually nothing to be concerned about - it's only visible to you, a prospective lender won't see it (unlike a hard search).

desthemoaner

Thanks for the replies, and yes, come to think of it that might well be the reason for those soft searches.  I must have done a home insurance comparison in November at some point in the past and a comparison site did invite me to apply for renewal prices a month or so ago. Because I haven't used that site for a couple of years its likely that they wouldn't have my new address either.