Credit checks, credit cards and passports

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Question 1: I read that changing utility companies frequently (cable, dish and DirecTV, etc) - can create an inquiry on your credit report and this will result in an increase in insurance premiums. Is that true? - Barb, Pennsylvania

Switching your cable operators frequently CAN increase your insurance premiums. That's because cable companies and phone companies look at your credit history and that can hurt your score.

And if you have more than two inquiries into your credit score per year, it may impact what kind of insurance rates you get. That's because 90 percent of insurers look at your score to determine your rate.

The good news is that inquiries don't impact your score that much. In most cases, your score would drop less than 5 percent, according to Craig Watts of Fair Isaac. For more information on what affects your insurance, go to insurancescore.com.

Question 2: How do I negotiate a lower rate on my credit card? The card started at a low rate and then all of a sudden shot up! Do you have any advice? - Brandi, Indiana

We've got good news for you. More competition is giving consumers greater leverage to negotiate lower rates. So, if you've been a good customer, chances are you may be able to shave some points off your interest rate.

In fact, according to a recent study over 75 percent of people who asked to pay less said they got their rates reduced. And that's because it costs more to attract new accounts than to hold on to existing ones.

If you've missed a payment (which may have caused your rate to skyrocket), make sure you call the company and ask for leniency. Just remember, the worst they can say is "no." You can always shop around at cardratings.com. There are always more fish in the sea.

Question 3: Is it OK to have an expired passport when going to Canada? I won't have enough time to get a new one. We will be traveling by bus. - Jim

Well, for now, you're in the clear Jim. The new passport rules apply to air travelers. But you still can't afford to dawdle. Replace that passport soon.

Beginning next January, you'll need a passport if you're going to be taking a bus, driving a car or going on a cruise. For more information on how to renew your passport, go to the State Department's Web site at travel.state.gov.

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