The best way to determine if you have negative information in your credit report is to order a copy and check it carefully. For a thorough review, you should check with all three CRAs since there may be some variations in the file each CRA maintains on you. This should be done at least once a year. Because the crime of identity theft is on the rise, we recommend that you check at least one of your credit reports each six months.

You should also check your credit report when you know it is going to be used to make important decisions, such as applying for an automobile or home loan, renting an apartment or applying for a job. Reports should be ordered at least one to two months before you apply for credit or intend to rent. At these crucial times, you do not want to be surprised to find that your report contains negative information, especially if that information is inaccurate.

A creditor has the duty to report only accurate, complete and updated information to a CRA. For example, if you close an account voluntarily, your creditor must report this fact in order to distinguish it from an account that is closed for nonpayment. If you disagree with a creditor's report of negative information, the creditor must put a notice of that dispute in your file before reporting to the CRA.

These questions and answers are provided for IowaMotors.com users' general information. Although we make every effort to insure accuracy in the information provided, we cannot make any guarantees as to this accuracy. We urge you to consult your lawyer, accountant or tax advisor for specific legal or tax advice.