After seven years, negative information in your report should automatically be deleted. Under federal as well as California law, the seven years begins 180 days from the date of the original delinquency. A Chapter 7 bankruptcy should be deleted after 10 years from the filing date. A Chapter 13 bankruptcy, which includes some debt repayment terms, remains on your credit report for seven years. Otherwise, negative information will remain in your file for the period allowed by law. However, you may include in your 100-word explanation any extraordinary circumstances that led to the negative information, such the loss of a job or illness.

Companies or individuals promising quick fixes are almost always fraudulent. The important thing to remember is that no one can have accurate information removed from your credit file. The law offers some small protection to consumers who deal with so-called "credit doctors" or "credit repair clinics." Such companies are prohibited from charging a fee before completing a promised service.

A better alternative for help with re-establishing good credit is to contact a member agency of the National Foundation for Consumer Credit, such as the Consumer Credit Counseling Service. These nonprofit groups have offices in most cities. To find the office nearest you, call or write:

Beware of other credit repair services. Generally they promise a lot, charge a lot and, deliver little. For more information about credit repair services see www.ftc.gov/bcp/menu-credit.htm

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.