A credit report can reveal more than just a score between 300 and 900. As an experienced mortgage broker having analyzed thousands of credit reports, I can see milestones and challenges based on many key indicators. Name changes, job changes, credit seeking, repayment history, lack of credit and traffic fines are just some of the information about you and I, that is reported to Equifax and Trans Union.
Unpaid traffic fines for parking, speeding, texting etc. will be reported negatively on your credit report and cause a decrease in your score. The time it takes before fines are reported to your credit report vary depending on the type of fine. But you are given sufficient time to to pay your fine or make a payment arrangement with Department of Fines Administration before your credit report is affected.
It is very important to keep your address current on your drivers licence as this is the address used by Fines Administration to contact you.
Even if the rest of your credit report is perfect all mortgage lenders will require confirmation the fine is paid before your mortgage financing is completed.
To make a payment or contact Fines Administration:
General inquiry: (709) 729-0424
Collection unit: (709) 729-4156
To contest a traffic ticket: (709) 729-1004 (Traffic Court) / http://www.court.nl.ca/provincial/courts/traffic.html
24 hour payment by Mastercard or Visa : (709) 729-0349
If you have made your payment but your credit report still shows the fine outstanding it is a simple process to get it corrected. Contact the Collection unit: (709) 729-4156 or
Email: finesadministration@gov.nl.ca and request a Bank Letter and Notice of Satisfaction. You will be asked for your Drivers Licence #, DOB and Middle name to confirm identity. Once confirmed your fines are paid you will receive via email the Bank Letter, Notice of Satisfaction and instructions on how to report the paid fine to Equifax and Trans Union.
I always recommend checking your credit report at least once yearly. It is your responsibility to ensure the information reported is accurate.
Check out this great article and list of ten ways to check your credit for free Here.
NOTE: This is my understanding of the overall process with Fines Administration. Please contact them using the general inquiry number above for questions or guidance.
Tonia Mercer | The Mortgage Missus Inc.
About the author,
Tonia Mercer is an independent mortgage broker. She has been in the industry for 15 years and in 2021 she launched her own brokerage The Mortgage Missus Inc.
Tonia is passionate about financial education and believes that working with independent experts is the best way to get unbiased, professional advice. She has joined forces with local independent home and auto, financial advisor, legal, appraiser and real estate service providers.
Effectively creating a concierge service for all things financial and real estate.
Connect with her at Tonia@themortgagemissus.ca
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