DerbyDad03 used improper usenet message composition style by
unnecessarily full-quoting:

I recently requested an auto insurance quote. When he asked for my
SS number I asked him why he needed that.

His answer: "You don't have to give me your SS number if you don't
want to."

I didn't and still got the quote.

He was asking for your SSN because he wanted to run a credit check on
you.

Insurance companies correlate your credit score with your level of
trustworthiness and personal responsibility. Apparently, there are
studies that show a good credit score is correlated with a lower car
accident rate - the theory being that if you are take enough care to
keep your finances in control and have a good credit score, you probably
also excercise that level of control (judgement, etc) in your driving.