Credit is when someone lends you money, and then you pay it back.
So, a Credit Card is used to make a "loan."
Then, you pay for the things that you charged later.
So, a bill for Insurance is not a loan. It is simply giving you the ability to pay-off a year's insurance on a monthly basis.
Similarly, making a monthly Cell Phone bill payment is not a loan.
If you wish to build-up Credit, you must find someone who will give you Credit.
To answer your question: YES, (reasonably) good Credit can be built-up in 12 months.
Now, how does one get Credit?
The easiest way is to go to a Jewelry store.
I began my Credit history by purchasing at Zales.
Another way: Have a Credit-worthy person co-sign for a Visa card.
The way Credit is made:
1) People check to see the HIGHEST amount you owed;
2) That you made EVERY payment.
So (even though it sounds weird), you should max-out whatever first Credit that you are given.
One way to make it easier is:
1) But something expensive;
2) Keep it for 45 days or so;
3) Return it for a refund (even without opening the box).
This will cause your Credit report to look like you have paid-off your account well.
BUT, do not pay-it-off immediately. Wait a month (so make the minimum payment, AND interest).
If not, it will severely reduce the Credit benefit.
If you don't know if you have any Credit, just check it out with one of the Credit Bureaus.
This will be FREE, if you apply for Credit, but are turned down.
By the way, it NEVER hurts to try to get some Credit.
This will allow your Credit to have the maximum effect.
** Edit **
I remember that you got some $$ from your Dad's insurance.
This makes building-up Credit easy.
You can "pledge" some $$ in a bank account (as a Security deposit), and receive a Credit card with a credit limit (based upon your deposit).
This way, you can go to 3 banks, and get 3 Credit cards.
Use your cards to buy everything, and keep a balance in each one.
This will make your Credit Report look pretty good, and pretty fast too.
