When you apply for home or auto insurance, the insurer usually checks more than your application. It looks at a database of past insurance claims tied to you, your vehicles and the property you want to insure. The best-known of these databases is the CLUE (Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange) report maintained by LexisNexis Risk Solutions. Understanding what's in your report, and how to correct mistakes, can help you avoid surprises at renewal or when buying a home.
What is a CLUE report?
A CLUE report is a consumer report that lists insurance claims, typically for the past seven years. There are two main types:
- CLUE Personal Property: claims on homeowners, condo, renters and similar policies. These are tied to both the person and the property address.
- CLUE Auto: claims on auto policies tied to the driver and vehicles.
Each entry generally includes the date of loss, the type of loss (for example, water damage, theft, collision), the amount paid, and the insurer. Other claims databases exist as well, such as Verisk's A-PLUS.
Why it matters
Insurers use claims history to price policies and decide whether to offer coverage. Several claims in a short period, or certain types of claims such as water damage, can lead to higher premiums or a declined application. For homes, a property's past claims can matter even if they were filed by a previous owner, because they may point to ongoing issues such as plumbing or roof problems.
Your rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act
Because CLUE reports are consumer reports, the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) applies:
- You're entitled to a free copy of your report from nationwide specialty consumer reporting companies once every 12 months, on request.
- If an insurer takes adverse action, such as charging more or declining coverage, based on information in a consumer report, it must tell you and identify the reporting company.
- You can dispute inaccurate or incomplete information, and the reporting company must investigate, generally within 30 days.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau maintains a list of specialty consumer reporting companies, including those that compile insurance claims histories: CFPB – List of consumer reporting companies. You can request your LexisNexis consumer disclosure through its consumer portal: LexisNexis – Consumer disclosure request.
What shows up, and what doesn't
- Paid claims show up, including the payment amount.
- Claims closed without payment may also appear, depending on how they were reported.
- Inquiries: if you call your insurer to ask whether something is covered, some insurers may record it as a loss notice even if you never file a claim. Practices vary. When you just want information, ask a broker a hypothetical question rather than opening a claim.
- Weather-related claims may be weighed differently by different insurers, and some states restrict the use of certain claims in rating.
Small claims: file or not?
Filing a claim close to your deductible may not be worth the long-term premium impact. Questions to consider:
- How much will the claim pay after the deductible?
- How might a claim affect your premium or eligibility at renewal?
- Is there a risk of a bigger, related problem later (for example, a small leak that could become a mold issue)?
Don't delay reporting a significant loss, injury or liability claim. Policies require prompt notice, and late reporting can jeopardize coverage. Our water damage and mold guide explains why fast reporting matters for water losses.
Buying a home? Ask for the property's claims history
Only the property owner can order a CLUE report for a home, but buyers can ask the seller to provide one during the inspection period. A history of water, mold or foundation claims could signal issues to investigate, and it may affect how easily you can insure the home. See our first-time homebuyer insurance checklist.
In California, insurers that decline or non-renew a policy must give written reasons, and you can ask the California Department of Insurance for help if you believe a decision is improper: CDI – Consumer help.
Disputing errors
- Request your report from LexisNexis (and any other specialty company an insurer names).
- Review each entry: dates, addresses, claim type and payment.
- Gather documentation such as claim letters, repair invoices or correspondence showing a claim was withdrawn or misattributed.
- File a dispute with the reporting company, and consider also contacting the insurer that reported the information.
- Add a consumer statement if a dispute isn't resolved in your favor.
If you believe a reporting company didn't handle your dispute properly, you can submit a complaint to the CFPB.
Auto claims and driving records
Auto insurers also look at your motor vehicle record (MVR) from the state DMV, which shows violations and some accidents. CLUE Auto adds claims history. At-fault accidents typically affect premiums for several years. Not-at-fault claims may be treated differently, depending on the state and insurer. In California, insurers must base auto rates primarily on driving safety record, miles driven and years of driving experience under Proposition 103.
Keeping your claims history clean
- Maintain your home: roof, plumbing, water heater and electrical systems.
- Install leak detection and water shut-off devices.
- Drive safely and consider defensive driving courses.
- Choose deductibles you can comfortably pay so small losses don't become claims.
- Ask a broker before filing borderline claims.
CLUE report checklist
- ☐ Request your free CLUE Personal Property and CLUE Auto reports
- ☐ Review for errors and dispute inaccuracies
- ☐ Ask sellers for a home's claims history before buying
- ☐ Think before filing small claims near your deductible
- ☐ Report significant losses promptly
- ☐ Keep records of every claim and how it was resolved
Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545 if a claims history issue is affecting your coverage.
Frequently asked questions
What is a CLUE report?
A consumer report from LexisNexis listing home and auto insurance claims, typically for the past seven years, used by insurers in underwriting and pricing.
How do I get a free copy of my CLUE report?
Request it from LexisNexis Risk Solutions. Under the FCRA, you're entitled to a free copy from specialty consumer reporting companies every 12 months.
How long do claims stay on a CLUE report?
Generally up to seven years.
Can a call to my insurer show up as a claim?
Some insurers may record an inquiry as a loss notice. Practices vary, so consider asking a broker general questions first.
Can I see a home's claims history before buying it?
Only the owner can order the property's CLUE report, but buyers can ask the seller to provide it during escrow.
Alishahi Insurance · 439 N Canon Dr, Penthouse, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · (877) 711-4545 · CA License #4348151. General information only. This isn't legal, tax or financial advice or a coverage determination. Coverage depends on policy language and underwriting, and rules vary by state.