An insurance claim history report, often called a CLUE report, is a record of the insurance claims tied to you or a property. Insurers use it when setting your rate or deciding whether to offer coverage, much as a lender uses a credit report to assess risk.
Key takeaways
- CLUE stands for Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange, a database of past insurance claims.
- There are separate reports for autos and for properties.
- Frequent or recent claims can raise your premium or affect eligibility.
- A property's claims follow the address, so a prior owner's claims can appear when you buy.
- You can request your own report for free and dispute errors you find.
What a CLUE report is
CLUE stands for the Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange, a database that records insurance claim information. There are versions for autos and for properties, and insurers draw on them during underwriting (the process of evaluating risk and setting price). Think of it as a shared loss-history record the insurance industry consults before quoting you.
What the report contains
A report generally lists claims over a recent period and, for each one, details such as:
- The date of the loss
- The type of loss (for example, water damage or a collision)
- The amount paid
Because a property report is tied to the address as well as the owner, claims made by a previous owner can appear when you buy a home. Depending on how an event was reported, even inquiries or claims that were never paid may show up.
How insurers use it
Past losses help insurers estimate future risk, so a history of frequent or recent claims can affect both your premium and your eligibility for coverage. A clean history works in your favor, while a string of recent claims may prompt higher pricing or stricter terms.
| Report type | Tied to | Common uses |
|---|---|---|
| Auto CLUE | A person/driver | Pricing and eligibility for car insurance |
| Property CLUE | An address and owner | Pricing and eligibility for home insurance |
Your right to see and correct it
Because CLUE reports are consumer reports, you generally have the right to request a free copy and to dispute any information you believe is inaccurate. If you are buying a home, reviewing the property's report can reveal its loss history before you commit.
Why it is worth checking
Errors can raise your rate unfairly, and you cannot fix what you do not know about. Reviewing your report lets you confirm it is accurate, understand what an address's claim history might mean, and correct mistakes before they affect a quote.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get my CLUE report?
You can request your own report directly from the reporting agency that maintains it, typically once a year at no cost. Follow the agency's process to verify your identity and receive the report.
How long do claims stay on a CLUE report?
Reports generally cover a recent multi-year window, after which older claims drop off. The exact period can vary, so check the report itself for the dates it includes.
Can I see the CLUE report on a house before I buy it?
The current owner can usually request the property's report and share it with you. Reviewing it before closing helps you understand the home's loss history and any patterns worth asking about.
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This guide is general education, not insurance advice. Confirm specifics with a licensed agent or your state department of insurance.
- NAIC — Loss history reports and consumer rights — Official Guidance · retrieved May 31, 2026