- The comprehensive loss underwriting exchange (C.L.U.E.) is a database kept by LexisNexis Risk Solutions.
- Any claim you file for loss against your car or homeowners’ insurance policy is added to the national database. That helps other insurance companies understand your claims history before issuing a new policy.
- You can obtain your C.L.U.E report by calling LexisNexis Services at l-800-458-9197 or emailing insurance.sales@lexisnexis.com.
What is a C.L.U.E. report?
C.L.U.E. stands for comprehensive loss underwriting exchange and is a database that allows automobile and homeowners insurance providers to exchange information — without notice to you — about claims for loss of property. (C.L.U.E. is a registered trademark of LexisNexis Risk Solutions, which acquired it from ChoicePoint in 2008, but it is commonly referred to as a CLUE report).
Under the Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act (known as FACT or FACTA), you are entitled to receive one free C.L.U.E. Auto and C.L.U.E. Personal Property report every 12 months.
How does the C.L.U.E. report work and how do I get a copy of mine?
You can obtain your C.L.U.E report by calling LexisNexis Services at l-800-458-9197 or emailing insurance.sales@lexisnexis.com. The personal reports section of the LexisNexis website also tells you how to order a copy of the report through the mail or view the report online. LexisNexis is the report provider and the only company that discloses this report.
Here’s a simple example of how the exchange system works:
- On a monthly basis, insurance companies feed information about property loss claims, even inquiries about coverage, into a central database.
- The database is maintained by an information vendor, not another insurance company.
- For example, if you file a claim for loss against your car insurance policy, the insurance company adds this information to the national database.
- If you compare insurance companies and apply for homeowners insurance or car insurance with another company, the new insurance company can access the central database and learn of your past claims.
- The consumer report shows the new insurer information about any claims you filed under your previous insurer’s policy. C.L.U.E. reports also include information about inquiries you made, even if claims were never submitted or paid.
When you or your insurance company requests a C.L.U.E report, it will include all losses reported within the past seven years from the date of the request. The basic information is the date of loss, loss type and amount paid, along with general information such as your insurance company name, policy number and claim number.
— Michelle Megna contributed to this story.
