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 about claims for loss of property. (C.L.U.E. is a registered trademark of LexisNexis Risk Solutions, who 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 1-866-312-8076. The personal reports section of the LexisNexis website also tells you how to order a copy of the report through the mail or, easiest of all, view the report online. LexisNexis is the provider of the report, and is 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 into a central database.
• The database is maintained by an information vendor, not an insurance company.
• If you file a claim for loss against your car insurance policy, for example, 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 a 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 given 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.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you with your insurance needs.