What is C.L.U.E.?

C.L.U.E. (Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange) is a claims history database created by ChoicePoint that enables insurance companies to access consumer claims information when they are underwriting or rating an insurance policy.

What information is included in a C.L.U.E. report?

The report contains consumer claim information provided by insurance companies. It includes policy information such as name, date of birth, and policy number, claim information such as date of loss, type of loss and amounts paid, and a description of the property covered. For homeowner’s coverage, the report includes the property address and for auto coverage, it includes specific vehicle information.

Is there any other information besides loss history in the database?

Only loss history information is stored in the database. No other sources of data, credit reports, criminal records, civil lawsuits, legal judgments are incorporated into C.L.U.E. reports.

How long is loss history kept in the C.L.U.E. database?

The database contains up to 5 years of personal property claims history.

Who contributes to the C.L.U.E. database?

Only insurance companies that subscribe to C.L.U.E. can submit loss data and access C.L.U.E. reports. Consumers can access C.L.U.E. reports on themselves and their own properties.

Some companies choose not to subscribe to C.L.U.E. Losses filed with nonparticipating companies will not appear on a C.L.U.E. report.

How do insurers use C.L.U.E. reports?

C.L.U.E. reports are used almost exclusively to underwrite and rate new policies. Most insurers renewing existing policies do not access C.L.U.E. reports at renewal, largely because they already have loss histories for these properties in their own database.

How did insurers obtain this information before C.L.U.E. was created?

Insurers have always utilized loss histories as a primary underwriting and rating factor for homeowner’s insurance policies. Prior to C.L.U.E., insurers considering an application to write a new policy on an existing home obtained property loss histories in various ways: searching public records, requesting information from the applicant, and requesting information from the insurer currently writing the coverage for the property.

Who has access to C.L.U.E.?

Insurance companies that contribute loss data to C.L.U.E. can withdraw information from the exchange. In addition, some insurance agents, with the authority of the company they represent, can withdraw data.

Why are insurance companies allowed to obtain a copy of my loss history report?

Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, ChoicePoint is allowed to produce a C.L.U.E. report for the following insurance-related purposes:

• When the consumer reporting agency has reason to believe a person or company intends to use the information in connection with the underwriting of a consumer’s insurance policy. This includes situations where the consumer asks for an insurance quote or applies for insurance.
• When the request for the C.L.U.E. report is initiated by and at the request of the insurance company or agent.

Can I order a C.L.U.E. report on property I want to purchase?

No. Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, C.L.U.E. reports can only be accessed by the owner, insurer or lender for the property. However, you can request that the current owner of the property order a C.L.U.E. report.

How can I obtain a copy of my C.L.U.E. report?

Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act you can request a copy of your C.L.U.E. report from ChoicePoint Consumer Disclosure, P.O. Box 105108, Atlanta, Georgia 30348-5108, or call toll free 1-866-527-2600.