What Is a CLUE Report and How It Impacts Your Insurance Rates

Understanding the hidden report that may be affecting what you pay

Insurance rates can sometimes feel unpredictable. One year they’re up. The next year they change again. You might assume it’s inflation or market conditions — and sometimes it is.

But there is another major factor working behind the scenes: your CLUE report.

In this article, we’ll break down:

• What a CLUE report is
• What information it contains
• How insurance companies use it
• How it may be impacting your premiums
• How to request your own report

What Is a CLUE Report?

CLUE stands for Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange.

It is a nationwide database maintained by LexisNexis Risk Solutions. Insurance companies submit claims data to this system, creating a centralized record of loss history.

When you apply for auto or homeowners insurance, carriers often review this report as part of the underwriting process.

Think of it as a claims history report — similar in concept to how a credit report tracks financial history.

What Information Does a CLUE Report Contain?

A CLUE report may include:

• Date of the loss
• Type of claim (collision, water damage, theft, liability, etc.)
• Amount paid by the insurer
• Status of the claim (open, closed, denied)
• Property address or vehicle information tied to the claim

For homeowners insurance, the report may also reflect claims filed on a property — even if you were not the owner at the time.

For auto insurance, it typically tracks claims tied to you as a driver or policyholder.

Who Provides the Data?

Insurance companies voluntarily submit claim information to LexisNexis.

If you have filed a claim — even if it did not result in a payout — it may appear on your CLUE report.

This surprises many people. Even inquiries that turn into $0 paid claims can sometimes show up in the database.

How Do Insurance Companies Use It?

When you apply for a new policy or your current policy renews, underwriters may review your CLUE report to evaluate risk.

Here is how it typically influences pricing:

• Frequent claims may signal higher future risk
• Recent claims may carry more weight than older ones
• A clean history may qualify you for better rates

Insurance pricing is largely based on predictive modeling. If data suggests a pattern of losses, premiums may increase accordingly.

On the other hand, a loss-free history often helps stabilize or reduce pricing.

Why This Matters More Than People Realize

Your CLUE report can impact:

• Whether you qualify for certain carriers
• Your premium level
• Eligibility for preferred pricing tiers
• Underwriting decisions on high-value homes

In some cases, multiple claims in a short time frame can even lead to non-renewal decisions.

This is why it is important to think strategically before filing small claims — especially on homeowners policies.

Can You See Your Own CLUE Report?

Yes, absolutely.

Because CLUE reports fall under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), you are entitled to request one free copy every 12 months.

You can request your report directly from LexisNexis Risk Solutions.

If you find errors, you have the right to dispute them — just like you would with a credit report.

What If You’re Concerned About Your CLUE Report?

If you are seeing rate increases and you are unsure why, your CLUE report may be part of the answer.

At Trailstone, we help clients:

• Understand what appears on their report
• Evaluate how claims history is impacting pricing
• Compare carriers with different underwriting appetites
• Make informed decisions about when to file claims

Not all insurance companies weigh claims history the same way. Some are more forgiving of older claims. Others focus heavily on recent activity.

Bottom Line

A CLUE report is a claims history database used by insurance companies to assess risk.

It can significantly impact your auto and homeowners premiums — sometimes in ways people do not expect.

Knowledge is power when it comes to protecting what matters.

If you would like help reviewing your claims history or understanding how it affects your current rates, reach out to Trailstone. We will walk through your situation, explain it in plain English, and help you make smart, informed decisions about your coverage.