Last Updated on October 27, 2026 by Syed Sarim Naqvi
A CLUE report is a LexisNexis database that stores up to seven years of auto and home insurance claims for you and for a property, and insurers use it to price new policies and renewals, with estimates of the premium increase after one homeowners claim ranging from about 7% to 38% across sources. The catch is that even an inquiry that never became a claim can end up on your record, and a previous owner’s claims can follow the house.
Key Takeaways
- CLUE stands for Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange, a LexisNexis database holding seven years of auto and homeowners claims, though some states require shorter retention, such as five years in Texas per CoverageCat
- An insuranceQuotes survey cited by United Policyholders found a single homeowners claim raised premiums by an average of 9%, with 37 states plus D.C. above 10% and Wyoming at 32%
- Another report cited by Fortune put a homeowners claim at a 38% increase and an auto claim at 9%, and CoverageCat cites 7% to 25%, so the numbers vary by year and method
- The report tracks both claims you made personally and claims on the property, per Fortune, so a prior owner’s claims can affect a buyer
- You can request a free copy annually and dispute errors, and LexisNexis has 30 days to investigate
What Is a CLUE Report?
SmartAsset explains that the CLUE report is a claims history database produced by LexisNexis that, like a credit report, shows your recent insurance claims for vehicles and property, and that insurers upload a record whenever a consumer files a claim. A blank report means you filed no claims in seven years or your insurer did not upload them. MyBankTracker adds that insurers check the report when you apply for a policy and may raise your premium if they believe past claims make future claims more likely.
Why Does the Property History Matter?
Fortune explains the homeowners report has two sections: claims history for the subject, meaning you, and claims history for the risk, meaning the property, both over seven years, and recommends buyers look at claims the prior owner filed. United Policyholders cites the survey finding that 86% of Americans are unaware insurers use the claims history of previous homeowners to set premiums for new policies. SmartAsset notes an insurer might not raise your rates if you have a clean report and buy a home with prior claims.
| Item | What It Shows | Key Catch |
|---|---|---|
| Personal claims history | Claims you filed on auto and home policies | Follows you to a new insurer |
| Property claims history | Claims on the address, including prior owners | Can raise a buyer’s quote |
| Inquiries | Calls you made without filing | May be recorded as claims in error |
| Retention | Seven years, shorter in some states | Check your state’s rule |
How Much Does a Claim Raise Your Premium?
United Policyholders cites an insuranceQuotes study where families filing a single homeowners claim saw an average 9% increase, with Wyoming at 32% and only 13 states below the national average. Fortune quotes a different report saying a homeowners claim increases the average premium by 38% and an auto claim by 9%. CoverageCat cites 7% to 25% after one claim, depending on the type and amount. The sources differ in years and methods, so treat them as a range. As an illustration, a 9% rise on a $2,000 premium is $180 a year and a 25% rise is $500.
What About Inquiries?
MyBankTracker says LexisNexis advises insurers not to report inquiries as claims, but it can happen, so you should state clearly that you are making an inquiry and not filing a claim. Fortune quotes an insurance editor noting that a call can go on file as an inquiry even if you never make the claim. This is why many advisers suggest thinking carefully before filing small claims, especially under your deductible.
How Do You Get and Fix Your Report?
SuperMoney says under the Fair Credit Reporting Act you can request a free copy of your CLUE report annually and dispute inaccuracies with LexisNexis. MyBankTracker lists steps: if an insurer counted an inquiry as a claim, submit a dispute to LexisNexis with evidence. A consumer survey-based article says LexisNexis has 30 days to investigate errors, and Fortune adds that you can add a personal statement to your file. If an insurer agrees to correct errors, ask it to notify LexisNexis of the changes.
What Should You Check?
- Your report: order it before shopping for or renewing a policy
- Errors: look for inquiries recorded as claims
- Home purchases: ask for the seller’s claim history
- Small claims: compare repair cost with the deductible and likely rate rise
- Discounts: MyBankTracker notes security systems and impact-resistant roofs can lower home rates
How Does This Connect to Other Cover?
Pricing factors are in Credit-Based Insurance Scores Explained and Telematics Car Insurance Explained. Claim disputes are in Public Adjusters and the Appraisal Clause Explained, and settlement terms in Roof Insurance Explained. Buyers should also read Title Insurance Explained and The 80% Rule Explained.
FAQ
What is a CLUE report?
A LexisNexis database of seven years of auto and home insurance claims.
Does filing a claim raise my rates?
Often, with estimates from about 7% to 38% depending on the source.
Can an inquiry affect me?
It can if recorded as a claim in error, so state that you are inquiring.
Do prior owners’ claims matter?
Yes, the report includes claims on the property.
How do I get my report?
You can request a free copy each year from LexisNexis.
How do I dispute an error?
Submit a dispute with evidence; LexisNexis has 30 days to investigate.
How long are claims kept?
Seven years, or five in some states.
Glossary
- CLUE: Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange.
- LexisNexis: the company that maintains the database.
- Claims history for the risk: claims tied to the property itself.
- Inquiry: a question to your insurer that is not a filed claim.
- FCRA: the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Sources
- MyBankTracker: How Your CLUE Report Affects Your Home and Car Insurance (inquiries, disputes, discounts)
- Fortune: The Report Every Home and Car Buyer Should Have (38% and 9%, two report sections)
- United Policyholders: CLUE Report, This Surprising Database Can Drive Up Your Premiums (9% average, state data, 30 days)
- SmartAsset: Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange (CLUE) (how claims are uploaded, blank reports)
- SuperMoney: What Is a CLUE Report? (free annual copy, FCRA disputes)
- CoverageCat: CLUE Reports and Your Home’s History (7% to 25%, retention by state)
Related reading: Umbrella Insurance Explained · Frozen Pipe and Ice Dam Insurance Explained · Landlord Insurance Explained
Published October 2026. Claim impacts, retention rules and plan terms vary by insurer and state and change often; always request your own report and read your insurer’s claim policies, and refresh this article periodically.
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