C.L.U.E. ® Reports Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange

A centralized database, the Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange


( C.L.U.E. ® ) has been established by the insurance companies to act as a clearinghouse for quick reference of this data. The C.L.U.E. ® is maintained by the Georgia-based company Choice Point. Over 600 companies covering 90% of the insurance market contribute to the database.

The C.L.U.E. ® database.

Homebuyers purchasing older homes may find it difficult to obtain insurance, even if they have no history of filing claims. If the industry database indicates that the property itself is catastrophe-prone, insurance companies may refuse to insure the property. Purchasers who have a record of filing too many claims on their current residences may find it difficult, even impossible to obtain hazard insurance on the new home they want to buy.

Without insurance, buyers may be unable to obtain loans ( remember that in order to close your purchase Real Estate transaction you have to obtain insurance prior to attend to the closing table)

In mid-2002 , the Wall Street Journal reported that several major insurance companies were implementing policies that would penalize property owners who filed 2 claims within 3 years ( “Your are Cancelled : How to Hang on to Your Home Insurance” , [May 14, 2002] D1). Generally, insurance companies forgive one claim in 5 years.


When a consumer files a claim with their insurance company , it recorded in the C.L.U.E.® database. That information is shared with other insurance companies when consumers shop for new insurance coverage.

It is not , however, used for renewing coverage with the consumer current insurance company.

The database has been in use for over 15 years. Prior to the development of the C.L.U.E.® , the insurance companies checked for prior claims by writing letters, sending faxes, and making phone calls. This practices added cost and delayed the insurance agent’s ability to provide the consumer with a quote.

The C.L.U.E.® database tells the agent and insurance company what claims consumers have filed in the past 5 years. The database does not tell the insurance company what to do with the information. The database does report what claims have been filed by the policy holder for personal losses , such as a lost wedding ring and also losses that have occurred to the property , like a kitchen fire. Approximately , 2/3 of all C.L.U.E. ®
Reports show no claims at all.

A tool for consumers.

The C.L.U.E. ® report can be a powerful consumer tool for home sellers , as well as buyers. Sellers can advertise the fact that they have not had any claims. The buyer may wish to ask the seller for a copy of the seller’s property C.L.U.E. ® report to learn about prior problems with the property.

Real Estate professionals may wish to consider having their customers order a C.L.U.E.® report as soon as they are under contract to market their home.

By ordering the report early, consumers can check for inaccuracies and have them corrected before they seek insurance.

Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, C.L.U.E.® reports can only be accessed by the owner or insurer for the property. However, licensees who list properties and homebuyers can request that the current owner of the property order a C.L.U.E.® report.

It is also important for homebuyers to speak with their insurance agents as soon as possible so agents can begin securing appropriate coverage for the new home. In a tight insurance market , obtaining insurance cannot be taken for granted.