Clue report explained in straightforward terms, it is a database record of every insurance claim filed on your home. The Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange — known as CLUE — is maintained by LexisNexis Risk Solutions. Over 96% of home insurers check this report before offering you a policy. It tracks all claims — paid, denied, or still pending — on a property for the past seven years. Your home’s claims record follows the property itself, not just the current owner.
As a result, your clue report explained in full can reveal patterns that directly impact your premiums. Understanding what a clue report explained means for your finances is essential before buying, selling, or insuring a home. A problematic claims history can lead to higher rates or even a coverage denial. Reviewing this report gives you the power to address issues before they affect your next policy.
What a CLUE Report Contains
A CLUE report lists specific details about every insurance claim on your property. It includes the date of loss, type of damage, amount paid, and claim status. The property address, policy number, and insurance company name are also recorded. Even claims with $0 payouts appear on the report. However, simply calling your insurer to ask a question should not create an entry.
The report covers a full seven-year window of claims history. It shows paid claims, denied claims, and claims still pending resolution. This includes claims filed by previous owners of the property. Insurers review every entry when evaluating your application. For example, a property with multiple water damage claims may signal ongoing plumbing problems. A clue report explained in this context is essentially your home’s insurance resume. Keeping it clean directly affects your ability to find affordable coverage.
There is also a parallel system called A-PLUS, operated by Verisk. Some insurers check both databases. However, CLUE remains the dominant system. Having your clue report explained through an annual review is the most important step for protecting your insurance record.
How Your CLUE Report Affects Insurance Premiums
Insurers pull your CLUE report when you apply for a new homeowners policy. They use it to make two decisions. First, whether to offer you coverage at all. Second, how much to charge. A single claim can change your rate significantly. Multiple claims may make you ineligible for standard coverage entirely. A history of frequent or costly claims can also lead to nonrenewal of your existing policy.
The table below shows typical premium increases by claim type.
| Claim Type | Typical Premium Increase |
|---|---|
| Water damage | About 25% |
| Wind or hail | 15% – 25% |
| Fire | 20% – 35% |
| Theft or liability | 10% – 15% |
| Two or more claims | 40% – 80% |
A clean claims history works in your favor as well. Many insurers offer a claims-free discount of 5% to 20% off your annual premium. However, filing even one claim can eliminate that discount at renewal. It typically does not return until you build a new clean-record period. According to LexisNexis data from 2024, all-peril claim severity increased 9% in a single year. Wind claim severity alone rose 23.5%. As a result, understanding your clue report explained before shopping for a new policy is more important than ever.
Your CLUE Report Explained: How to Access and Correct Yours
Federal law guarantees you one free CLUE report every year. The Fair Credit Reporting Act and the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act protect this right. You can request your report online at the LexisNexis consumer portal. Online requests typically arrive within minutes after identity verification. Requests by mail or phone take 5 to 10 business days. In most cases, LexisNexis must deliver the report within 15 days.
Only the current property owner can request a CLUE report for their property. Buyers cannot pull a report on a home they want to purchase. Instead, they must ask the seller to provide one. Many real estate agents now recommend requesting this report as a standard part of the buying process. Typically, buyers make their offer contingent on a clean claims history. A clue report explained upfront protects you from inheriting a property with a problematic insurance record.
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If you find errors, file a dispute through the LexisNexis online portal or by certified mail. LexisNexis must investigate within 30 days. They contact the insurer that reported the claim to verify accuracy. If the insurer cannot confirm the information, the entry must be corrected or deleted. You can also escalate to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or your state insurance department. Under the FCRA, willful violations can result in damages up to $1,000 per violation plus attorney fees. Keeping your clue report explained and error-free is one of the best ways to maintain affordable home insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do claims stay on a CLUE report?
Claims remain on your CLUE report for seven years from the date of loss. This applies to paid, denied, and open claims alike. For example, a water damage claim filed in 2020 would remain on the report until 2027. As a result, even a small claim can affect your insurance options for years. Having your clue report explained through an annual review helps you track when old claims will drop off.
Can I get a CLUE report before buying a home?
You cannot pull a CLUE report on a property you do not own. However, you can ask the seller to provide one during the transaction. In most cases, requesting a clue report explained before closing helps buyers avoid properties with costly claims histories. This step is especially important for older homes with long ownership histories.
Does calling my insurer create an entry on my CLUE report?
Typically, calling your insurer to ask a question does not generate a CLUE entry. Only actual filed claims appear on the report. However, some insurers may handle inquiries differently. It is always wise to confirm how your insurer logs inquiries and to review your free annual report for accuracy.
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Official Sources & Resources
For verified information on home insurance regulations and consumer protection:
- NAIC (National Association of Insurance Commissioners): naic.org
- Insurance Information Institute: iii.org
- FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency): fema.gov
- FloodSmart (National Flood Insurance Program): floodsmart.gov
- USA.gov — Housing: usa.gov/housing
Content last reviewed May 2026. If you notice any outdated information, please contact us.