TDCI Encourages Insurance Policyholders to Check CLUE Reports

NASHVILLE – Many Tennesseans know the importance of checking their credit report, but few are familiar with the significance of their loss history report. The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance (TDCI) reminds consumers of the Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange (CLUE), a tool that could help them avoid paying higher insurance rates due to inaccurate or unrelated information.

CLUE is a claims-information report generated by LexisNexis®, a consumer-reporting agency. The report generally contains up to seven years of personal-auto and personal-property claims history. Most property and casualty insurers subscribe to CLUE, which allows them to check a consumer’s claims history. The tool is heavily relied on for underwriting.

“CLUE can be a great resource for consumers who are charged high rates or denied coverage,” said TDCI Assistant Commissioner for Insurance Michael Humphreys. “An insured consumer is able to check for and resolve inaccuracies on their report that could be contributing to higher rates. CLUE also allows the requesting insured consumer to add notations or explanations that will be visible to future viewers.”

Insurance companies report to CLUE all claims for which they pay out money, set up a file for a possible claim, or formally deny.

An insurer may request a CLUE report when you apply for coverage or request a quote. The company uses your claims history, or the history of claims at a specific property, to decide if it will offer you coverage and how much you will pay. Insurance company studies show a relationship between past claims and claims you report in the future.

Consumers are entitled to one free CLUE report a year under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. More information on CLUE, including a link to request a free copy of your report, can be found on the TDCI website.

Do you have insurance questions? We can help. Contact the TDCI Consumer Insurance Service Division at 1-800-342-4029 or (615) 741-2218.

About the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance: TDCI is charged with protecting the interests of consumers while providing fair, efficient oversight and a level field of competition for a broad array of industries and professionals doing business in Tennessee. Our divisions include the Athletic Commission, Consumer Affairs, Tennessee Corrections Institute, Emergency Communications Board, Fire Prevention, Insurance, Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy, Peace Officers Standards and Training, Regulatory Boards, Securities, and TennCare Oversight. 

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