What Is a CLUE Report—And Why Does It Matter When Buying a Home?
You’ve found a home you love. You’re officially under contract. The excitement is real—but so is the due diligence. As your Realtor®, my role is to protect your best interests and help you gather all the facts. That includes something most buyers don’t even think about: the property’s insurance history, also known as the CLUE Report.
Let’s break down what this is, why it matters, and how I help you request it during your Buyer’s Due Diligence Period.
What Is a CLUE Report?
CLUE stands for Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange, a nationwide database managed by LexisNexis® Risk Solutions. It contains up to seven years of insurance claim history for a given property or person, including:
- The type of insurance loss (fire, water damage, theft, etc.)
- The date of the claim
- How much was paid
- Whether the claim was denied or paid
- The type of coverage used
This report is typically used by insurance companies when underwriting a new policy for a property. In plain English? If there’s a long history of insurance claims—or even just one large or unresolved issue—it can affect your ability to insure the home, or cause your premium to be higher than expected.
Source: National Association of REALTORS® and LexisNexis Consumer Center
Why Does This Matter to You as a Buyer?
Buying a home is more than location and curb appeal. It’s also about making a financially sound decision. A CLUE Report helps you:
✅ Spot red flags like repeated water damage or fire claims
✅ Uncover potential repairs that weren’t disclosed
✅ Anticipate insurance costs
✅ Negotiate repairs or credits before closing
✅ Decide if you want to proceed—or walk away
When and How We Request It
Once we go under contract, we enter the Buyer’s Due Diligence Period—your protected window to inspect, verify, and ask questions. This is when I guide you to request the CLUE Report from the seller (or their insurance agent).
Here’s how I help:
🔍 I explain why the CLUE Report matters in everyday language
📨 I provide a sample request email you can send the seller
📋 I follow up to ensure it’s received in a timely manner
🔑 I review it with you and, if necessary, connect you to an insurance expert for clarity
Note: Because the report is tied to the property owner’s personal insurance, only the seller can legally request it. They can obtain it at no charge once a year through LexisNexis Consumer Portal.
Peace of Mind Is Part of the Package
As your Realtor®, I go beyond showings and signatures. I look out for what’s behind the walls—and on the record. Making sure you get the full picture, including the property’s insurance history, is just one of the many ways I help you make confident, informed decisions.
If you’re thinking of buying—or you’re already in escrow—let’s talk about what you need to know (and what questions you may not even think to ask). Your story is my story, and I’m here to protect it.
