You can get a copy of your auto insurance history in a few ways; the most common way is to contact your previous insurance company (or companies). The company can print out a history of your auto insurance coverages and claims (or lack thereof). This is often called a letter of experience.
There are a number of reasons you might need a copy of your auto insurance history; while insurance companies can usually run the necessary reports themselves, there may be times when you have to provide the information.
If you can’t remember which insurance company you’ve used in the past and need an auto insurance history, you can try to contact your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles. It may have information on your previous insurance policies. The DMV can also provide a copy of your motor vehicle record (MVR) as well, which can clear up any questions about tickets or accidents.
If it’s your claims history that need, that’s found in your CLUE report, which stands for Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange. It’s maintained by data analytics company LexisNexis.
You have the right to see what’s in your CLUE report, and can request a copy by contacting LexisNexis directly at 866-312-8076, or you can request a copy online.
The CLUE database enables homeowners and automobile insurers to exchange information about claims. Here’s a simple example of how the exchange system works:
- LexisNexis maintains a database of reports that come in from insurance companies regarding insurance applications and claims.
- If you file a claim on your home or auto insurance policy, the insurance company adds this information to the national database.
- If you apply for insurance with another company, the new insurance company can access the CLUE database and obtain a record of past claims.
- CLUE also includes information about inquiries you make, even if a claim was never submitted or paid.
If you need proof of insurance for a specific time period, to show the court or for other reasons, then you would need to contact the insurance company that covered you to request it. Proof of insurance doesn’t provide a claims history, only coverage and dates.
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Laura Longero
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Laura Longero is an insurance expert and Executive Editor at CarInsurance.com, where she specializes in helping consumers navigate the complexities of the financial and insurance industries. She has 15 years of experience educating people about finance and car insurance. Prior to joining CarInsurance.com, she worked as a reporter and editor at the USA Today Network. Her expertise provides readers with practical guidance, helping them make informed choices about their financial and insurance needs.
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