Can new insurance see old claims?

Asked by: Vito Greenfelder II  |  Last update: December 11, 2025
Score: 5/5 (5 votes)

Insurance companies look at a property's past claims and use that as a factor in deciding how much you'll pay for homeowners insurance. They get this data from the Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange (CLUE). You can, too.

Can a new insurance company see old claims?

A Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange report — commonly called a CLUE report — details personal property and auto insurance claims dating back up to seven years. When you're shopping for a new insurance policy, insurers will likely request a CLUE report to view your claims history.

Can other insurance companies see your claims?

Every insurer scopes out your recent claims history as well as the claims history for the home when you switch insurance companies or purchase a new policy. This helps them price your policy. You should note, however, that not every insurer looks through your entire claims history.

Can insurance companies see if you've had an accident?

Insurance companies can see pretty much everything related to your driving history on your driving record. This includes accidents, all traffic violations such as speeding tickets or crossing red lights, DUIs/DWIs, and more.

Can insurance companies see your history?

An insurance company does not have the right to your medical information unless you grant their request. In some cases, however, the insurance company might attempt to access your medical records through a subpoena or a court order. This allows them to bypass the need for your written permission.

How do Insurance Companies Know about Previous Claims?

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How long do insurance claims stay on record?

For minor accidents, the record retention period typically spans three years from the date of the accident. Notably, if you were not deemed at fault, it is illegal for insurance companies to increase your premiums in California.

What information do insurance companies have access to?

An insurer can only access your medical records if you give your permission for them to do so. If you agree to let them go through your medical history, they'll contact your doctor and will look at your records over the last five to ten years.

Can insurance find out about claims?

Insurers use the CUE database to check if any incidents have occurred with different vehicles so if you fail to tell your insurer, they can usually find out anyway. The price will usually rise at renewal, or when you're buying a new policy, rather than at the moment you make a claim.

Do I have to tell new insurance about an accident?

When you get a car insurance quote, you are typically asked to disclose any recent accidents or traffic violations you previously had. A pending or open claim with your current insurer could jeopardize your ability to get coverage with a new company until that claim is resolved.

How long does an accident stay on your record for insurance?

In California, car accidents typically stay on your record for three years. After three years, they are likely to be deleted.

Are insurance claims discoverable?

The California Supreme Court opened the door to the discovery of other claim files in Colonial Life & Accident Co. v. Superior Court. (9) There, the insured sought the names ofother insureds whose claims were assigned to a particular adjuster to look for a pattern in the way the claims were handled.

Do insurance companies contact each other after an accident?

The other driver's insurance company may be calling to gather information about the accident. They want to confirm details about what happened, assess the extent of your injuries, and determine liability. Their goal is to protect their own financial interests, often by finding ways to minimize or deny your claim.

How long do insurance claims stay on Clue?

No other sources of data, such as credit reports, criminal records, civil lawsuits, or legal judgments are incorporated into C.L.U.E. reports. How long is loss history kept in the C.L.U.E. database? The database contains up to seven years of personal property claims history.

Can other insurance see claims?

Yes. There are specialty consumer reporting agencies that collect and report information about the insurance claims you have made on your property and casualty insurance policies, such as your homeowners and auto policies. They may also collect and report on your driving record.

Does claim history affect insurance?

Yes, a comprehensive claim might increase your rate, depending on your insurer and state. Comprehensive claims include non-collision events like car theft, car vandalism, car fire, chipped/cracked windshield, hitting an animal, and acts of nature.

How does insurance verify claims?

Insurance claims investigations rely on evidence, interviews, and records to conclude whether a claim is legitimate or illegitimate. There are several types of insurance investigations depending on the claim being made.

What happens if you change insurance after an accident?

You get in a car accident

You can actually switch insurance companies even while you have an open claim, even if you were at fault in the accident. That said, you will still need to work with your previous insurance company to settle the open claim.

What happens if someone sues you for more than your insurance covers?

You may face a lawsuit for the uncovered amount when damages exceed your policy limits. The injured party could attempt to seize your personal assets, which may include: Savings accounts. Wages (via wage garnishment)

Can insurance companies see old claims?

In regards to your insurance claims, though, insurance companies can see a CLUE report (Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange) that tracks seven years of claims information, such as the type of claim and the payout that was made.

Are insurance claims confidential?

In every state, the federal HIPAA Privacy Rule requires health care providers and health insurers to protect patients' privacy. The rule includes two special protections that restrict disclosure of protected health infor- mation (PHI) and provide for confidential communications.

How do I remove an accident from my insurance record?

While some insurance companies will offer a promotional program called "accident forgiveness" in situations where drivers are not found at fault, you cannot remove an accident occurred from a driving record. Your driving abstract is not like a criminal record that can be sealed or expunged.

Do car insurance companies share information about claims?

Insurance companies will often provide the reports, with the policyholder's authorization, to assist police in completing their official accident report and determining fault. However, without consent from the insured driver or owner of the vehicle, an insurance company cannot release the claim details or report.

Can you be denied car insurance due to your credit history?

Most U.S. insurance companies use credit-based insurance scores along with your driving history, claims history and many other factors to establish eligibility for payment plans and to help determine insurance rates. Again, except in California, Hawaii, and Massachusetts.

What are insurance companies not allowed to ask you?

If you're applying for health insurance, pregnancy status or plans to have children shouldn't come into the conversation. Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), pregnancy is considered a pre-existing condition, and insurers cannot deny coverage or charge higher premiums due to it.