Last updated: October 28, 2026
Short answer: A C.L.U.E.® report is a LexisNexis record of insurance claims, with up to seven years of claims on a home. Insurers use it when they quote you. You can't order one on a home you don't own, but the standard Arizona purchase contract has the seller give you a five-year claims history. Browse our Avondale home search.
Key takeaways
- C.L.U.E. stands for Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange. LexisNexis says its C.L.U.E. Property database holds up to seven years of personal property claims.
- Generally, only the owner, or an insurer or lender with a legitimate business need, can get the report, so the buyer relies on the seller's claims history.
- Under the current Arizona REALTORS® purchase contract, the seller gives the buyer a five-year claims history within 5 days after the contract is accepted.
- Arizona law says that after 30 days from your insurance application, an insurer can't decline you based on a claims or consumer report (A.R.S. § 20-1652). Get your quote early.
¡Qué tal! I'm Rosie Armenta. When you fall in love with a house, the last thing you're thinking about is the insurance claims the last owner filed. But that history can follow the house, and it can change your insurance quote or even whether a company will write the policy. Mariela and I want you to see that history during your inspection period, while you still have time to ask questions and make choices.
What is a CLUE report?
C.L.U.E.® stands for Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange. It's a claims history database run by LexisNexis Risk Solutions, a consumer reporting agency. Insurance companies that subscribe to it report the claims they pay, and they check it when someone applies for a new policy.
According to the Connecticut Insurance Department's consumer FAQ on C.L.U.E., a homeowner's report includes the policy information, the property address, and for each claim the date of loss, the type of loss and the amount paid. It doesn't include credit reports, criminal records or court judgments.
What shows up on a CLUE report, and what doesn't?
| Usually on the report | Not on the report |
|---|---|
| Claims paid on the home, up to 7 years back | Questions you asked your agent about coverage (in Arizona, an inquiry isn't a claim) |
| Date of loss and type of loss (water, wind, hail, fire, theft) | Claims with insurers that don't subscribe to C.L.U.E. |
| Amount paid on each claim | Repairs, unless you add your own explanation or the seller gives you receipts |
| Policy number and insurance company | Credit reports, criminal records or judgments |
Sources: LexisNexis C.L.U.E. Property product sheet and consumer disclosure page; Connecticut Insurance Department C.L.U.E. FAQ; A.R.S. § 20-1652(F). Checked October 25, 2026; A.R.S. § 20-1652(F) re-checked October 28, 2026.
The Arizona seller's disclosure form asks about damage from flood, fire, wind, hail and water, along with roof leaks and plumbing problems, so those are good places to start your questions. A claim isn't automatically bad news. A roof claim that led to a new roof can be a plus. What matters is what happened, whether it was fixed and whether there's paperwork.
Can I get a CLUE report on a house I want to buy?
Not directly. Generally, only the owner, or an insurer or lender with a legitimate business need, can get the report, so the buyer relies on the seller's claims history. As a buyer, you ask the seller for it.
That's where Arizona's standard contract helps. Here's how the claims history works in the Arizona REALTORS® Residential Resale Real Estate Purchase Contract (February 2026):
| Step | Timing |
|---|---|
| Seller delivers a written five-year insurance claims history (or for the time they've owned it, if less) | Within 5 days after contract acceptance |
| Where it comes from | The seller's insurance company, an insurance support organization or a consumer reporting agency, or from the seller if those aren't available |
| Buyer reviews and can object | During the inspection period, or 5 days after receiving it, whichever is later |
| Default inspection period | 10 days after contract acceptance, unless the contract says otherwise |
Source: Arizona REALTORS® Residential Resale Real Estate Purchase Contract, February 2026, Sections 4b and 6a, checked October 28, 2026. All days are calendar days.
The seller's disclosure statement (SPDS) also asks whether any homeowner's insurance claims were filed on the property, so compare the two documents.
How does a home's claims history affect my insurance?
The Arizona seller's disclosure form warns buyers that their own claims history, their credit report, the property's claims history, occupancy and other factors may affect whether the home can be insured and at what cost. The ADRE Buyer Advisory notes that many factors affect the availability and cost of homeowners insurance, and that owners can request a five-year claims history from their insurer, an insurance support organization or a consumer reporting agency.
Arizona law gives you some timing protections:
- The insurer has to check early. If an insurer uses a claims or consumer report about the home or about you, it has to get that information as soon as practicable after you apply and before it issues a binder (A.R.S. § 20-1652(C)).
- The 30-day rule. After 30 days from your application, an insurer can't decline coverage or end a binder based on that kind of report. It can still act on the condition of the home found in a physical inspection (A.R.S. § 20-1652(E)).
- You can ask why. If an insurer makes an adverse underwriting decision, you can send a written request within 90 business days, and the insurer has 21 business days to give you the specific reason in writing (A.R.S. § 20-2110).
The purchase contract also tells buyers to get written confirmation of the availability and cost of homeowners insurance during the inspection period. For what insurance costs here, see my guide on how much homeowners insurance is in Avondale.
How do I use a CLUE report when buying a home?
- Ask early. Ask your agent to request the seller's five-year claims history as soon as your offer is accepted.
- Apply for insurance right away. Start your homeowners insurance application during the inspection period so the insurer runs its reports early.
- Match claims to repairs. For each claim, ask the seller for invoices, permits or warranties that show the repair.
- Tell your inspector. Share any water, roof or plumbing claims so the inspector can take a closer look.
- Get a written quote. Get written confirmation of your insurance cost and availability before the inspection period ends.
- Decide with the facts. If something worries you, you can object or ask for repairs within the contract deadlines.
For what the inspector checks and how to ask for repairs, read what happens at an Arizona home inspection.
Can I get my own CLUE report for free?
Yes. LexisNexis says the federal FACT Act entitles you to one free copy of your consumer report in a 12-month period. You can request it through the LexisNexis consumer portal or, according to the Connecticut Insurance Department, by calling 1-866-312-8076. LexisNexis also has a process to dispute information you believe is wrong. If you already own a home and plan to sell later, getting your own report early lets you fix mistakes before a buyer sees them.
Ready to start your home search?
Browse the Avondale home search or use the advanced search to look across the West Valley. If you own a home now, get a free home value report. Then call or text me at 623-295-5770. Mariela and I will help you ask for the claims history right away and keep your inspection period on track.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does CLUE stand for?
C.L.U.E. stands for Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange. It's a claims history database run by LexisNexis Risk Solutions that insurers use when they underwrite and price new policies.
How far back does a CLUE report go?
LexisNexis says its C.L.U.E. Property database contains up to seven years of personal property claims. The Arizona purchase contract asks the seller for a five-year claims history.
Can a buyer order a CLUE report on a house?
No. Generally, only the owner, or an insurer or lender with a legitimate business need, can get the report, so the buyer relies on the seller's claims history. A buyer asks the seller for it, and the standard Arizona contract requires the seller to provide a five-year claims history.
How long does the seller have to give me the claims history?
Under the February 2026 Arizona REALTORS® purchase contract, within 5 days after contract acceptance. You can object during the inspection period or within 5 days after receiving it, whichever is later.
Does calling my insurance company about damage count as a claim?
Not in Arizona if you're only asking questions. A.R.S. § 20-1652(F) says an insurer can't treat an inquiry about whether a policy covers a loss as a claim, and can't report a mere inquiry to a consumer reporting agency. It becomes claim activity when you actually file a claim that the insurer investigates.
Is a CLUE report free?
Yes, for your own report. LexisNexis says you can get one free copy of your consumer report in a 12-month period.
Can an insurance company deny me because of the home's past claims?
It can use claims history in underwriting, but in Arizona it has to get that information early. After 30 days from your application, it can't decline coverage or end a binder based on a claims or consumer report, though it can still act on a physical inspection of the home.
Should I walk away from a house with past insurance claims?
Not automatically. Look at what the claim was for, whether the repair was done well and whether you can get insurance at a cost that fits your budget. Your inspector and insurance agent can help you decide during the inspection period.
This article is general information, not legal, tax, or financial advice. Please talk with a licensed attorney, CPA, or lender about your situation.
About the authors
Rosie Armenta is a REALTOR® with West USA Realty. She and her daughter, Mariela Armenta, work together as a mother-daughter team. Avondale (85392) is their home base, and they help buyers and sellers across the West Valley in English and Spanish. Call or text 623-295-5770, or get a free home value report.
Rosie Armenta, REALTOR® | West USA Realty | Equal Housing Opportunity
Figures were checked on October 25, 2026 (the purchase contract, SPDS and A.R.S. § 20-1652 re-checked October 28, 2026), from LexisNexis Risk Solutions (C.L.U.E. Property product sheet and consumer disclosure page), the Connecticut Insurance Department's C.L.U.E. FAQ, the Arizona REALTORS® Residential Resale Real Estate Purchase Contract (February 2026) and Seller's Property Disclosure Statement (February 2023), the Arizona Department of Real Estate Buyer Advisory (January 2025), and A.R.S. §§ 20-1652 and 20-2110. Insurance rules change, so your insurance agent confirms what applies to you.