What is a C.L.U.E. Report?

We provide real estate services to buyers and sellers in Pennsylvania (Berks County, Chester County, Delaware County, Montgomery County, Philadelphia, Drexel Hill, Haverford Township, Havertown and Upper Darby) as well as in New Jersey (Brigantine, Atlantic City, Ocean City, Camden County and Gloucester County).

C.L.U.E. stands for "Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange" and is a proprietary database of insurance claims histories shared by participating insurance companies.  A C.L.U.E. report includes the type of claim and the amount paid on the claim to help insurance companies properly rate the risk presented by the customer.  It was conceived in the late 1980's and launched into the homeowners insurance market in 1992.  C.L.U.E. report is a consumer report, subject to regulation by federal and state governments under various Fair Credit Reporting Acts (FCRA).  This is similar to a credit report, but it relates to issuance of home insurance policies.

How is it used and who uses it?

C.L.U.E. is used for new business underwriting.  It is used by insurers to reduce costs, speed decisions at the point of sale and to detect and deter fraud.  C.L.U.E. reports can only be viewed by an insurance company or insurance agent when making a decision regarding an insurance application.  A consumer can review their own report.  Although C.L.U.E. is only available to the current homeowner, a potential buyer can request that the seller obtain a copy of their report and provide it with the other property disclosure documents prior to closing.

How do you obtain a report?

As a consumer report, Choice Point's C.L.U.E. is subject to the strict requirements of FCRA - the right to view your information, the right to ask for a correction of inaccurate information, and the right to comment on information.  "Affected Consumers" are entitled to a free copy of their C.L.U.E. report if C.L.U.E. information was used to take an adverse action by contacting ChoicePoint at www.consumerdisclosure.com, or by calling 800-456-6004.  "Curious Consumers" who want to obtain a copy of their own report may order on-line at www.choicetrust.com, or by calling 866-527-2600.

Choosing your Agent wisely. Any agent will show enthusiasm and will want to list your house for sale but choose your agent based upon:

1. Experience at listing and marketing houses for sale.

2. Ability to use technology to market your house world wide to buyers 24/7.

3. Reviewing with you a comprehensive Marketing Analysis of home sales in your area.

4. Ability to offer a written detailed MARKETING PLAN that will get your house sold at the highest possible price.

Working with a full-time professional real estate agent is a must.  Choose your agent by asking questions of him or her.  Find out how knowledgeable they are about houses currently for sale in your price range and also of houses that have recently sold. Can your agent recommend a good lender that has the reputation of excellent customer service and low rates to assist your new buyer with financing?  A good listing agent can get your house sold quickly at TOP DOLLAR and help you find a new home.

To receive your FREE copy of Homebuyer's Handbook or Homeseller's Handbook, click here.

Last modified:  05/14/2008