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Most people never think about their car insurance history until someone asks for it. You’re switching to a new insurer, and the quote comes back higher than you expected. A new company wants proof that you’ve been insured without a gap. You bought a car after a few years without one, and now you’re trying to remember who your old insurer was.
Your insurance history follows you from company to company, and it can affect what you pay. The good news is getting a copy isn’t difficult. You just need to know where to look because the information isn’t all kept in one place.
Three Different Records
When people say “insurance history,” they usually mean one of three things, and each comes from a different source.
Your coverage history shows which companies insured you, when you were insured, and whether there were any gaps. Your insurer has this information.
Your claims history shows the accidents and losses you’ve reported and what insurers paid out. This information is collected in national databases that insurance companies share.
Your driving record shows tickets, accidents reported to the state, suspensions, and points on your license. The DMV maintains this record.
A new insurer may look at all three when quoting you. Knowing which record you need can save you from requesting the wrong document.
Start with Your Current or Past Insurer
If you have a policy right now, your own insurance company is the easiest place to start. Call your agent or log into your online account and ask for a letter of experience. Some companies call it a prior insurance letter or proof of prior coverage. It usually lists how long you’ve been insured with them, the coverage you carried, and any claims filed under the policy.
Depending on the company, you might receive it by email the same day or wait a week for a paper copy in the mail. If you’re switching insurers, ask for the letter before you cancel your old policy. It’s easier to get while you’re still a customer.
If you’ve had several insurers over the years, you may need to contact each one separately. Your old declarations pages, which summarize the coverage you had at each renewal, can also serve as proof of past coverage if you kept them.
Agents deal with these requests regularly. If you’re shopping for auto insurance in National City, a new agent can tell you exactly which documents they need so you don’t spend time chasing paperwork they won’t use.
Check with the California DMV
The DMV is useful in two situations: when you need your driving record and when you’re trying to piece together insurance information you don’t have.
Your driving record is the more common request. In California, you can usually get a copy of your own record online for a small fee once you’ve set up a DMV account, or you can request one in person at a field office. If you want a more detailed record, you can complete a Request for Record Information form.
Insurance companies in California report coverage information to the DMV for registered vehicles. If you need to show that a vehicle was insured on a certain date or you can’t remember which company covered you, the DMV may be able to help. Because DMV forms and requirements can change, it’s worth checking the California DMV website or asking at your local office which form fits your situation.
Records for other people are a different matter. Driver information is protected by privacy laws, so you can’t simply look up someone else’s record. If you’re a parent trying to get your teen’s record, check what the DMV requires before you go.
Get Your CLUE Report for Your Claims History
Your claims history usually lives in a report called CLUE, which stands for Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange. It’s maintained by LexisNexis Risk Solutions, and many insurers both contribute to it and check it when you apply for coverage.
A CLUE auto report typically covers up to seven years of claims. It lists the date of each loss, the type of claim, and how much the insurer paid. It can also show claims you reported that didn’t result in a payout. This can be surprising. Calling your insurer just to ask whether something would be covered can sometimes show up on the report, depending on how the call was handled.
Under federal law, you’re entitled to a free copy of your report once a year. You can request it through the LexisNexis consumer website or by phone. It’s a good idea to review it before shopping for new coverage so you know what insurers may see.
Some insurers also use a similar report from Verisk called A-PLUS. If you’ve already checked your CLUE report and a quote still seems higher than expected, it’s reasonable to ask the insurer which report they used.
Fix Mistakes Before They Cost You
These reports aren’t always accurate. A claim might be listed twice. An accident that wasn’t your fault might appear as though it was. A claim belonging to someone with a similar name might also end up on your file.
If you spot an error, you have the right to dispute it with the company that created the report. The company is generally required to investigate the dispute within the applicable timeframe. Keep copies of anything that supports your case, such as a police report, a letter from your insurer, or a repair receipt.
It’s much easier to fix an error before you apply for a new policy than to argue over a quote afterward.
Why Your Insurance History Affects Your Rates
Insurers use your history to predict how likely you are to file a claim. Two factors can be particularly important.
The first is continuous coverage. Drivers who have maintained insurance without gaps may be viewed more favorably by insurers, and some companies may offer better rates to drivers with continuous coverage. Even a short lapse, such as a month between policies after selling one car and before buying another, can affect your options. If you’re between vehicles, ask your agent whether a non-owner policy makes sense for your situation.
The second is your claims history. Several claims in a short period, especially at-fault accidents, will often increase your premium. That doesn’t mean you should avoid filing a claim you need to make. However, it may be worth considering whether to file a small claim when the repair cost is only slightly more than your deductible.
Driving carefully and keeping your coverage active are two practical ways to help you manage your insurance costs over time.
A Quick Checklist
If you need your full insurance history, ask your current insurer for a letter of experience, gather old declarations pages if you have them, request your driving record from the DMV, and obtain your CLUE report from LexisNexis.
Read through everything carefully, dispute anything that looks incorrect, and keep copies of your records together. Having these documents organized can make the process easier the next time you shop for coverage.
Get Help from People Who Do This Every Day
If you need reliable and affordable car insurance, reach out to Altra Insurance Services. Our agents can help you determine which records you need and find coverage that fits your driving history. We also offer motorcycle insurance as well as homeowners and commercial insurance. Get in touch with one of our agents today for a free quote.