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How to Read a Clue Report for Home Damage History

Last updated October 25, 2026

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The short answer

What a Clue Report Contains

A CLUE report, short for Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange, is a record of insurance claims tied to a property. It shows the date of each claim, the type of loss, and the amount paid out. The report does not list every repair or maintenance task. It only captures events that went through an insurance claim.

For a home buyer, this report is a snapshot of past damage. You might see entries for fire, theft, or water damage. Water damage claims are especially useful, because they can point to plumbing failures, roof leaks, or flooding. The report gives you a starting point for asking questions about the home's condition.

How to Get Your Own Report

You can request a CLUE report for a property you own or are under contract to buy. The report comes from a data provider, not from your local government. You typically need the property address and sometimes the previous owner's name. The process takes a few days, so plan ahead if you are in a buying timeline.

If you are the current homeowner, you can pull your own report to see what a future buyer might find. This is useful before you list your home. You might spot an old claim that you forgot about. That knowledge helps you prepare honest answers for potential buyers.

  • Check the claim date for each entry
  • Note the type of loss, such as water or fire
  • Look at the amount paid on each claim
  • Compare the address on the report to your property
  • Watch for multiple claims in a short period

Reading the Claim Entries

Each claim entry lists a date, a cause, and a payment amount. The cause is usually a short code or phrase, like "water damage" or "wind." The payment amount tells you how much the insurance company paid. A larger amount often means more extensive damage, but not always. Some repairs cost more than others for reasons unrelated to the damage size.

Pay attention to the gap between claims. If you see a water claim every year, that suggests a recurring problem. A single old claim might be a one-time event, like a burst pipe. Your job is to ask the seller or previous owner what happened. The report does not give you the full story, just the trail.

What the Report Does Not Show

A CLUE report only covers insurance claims. It does not include work done without a claim, such as a DIY repair or a cash payment to a contractor. It also does not show the quality of repairs. A home might have a clean report but still have hidden damage behind walls.

The report also misses damage that was never reported. For example, a slow leak that was fixed by a plumber without an insurance claim will not appear. So use the report as one tool, not the final word. Combine it with a professional inspection to get a fuller picture.

Using the Report Before You Buy

If you are buying a home, read the report before you make an offer. Look for water damage claims, since they often lead to mold or structural issues. If you see a claim, ask the seller for details and receipts for repairs. You can also request a water damage inspection to check for hidden problems.

If you live in Sammamish, keep a copy of your own report for reference. That way, you know what a buyer will see. A clean report can be a good sign, but it does not ensure a home without problems. Always pair the report with a walkthrough and a professional look at the property.

  • Ask the seller about any water claim
  • Request repair receipts for past damage
  • Schedule an inspection before closing
  • Check the report against the home's age
  • Use the report to guide your questions

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Frequently asked questions

How far back does a CLUE report go?

A CLUE report typically covers the last seven years of claims. Older claims may not appear, so a home could have damage history that is not on the report. For that reason, you should not rely on the report alone to judge a home's condition.

Can a CLUE report be wrong?

Yes, mistakes can happen. A claim might be listed for the wrong address, or the cause code might be inaccurate. If you see an error, you can dispute it with the data provider. It is worth checking, because an incorrect report could affect a future insurance decision.

Does a CLUE report affect my insurance rates?

Insurance companies use CLUE reports to decide whether to offer coverage and at what price. A history of water claims might raise your premium. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. You can ask your insurance company how your claim history affects your rate.

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