What Is a Home's Loss History Report and What Does It Show?

The report typically lists each insurance claim associated with the property's address. You will see the date of the loss, the cause, and the amount the insurer paid. It may note the type of claim, such as water damage from a burst pipe or flooding. This history helps insurers assess the risk of future claims on that specific home.

Details can include whether the claim was closed or is still open. The report usually does not include information on whether repairs were completed properly. It focuses on the financial loss reported to insurance companies. This data is used to build a risk profile for the property over several years.

You can request a report from the current homeowner's insurance agent. As a prospective buyer, you can ask the seller to provide this document, often through their real estate agent. The seller's disclosure forms may also reference past damage, but the official report comes from the insurance industry's database.

Another way is to order a report from a service that accesses the CLUE database. There is typically a small fee for this service. You need the property's address to make the request. Getting this report gives you a clearer picture before you finalize a home purchase.

• Request from the seller's insurance agent.
• Ask the seller to include it in disclosures.
• Order a CLUE report online for a fee.
• Check with your own insurance agent for guidance.
• Review the report for dates and claim types.
• Compare the report to seller disclosures for consistency.

First, verify that all repairs were completed correctly. You can hire a professional home inspector to check the areas mentioned in the old claims. Specifically, for water damage, look for signs of mold, warped flooring, or stains on drywall. An inspection can provide peace of mind or reveal issues needing attention.

If you are in a coastal area, consider a specialized water damage inspection for a detailed assessment. Understand that past claims indicate a pattern but do not mean future issues are certain. Always ask for receipts or documentation showing the repair work was done. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.

• Schedule a general home inspection.
• Request a specific water damage inspection.
• Look for mold, stains, or soft spots.
• Ask the seller for repair invoices.
• Check for proper permits on major repairs.
• Consider the age of plumbing and roofing systems.