Insurance Companies Are Watching Claims Filed
System Used Is Called CLUE
UPDATED: 1:53 p.m. EDT October 31, 2002
CLEVELAND -- Your insurance history isn't as secure as it used to be, Troubleshooter Chris Caswell reported.
Betcha Didn't Know that if you file a claim with one insurer that another insurer will know about it.
The database used for exchanging information is called Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange.
So if your basement has mold, if your roof leaks or if there is damage to your home, Betcha Didn't Know that if you make a claim with your insurance company, every other insurance company will know.
But why?
"We need to know," said John Katzbach, of Katzbach Insurance. "The company needs to know what your history is."
People used to be able to make claims, be dropped and go to another company. Some consumers abused this practice.
"What it really helped us (do) was circumvent some of the fraud going into this," Katzbach said.
Caswell reported this also saves consumers money on policies. Also, just in case you want to buy a home, the database can tell you a home's history.
She added that you may want to know before you make the offer, especially with water and mold claims being prevalent.
The same goes for an automobile.
Caswell added, however, that if you have made multiple claims and have been dropped, it doesn't mean another company will not insure you.
Here are some tips from insurance experts. Caswell said don't claim every little thing and consider raising your deductible. Also, if you are shopping around for a home or car, put your agent to work. A good one will check the history of both for you.
Betcha Didn't Know that if you file a claim with one insurer that another insurer will know about it.
The database used for exchanging information is called Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange.
So if your basement has mold, if your roof leaks or if there is damage to your home, Betcha Didn't Know that if you make a claim with your insurance company, every other insurance company will know.
But why?
"We need to know," said John Katzbach, of Katzbach Insurance. "The company needs to know what your history is."
People used to be able to make claims, be dropped and go to another company. Some consumers abused this practice.
"What it really helped us (do) was circumvent some of the fraud going into this," Katzbach said.
Caswell reported this also saves consumers money on policies. Also, just in case you want to buy a home, the database can tell you a home's history.
She added that you may want to know before you make the offer, especially with water and mold claims being prevalent.
The same goes for an automobile.
Caswell added, however, that if you have made multiple claims and have been dropped, it doesn't mean another company will not insure you.
Here are some tips from insurance experts. Caswell said don't claim every little thing and consider raising your deductible. Also, if you are shopping around for a home or car, put your agent to work. A good one will check the history of both for you.
Copyright 2002 by NewsNet5. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.




