Do Insurance Companies Share Information?
Car insurance companies don’t share information directly, but they access reports to assess your level of risk and determine your insurance costs.
Written by Logan Carter
Edited by Pat Roache
Car insurance
companies don’t share your information with each other, but they do access reports that help them understand your likelihood of filing a claim and your level of risk.- An insurance company may also use a Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange (CLUE) report to track the insurance claims history associated with your vehicle.
- Both of these reports can be used by an insurance provider to determine how much you should be charged for an auto insurance policy.
- An insurance company may also use a Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange(CLUE) reportto track the insurance claims history associated with your vehicle.
- Both of these reports can be used by an insurance provider to determine how much you should be charged for an auto insurance policy.
How insurance companies know your driving history
Auto insurance companies have two insurance industry resources to view your personal information:
- Motor Vehicle Report (MVR): Compiles the number of tickets and car accidents you’ve had to inform the insurance companies of your risk factor. This report is similar to a credit report and follows you from state to state.
- Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange/CLUE reports: These are less commonly used by insurance companies but can still be factored into your rate calculation. CLUE reports focus on claims filed on your vehicle—like damage to your car from a burglary or weather-related damage.
Insurance providers access this consumer information through independent agencies. While they won’t share your personal information directly with one another, they can use these reports to assess your risk and determine your rates.
Expert tip: You have the right to request more information if you’re turned down for a car insurance policy based on a consumer report. You should receive an adverse notice detailing the name and contact information for the source of the report.
Can I prevent insurance companies from seeing my driving history?
Insurance companies want to make an educated decision when choosing who to insure (and for how much). These reports help them collect the information they need to
determine a fair premium
based on your risk level.Key takeaway: More tickets, at-fault accidents, and claims on your record translates to increased risk for the insurance company—and higher premiums for your insurance coverage.
How to check your records
You can request copies of your driving and claims records from the specific company that manages them. There is often a small fee associated with receiving a copy of a report, though it’s typically under $12.
What to do: Since there’s no universal report, you’ll need to contact each consumer agency individually. You can find a list of
consumer reporting companies
from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.How to report incorrect information on your record
If you find any false information in your reports, you must address it with that specific reporting agency. Be sure to have documentation to support your claims.
How to lower your insurance premium with bad records
Policyholders with previous accidents, tickets, and claims will typically face higher insurance premiums:
- Minor violations: Traffic tickets forminor speedingorrunning a red light(without causing an accident) have less impact and tend to affect your rates for only a few years.
- Major infractions: More serious violations likeDUIsand reckless driving charges will have a far bigger impact on your car insurance rates. Some insurance companies may even refuse to cover you, so it’s important to shop around with various providers.
What you can do:
- Ask insurance agents aboutpolicy-based discountsthat could help you lower your rates, like a discounted rate forbundling car and homeowners insurance.
- Compare quotes from multiple providers to determine which company offers the most affordable rates for your unique driving profile.
You can request free quotes on your own to find an affordable insurance rate—no matter what your record looks like. Or turn to a trustworthy car insurance comparison tool like
Jerry
to browse car insurance quotes from top providers."Jerrybrought my insurance deductible down from $2.5k to $1k without me having to switch companies. I even had a ticket on my record. If it can help me, Jerry will definitely help you save money.” —Maxwell N.
RECOMMENDED
Compare auto insurance policies
No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms
FAQs
How long do tickets and accidents stay on my record?
Tickets and accidents never leave your record, but they typically only affect your insurance rates for three to five years, depending on the violation.
How often do insurance companies check your driving record?
Car insurance agencies only check your record if they have a good reason to do so—such as if you’re searching for a new policy or if your car insurance is up for renewal.
Can a car insurance company deny me insurance based on my driving record?
Yes. Insurance companies can choose not to insure you if they think you’re simply too risky. Some providers specialize in car insurance for higher-risk drivers.
4.7
