Insurance Records: What To Keep

Insurance records refer to the information that insurance companies have access to, which is used to determine eligibility for coverage, authorise payments, and calculate premiums. The type of records that insurance companies can access varies depending on the type of insurance and the laws in a person's state. For example, auto insurance companies can access a person's driving record, which includes information such as their driving history, accidents, traffic violations, and license status. On the other hand, health insurance companies have more limited access to medical records, only viewing information necessary for payment processing, eligibility, and authorising treatments.

Motor Vehicle Record (MVR)

A Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) is a document that provides details about a person's driving history. In the US, each state has its own version of the MVR, which is typically issued by the state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or a similar government agency. The MVR is an important record for insurance companies, employers, and other organisations to assess a person's driving behaviour and history.

An MVR typically includes information such as:

• Any moving or non-moving violations, including traffic tickets, accidents, and citations.
• Driving restrictions, such as driving only during daylight or requiring corrective lenses.
• Traffic school completions or other driver improvement courses.
• License status, including any suspensions, revocations, or cancellations.
• Personal information, such as name, date of birth, and address. However, when ordering an MVR online, personal information like name, address, and social security number may not be included for privacy and security reasons.

The MVR is particularly relevant for insurance companies when determining insurance rates and assessing risk. Insurance companies will review the MVR to identify any negative marks that may indicate a driver is high-risk. Accidents, excessive insurance claims, and traffic violations are considered red flags, and insurers may charge higher rates if these are found on a driver's MVR.

In addition to insurance companies, employers also commonly review MVRs when screening job candidates or deciding if an employee should drive a company vehicle. This helps employers ensure they are complying with safety regulations and minimising risk.

It is important to note that MVRs may have different names in different states. For example, in Florida, the MVR is commonly referred to as a "driving record". Additionally, the specific information included in the MVR and the length of time violations remain on the record can vary depending on state laws.

Medical records

However, it is important to note that providing excessive medical information can compromise an individual's claim. Insurance adjusters may attempt to use an individual's medical history to devalue or deny their claim. Therefore, it is generally recommended to consult a personal injury attorney before signing any medical release forms or providing extensive medical records. These legal professionals can guide individuals in providing only the necessary documentation, such as records directly related to the injuries from the incident in question, relevant diagnostic images, and proof of treatment received or recommended.

In some cases, insurance adjusters may also request an independent medical examination (IME) to seek a second opinion on the extent and cause of the injuries. While IMEs are typically not required unless an individual is making a claim under their own insurance policy or has filed a personal injury lawsuit, it is important to carefully consider such requests and, if necessary, negotiate the terms.

To summarise, when dealing with insurance claims, individuals should be cautious about sharing their medical records and carefully review any requests for additional information. Consulting a personal injury attorney can help protect their rights and ensure they receive fair compensation for their injuries.

Driving records

Your driving record includes a variety of information regarding your history as a driver. This can include your name and address, driver's license number, license status (i.e. valid, expired, suspended, etc.), convictions related to motor vehicle violations, accident information, and driver control actions such as failure to yield or stop.

Different types of driving records may be used for different purposes, such as background checks or court appearances. For example, a residential history record lists your residential driving history, while a certified true copy is a complete driving record designed for official use by government agencies and courts.

The process for checking your driving record can vary depending on the state you live in. In general, you need to determine which type of driving record you want to receive, complete the appropriate application, provide proof of identification, and pay any applicable fees. In some states, you can request and receive your driving record online, while others may require you to apply in person.

Insurance companies typically check your driving record when you apply for a new policy and at renewal. They use this information to assess the risk associated with insuring you. Accidents, excessive insurance claims, and traffic violations are considered red flags, and your insurance rates may increase as a result.

The length of time that violations and accidents remain on your driving record depends on state law, typically ranging from three to ten years. After this period, the incidents will no longer be considered when determining your insurance premium.

CLUE report

A CLUE (Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange) report is a claims-information report generated by LexisNexis®, a consumer-reporting agency. It provides a history of your property insurance claims for homes, rentals, and vehicles. The report generally contains up to seven years of personal-auto and personal-property claims history.

The report will be generated if your insurance company starts, denies, or pays out a claim. It will include the amount the company paid, a description of the covered property, and the property address for homeowner claims or specific vehicle information for auto claims. The report will also include the policy number, claim number, and insurance company name.

Insurance companies use CLUE reports to decide whether to offer you coverage and how much you'll pay for it. They are meant to be an accurate reflection of your insurance loss history. If your CLUE report shows claims, you may face higher premiums and limited coverage. In some cases, insurance companies may decline to offer coverage based on past claims.

You can request a free copy of your CLUE report annually from LexisNexis. It is important to review your CLUE report regularly to ensure the information is accurate. If you find any inaccuracies, you have the right to dispute the information and request corrections.

Medical Information Bureau (MIB) report

The Medical Information Bureau (MIB) is a resource used by life insurance companies to assess risk and evaluate life insurance applications. It was founded in 1902 and works with insurance companies to combat fraud by compiling information from previous life, health, disability, and long-term care insurance applications.

An MIB report includes information about an individual's life insurance applications over the last three to seven years. This includes the date of any previous life insurance applications, the date of diagnosis or treatment for an illness, known medical conditions, and where the medical history came from. For example, if an individual had prostate cancer, underwent surgery, and previously applied for life insurance, their coded MIB records would show an insurer that they had an operation, when it happened, and how that information was obtained.

In addition to medical history, an MIB report may also include information on habits such as smoking, overeating, gambling, and drug use, as well as hazardous avocations and hobbies, and motor vehicle reports. This information is coded and protected by HIPAA regulations, and individuals can request access to their MIB report for free at any time.

The purpose of the MIB report is to help insurance companies verify an individual's health history and protect against fraud. Insurance underwriters use the report to ensure that the information provided on a current application is consistent with previous applications, allowing them to set premiums accurately. It is important to note that rates are not based solely on the MIB report but are just one factor contributing to an individual's overall profile.

Frequently asked questions