What Salt Lake City Homebuyers Need to Know About C.L.U.E. Reports Before Closing

If you’re buying a home in Salt Lake City or along the Wasatch Front, there’s a lot to think about—price, inspections, financing. But there’s one thing that often gets overlooked: the C.L.U.E. report. 

What Is a C.L.U.E. Report?

A Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange (C.L.U.E.) report is a record of a property’s insurance claim history over the past seven years. It’s managed by LexisNexis and shows any claims filed by previous owners, like water damage, fire, or theft. Insurance companies use this report to assess risk when deciding whether to offer you coverage—and at what price.

Why It Matters for Salt Lake City Buyers

When you’re buying a home in a competitive market like Salt Lake City’s in 2025, you might not think about insurance until the last minute. But a C.L.U.E. report can throw a wrench in your plans. If the home you’re eyeing has a history of claims—say, multiple water damage incidents from our snowy Utah winters—an insurer might see it as high-risk. That could mean higher premiums or even a denial of coverage, leaving you scrambling right before closing.

How to Access a C.L.U.E. Report

Sellers can request the report for their property through LexisNexis, and as a buyer, you can ask for it during the due diligence period. In Utah, it’s not mandatory for sellers to provide it, so you’ll need to make it a priority. Your real estate agent can help guide you through this step to ensure you’re not caught off guard.

What to Do If the Report Raises Red Flags

If the C.L.U.E. report shows issues—like repeated claims for roof damage from heavy snow—you’ve got options. First, talk to your insurance agent to understand how it might affect your policy. You might also negotiate with the seller to address unresolved issues, like repairs, before closing. In some cases, you may need to walk away if the risks are too high.

Don’t Skip This Step

Understanding a home’s C.L.U.E. report can save you from unexpected costs and headaches down the road. It’s a small step that can make a big difference in your homebuying journey. Want more tips to navigate the Salt Lake City market? Check out my free Utah Forms Series guide at https://housemoneyre.com/utah to get the clarity you need.

Let’s make your home purchase as smooth as possible—I’m here to help!