What is the purpose of a CLUE report?

CLUE, or the Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange, is a database of consumer claims information that insurers use to assess customers and rate policies.

It was started by ChoicePoint and is now maintained by LexisNexis.

CLUE reports — on both property and automobile insurance — contain data on claims, including losses and their dates and amounts, along with policy numbers and the status of any claims. The reports also feature information on records inquiries made by insurers in the last two years.

The information in CLUE reports comes from insurers that subscribe to the exchange, and they’re the only companies allowed to access the database.

“When you apply for insurance, you give the insurance company permissible purpose to access information necessary in the underwriting process,” reads LexisNexis’ website.

“An insurance company may obtain information from an outside source (such as an information company) and inform you of the name of the outside source. LexisNexis Risk Solutions, LLC provides consumer reports only to persons representing companies who have permissible purpose and who have signed an agreement acknowledging their responsibilities in ordering and using consumer information.”

Under the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act, signed into law in 2003, consumers can receive a free copy of their CLUE report each year.

To do so, call 866-312-8076 or ask for a request form by mail by sending your name and address to LexisNexis Consumer Disclosure Center, P.O. Box 105295, Atlanta, GA 30348.

Additionally, you can request your report online at https://personalreports.lexisnexis.com.

For more information on the FACT Act and other consumer protection laws, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s website, www.ftc.gov.

‘Stalking’ involves repeat harassment

I read your column on cyberstalking. What is the legal definition of regular stalking?

R.S. 14:40.2 — the statute right before the cyberstalking law — defines stalking:

“The intentional and repeated following or harassing of another person that would cause a reasonable person to feel alarmed or to suffer emotional distress. Stalking shall include but not be limited to the intentional and repeated uninvited presence of the perpetrator at another person’s home, workplace, school, or any place which would cause a reasonable person to be alarmed, or to suffer emotional distress as a result of verbal or behaviorally implied threats of death, bodily injury, sexual assault, kidnaping, or any other statutory criminal act to himself or any member of his family or any person with whom he is acquainted.”

Online: www.legis.la.gov.

The Informer answers questions from readers each Sunday, Monday and Wednesday. It is researched and written by Andrew Perzo, an American Press staff writer. To ask a question, call 494-4098, press 5 and leave voice mail, or email informer@americanpress.com

(mgnonline.com)

John Raoux

(American Press Archives)