Do you have a CLUE?

You don't have a clue? This is an underwriting exchange where insurance companies report, and access reports of claims.

So, what does this have to do with you? Well, it's possible that the property you want to buy may not be insurable. Really? Yes...there are homes in Texas where new buyers can't get insurance. And, I've heard stories of homes in the Chicago Metro area that also can't be insured as well as parts of Florida. It's a combination of the property and the current owner. So, whether you're a buyer or a seller, just be aware of this. If the current owner has had one or more claims on their home, it may cost you a lot more to insure the home, even though you've never had a claim yourself.

What is CLUE?

CLUE (Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange) is a database of consumer claims created by ChoicePoint that insurance companies can access when they are underwriting or rating an insurance policy.

Can I order a CLUE report on property I want to purchase?

No. CLUE reports are protected by the Fair Credit Reporting Act and currently can only be accessed by the owner or lender for the property. However, you can request that the current owner of the property order a CLUE report.

Why do insurance companies use loss history?

Actuarial studies conducted by insurance companies have shown a correlation between a consumer's prior loss history and his/her future insurance loss potential. Along with other factors, this history could be considered when companies make their decisions to issue policies and determine premiums.

The Office of the Insurance Commissioner can help you.

If you have any questions or need additional information about your rights as an insurance consumer, call their Consumer Hotline at 1-800-562-6900 or visit their web site at http://www.insurance.wa.gov/

Are Your Gutters Overflowing?

My neighbor called me the other day while we were having a downpour and said that one of my gutters must be clogged as water was pouring over the edge. So we checked it out and it was stopped by some debris, which I couldn't see from below since it was on the second story of our home.

That could have eventually been a way to have water possibly get into the basement. Water likes to run down a foundation wall and see if it can find any way to get inside and cause chaos!

So, if I were you, I would periodically check your gutters and downspouts for debris, log jams, bird's nests, etc, to make sure that rainwater has a chance to get away from your home. Also, take a look at where the water runs to once it's on the ground.

Checking and cleaning gutters and downspouts will require climbing a ladder in most cases. Ladder-related accidents send thousands of people to the emergency room every year, so it pays to be cautious. Make sure that the ladder is in good working condition and that you place it on a solid and level surface. I always like to have another person stand on the ladder at the base to keep it supported.

Do you have a negative grade towards your foundation? If so, add some extra dirt around your foundation and in low spots to make sure you have a positive flow away from your foundation. If you only have a concrete or blacktop on a certain side of your home that abuts up to your foundation, that make sure that the joint area is kept caulked with a sealant or some type of filler.