What is CUE and why is it important?
By helping catch bogus claims, CUE keeps the cost of insurance down for everybody
Key takeaways
Claims and Underwriting Exchange (CUE) helps insurers cross-reference claims and incidents to ensure policyholder information accuracy
This covers car, home, and travel insurance, as well as personal injury claims
Helps identify fraudulent claims and reduce overall insurance costs
Established in 1994, the Claims and Underwriting Exchange (CUE) shared database has become an essential tool for insurers, allowing them to cross-reference claims and incidents to ensure the accuracy of policyholder information.
Scope of the CUE database
The national database is huge and not limited to car insurance. It also includes home insurance and travel insurance, as well as personal injury claims, and contains around 34 million records. This extensive coverage is a clear indication of the breadth and depth of data that insurers have at their disposal to safeguard their operations and their customers.
Content of the CUE database
It holds all reported incidents of the past six years, even those where a claim wasn’t made. By sharing this history with insurers, it is more difficult for repeat fraudsters to succeed. This comprehensive record-keeping ensures that even the smallest incidents are accounted for, painting a complete picture of a policyholder's claims history.
Management of CUE
CUE is run by the Motor Insurers Bureau (MIB) and is one of two key databases that help fight insurance fraud. The MIB's oversight ensures that the data is managed with the utmost integrity and is consistently updated to reflect the most current information.
The other key database
The Motor Insurers Anti-Fraud and Theft Register (MIAFTR) complements CUE by tracking written-off and stolen vehicles. Together, these databases form a formidable barrier against fraudulent activities, protecting both insurers and honest policyholders.
Why is CUE needed?
Insurance fraud is not a trivial matter. Sharing information via CUE not only helps in identifying fraudulent claims but also aids in reducing overall car insurance costs. This collective approach to information sharing is beneficial to all stakeholders in the insurance ecosystem.
For policyholders, CUE's data storage simplifies the insurance acquisition process. It reduces the number of questions asked when obtaining car insurance and helps in avoiding accidental non-disclosure, which can lead to significant issues down the line.
How does CUE affect my car insurance?
The data within CUE plays a pivotal role in verifying the accuracy of information provided to insurers, which in turn influences car insurance pricing. Along with your age, where you live, and the car you drive, it may be used to calculate the price for your premium.
Factors such as the number of incidents reported, regardless of whether a claim was made, can affect your insurance costs. Because even minor incidents should be reported and stored on the CUE, your insurance renewal quotes could increase – even if you haven’t made any claims.
It is crucial for policyholders to disclose all incidents, as failing to do so can lead to future claim rejections for non-disclosure. This obligation ensures transparency and maintains the integrity of the insurance process.
What information does CUE hold about me?
CUE holds information on car accidents, thefts, and personal injuries, which insurers use to assess risk before offering you a quote when you apply for a policy. The database captures a wide array of incident details, including minor ones like a broken headlamp, which may indicate parking in high-risk areas.
If you're curious about the information CUE holds about you, it's accessible. You can find out what information CUE holds about you by completing a Subject Access Request form on the Motor Insurers Bureau (MIB) website.
Should you find inaccuracies within your CUE record, there is a process to challenge and correct this information with the MIB or the insurer responsible for the data.
How do insurers use CUE?
When providing quotes or selling insurance policies, insurers consult the CUE database to make informed decisions. Previously, they would only check the database when a claim was made. Now, the use of CUE is more proactive, allowing for a more dynamic risk assessment.
What if I don’t report an incident?
The consequences of not reporting an incident, no matter how minor, can be severe. It is considered insurance fraud and can lead to policy invalidation and higher future premiums. Transparency is key to maintaining a fair and functional insurance system.
How can I find cheaper car insurance?
Despite the complexities of insurance pricing, there are ways to potentially reduce costs. Suggestions include lowering your mileage, opting for a higher excess, and avoiding payment of premiums by direct debit, which can sometimes incur additional fees.
Compare cheap car insurance quotes
In the quest for affordable car insurance, comparison is your ally. MoneySuperMarket offers a service to compare car insurance quotes tailored to individual needs based on personal and driving information. This tool can be a valuable asset in finding the right coverage at the right price.
In the intricate dance of insurance, knowledge is power. Understanding the role of databases like CUE can help you navigate the world of insurance with confidence. Remember, staying informed and maintaining transparency are your best defences against the repercussions of insurance fraud.
