Can my insurer check my past claims history?

[matthewjw]

I have had a couple of insurance claims over the past 5 year period.
When I go to an insurers website, they invariably ask whether I have been involved in any insurance claims over the last period (some ask 3 years and others ask for 5)

Now I have done the quotes indicating "0" incidents, and also done exactly the same quotes with "3" incidents noted - the difference in premium is astronomical.

Does anyone know if an insurance company can access my past claims history from other insurers? I can't believe that they ring around and check my history with other insurers?

[Wattie]

They won't when you start the policy.

But they will could IF they want to get out of paying...

[fireyrob]

I can't believe that they ring around and check my history with other insurers?

Seriously are you that niave to think they dont have databases and cross reference names etc when it comes time to paying up on a claim? They also check on criminal convictions, traffic offences etc. Its let the buyer beware (ie you) and once it comes time for them to pay up if you havent disclosed all relevant information (read the fine print) then they will just deny any claim (rightly so). Its a business, not a charity!

[smithy5]

They sure can check, but they don't bother.... They just happily take your money and treat you like a valuable customer, so if you don't claim you will tell everyone how nice they were and hope you re-insure with them next year as well.........
But if you need to put a claim in, they will go through your insurance history like a box of laxets, and if you lied then they will most likely deny your claim

[matchan]

I can't believe that they ring around and check my history with other insurers?

Seriously are you that niave to think they dont have databases and cross reference names etc when it comes time to paying up on a claim? They also check on criminal convictions, traffic offences etc. Its let the buyer beware (ie you) and once it comes time for them to pay up if you havent disclosed all relevant information (read the fine print) then they will just deny any claim (rightly so). Its a business, not a charity!

Geez Firey, you on the cranky tabs!

but seriously, what he said

[matthewjw]

Can I get my own history from the insurers?
Sure they have industry databases, but as a consumer, I have a right to access any data the insurers have on me.

Is there a service which can tell me my past claims history? What if I cant remember the dates of my claims - 5 years is a long time ago - and if I get it wrong then my claim would be at risk?

[MickLC]

Can I get my own history from the insurers?

Yes

[fireyrob]

I can't believe that they ring around and check my history with other insurers?

Seriously are you that niave to think they dont have databases and cross reference names etc when it comes time to paying up on a claim? They also check on criminal convictions, traffic offences etc. Its let the buyer beware (ie you) and once it comes time for them to pay up if you havent disclosed all relevant information (read the fine print) then they will just deny any claim (rightly so). Its a business, not a charity!

Geez Firey, you on the cranky tabs!

Yeah sorry, new bub means lack of zzzzzzzzzzzzz

[Naked Twin]

You can access it, but I can't find the details. It is easier to find your credit history.

They don't ring around, they have a database they can access when required, same as banks and even real estate agencies for renters, you have probably signed away your information about a dozen times, if you read the forms they state they will share the information provided by to other agencies but within government laws, so just about everyone including Indian call centres.

In short don't risk it, they will not only not pay you out but if you knowingly denied them of information than that is fraud which is a far messier affair.

Nick

PS Rob you stayed up all night making the child , you should be used to no sleep

[Oldman kwaka]

You can check your past claims that have been registered against your name at the same place that the insurers use.
Its called http://www.MyInsurancePassport.com.au

If there are no past claims registered against your name, then the insurance industry has no way of checking your past history. (unless they pick up the phone - and they wont do that)

[robracer]

Nice Link & welcome to KSRC

[matthewjw]

Hey thanks Oldman Kwaka,

Just checked my claims history on that site and they have only registered one of my past claims!
Just saved myself over $250 on my new policy!

Cheers,
Matt

[zxsixr03]

Well for example, Suncorp own GIO, AAMI and reinsure Insure my ride so if you go with either of these there data base is identical, so u would shoot yourself in the foot straight away...

[Pan]

Awesome link
Thanks Oldman!