What is a claims history report in insurance?

A claims history report is a summary of the claims made on an insurance policy over a set period. It's usually provided by your insurer or broker. It's requested more often than most business owners expect, whether you're getting a new quote, switching to a new broker, or responding to a tender.

It’s more than just a piece of paperwork. Insurers use it as underwriting evidence. That means a claims history report can affect whether an insurer quotes you at all, what questions they ask, and the terms they offer.

If you've come across the term "loss run report" from an overseas source, that's the common US term for a broadly equivalent document. Some Australian insurers use "claims experience report" instead, and the formats aren't identical between countries, so treat these as related terms rather than interchangeable documents.

What is a claims history report in insurance?

• A claims history report lists the claims made on a policy, including dates, types and amounts.
• Insurers use it to price a new quote. Brokers use it when taking over your policies.
• It commonly covers three to five years, though the exact period varies by insurer and by what's being underwritten.
• You can request one from your current insurer, or ask your broker to request it for you.

What does a claims history report show?

A claims history report is a summary, not the full claim file. Most reports include:

• Policy details. The policy number, insurer and period the report covers.
• Claim or loss dates. Depending on the insurer's format, this may show when the claim was lodged, when the incident happened, or both.
• Claim type. For example, public liability, professional indemnity or property damage.
• Amounts paid, reserved and total incurred. What's already been paid out, what's set aside for claims still open, and the combined total across both.
• Claim status. Whether each claim is open, closed, or under review.

The exact format varies between insurers. There's no single standard layout, but this core information stays consistent.

Why do insurers ask for your claims history?

A claims history report comes up in a few common situations.

• Getting a new quote. Insurers use claims history as part of assessing risk and pricing a policy. It's one underwriting factor among several, not the only one.
• Switching brokers. When you appoint a new broker through a letter of appointment, they'll often want to see your claims history to understand your existing program. Your new broker may need your authority before an insurer will release this information to them. This works similarly to how a letter of authority operates for reviewing cover before switching.
• Tenders and contracts. Some commercial tenders or head contractor requirements ask for evidence of claims history alongside a certificate of currency, particularly for larger projects.
• Underwriting a specific risk. Where prior claims need a closer look, an insurer may ask for claims history as part of that assessment rather than as a routine step.

How many years of claims history do insurers need?

Three to five years is common, but there's no single Australian standard. The exact period an insurer asks for depends on the insurer, the type of cover, and what's being underwritten. If you're not sure how far back to go, ask your broker or insurer what period they need before you request the report.

How do you get a claims history report?

You can request a claims history report directly from your current insurer, or ask your broker to request it on your behalf. If you're arranging cover through upcover, we can help coordinate this when setting up a new quote or taking over an existing policy.

Turnaround time depends on the insurer and how far back the request goes. It's worth requesting this early if you know a tender, renewal or broker switch is coming up, rather than waiting until it's needed urgently.

What should you check before sending your claims history report?

A claims history report is only useful to an insurer if it's accurate and complete. Before you send one on, check:

• The business name matches. A report under an old trading name or the wrong entity can cause confusion or delay.
• The period covers what's been asked for. Sending two years when three were requested can slow things down.
• Open claims are clearly explained, not just listed. A raw list of claims tells an insurer less than a report that also explains what happened and what's changed since. This matters most where there's been a significant claim.
• Nothing looks obviously wrong. If a claim is listed incorrectly, listed twice, or missing a resolution that's already happened, raise it with your insurer before sending the report on.

Does a clean claims history affect your premium?

Claims history is one underwriting factor among several, including your industry, turnover and cover limits. Insurers do weigh a claims-free history favourably, but no claims doesn't automatically mean a lower premium on its own. What tends to matter more than a clean sheet is a history that's complete, current, and properly explained where a claim has occurred.

Where to go next

If you're switching insurance brokers, a claims history report is often requested as part of that process. See what is a letter of appointment for how that works. Need to prove your cover is current right now, rather than look back at your claims history? See what is a certificate of currency.

If you're ready for a new quote, upcover arranges public and products liability insurance, professional indemnity insurance and business pack insurance for eligible Australian businesses.

Get a quote with upcover

About upcover

upcover is a digital-first insurance broker helping Australian small businesses get the right insurance without the paperwork or phone queues. upcover arranges insurance for businesses across Australia, with access to 80+ insurance partners.

• 70,000+ businesses covered across Australia.
• 4.9/5 customer rating.
• Instant Certificate of Currency on policy confirmation.

upcover is a Corporate Authorised Representative (CAR 1299211) of Experience Insurance Services Pty Ltd ABN 41 657 596 506, AFSL 539078.

Frequently asked questions

What is a claims history report used for?

It's used by insurers to price a new policy, and by brokers to understand your existing program when they take it over. It's also sometimes requested as part of a commercial tender.

Who can provide my claims history report?

Your current insurer is the primary source. Your broker can usually request it on your behalf, though a new or prospective broker may need your authority first before the insurer will release it to them.

How long does it take to get a claims history report?

This depends on the insurer and how far back the request goes. It's worth asking for one early if you know a renewal, tender or broker switch is coming up.

What if there's an error in my claims history?

Raise it with your insurer before the report is sent on to anyone else. An incorrect or duplicated claim can affect how a new insurer prices your risk.

Can I get a claims history report if I've never made a claim?

Yes. A claims history report with no claims listed is still a valid report, and it's often exactly what a new insurer or broker wants to see.

Does a clean claims history lower my premium?

It's viewed favourably, but it's one factor among several an insurer considers, including industry, turnover and cover limits. It's not a guarantee on its own.

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_{The information in this article has been prepared without taking into account your individual needs, objectives or financial situation. It should not be relied upon as personal advice. All insurance products arranged through upcover are subject to the terms, conditions, limits and exclusions contained in the relevant policy wording and Product Disclosure Statement. Before deciding whether a particular insurance product is right for you, please read the relevant PDS and consider your personal circumstances. upcover Pty Ltd ABN 17 628 197 437 is a Corporate Authorised Representative (CAR 1299211) of Experience Insurance Services Pty Ltd ABN 41 657 596 506, AFSL 539078. upcover arranges insurance products with selected insurers and underwriters and does not compare all general insurers or insurance products available in the market.}