Glossary / Claims & duties / Claim History

Claim History

Also known as: claim history · claims history · insurance claim history

Claims & duties

Your claim history is the record of past insurance claims you have filed, which carriers review to price coverage and decide whether to offer it.

Claim history, or claims history, is the documented record of prior claims made under your insurance policies, usually summarized in a loss run report from each carrier. Underwriters use it to gauge how risky you are and to set your premium, retention, and terms, so a clean history helps pricing while frequent or severe claims can raise premiums or lead to a declination. For startups switching carriers or moving onto a new D&O, cyber, or Tech E&O policy, an accurate and complete claim history is central to getting a competitive quote.

Where you'll see it

ApplicationQuoteClaim

Why it matters for your business

  • Underwriters price much of your premium off your claim history.
  • A clean claim history helps you win better terms and avoid surcharges.
  • Missing or messy loss runs can delay your quote or hold up a binder.
  • Old claims can follow you between carriers, so accuracy protects you.

People also ask

What is claim history in insurance?

Claim history is the record of the insurance claims you have filed over time, typically pulled together in loss run reports from your carriers. Underwriters review it to judge your risk and to set your premium and terms at quote and renewal. A short, clean claim history generally earns better pricing, while frequent or large claims can raise your cost or make coverage harder to place.

How far back does claim history go for a startup?

Carriers usually ask for three to five years of loss runs, though the exact window depends on the line of coverage and the underwriter. For a young company with little history, insurers lean more on your operations, financials, and industry to price the risk. Keeping your own copy of every loss run makes each renewal and carrier change faster and smoother.

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Definitions are educational and may be modified by your specific policy language, endorsements, and state rules. For regulatory guidance, refer to the California Department of Insurance or the NAIC.

Reviewed by Andrei Craciunescu, CA Licensed Insurance Broker #4467994

Last updated: July 2026.