What Is a Letter of Experience (For Insurance)?

Last Updated on December 28, 2025

A Letter of Experience (sometimes called a claims experience letter, insurance experience letter, or loss history letter) is a document from your prior insurer that summarizes your coverage history and claims activity for a specific type of policy (auto, home, renters, etc.).

Most U.S. insurers can verify your history through reporting databases, so you won’t always need one. But if you’re moving from another country, had a lapse in coverage, or your new carrier can’t easily confirm your records, a Letter of Experience can help you prove you were insured—and potentially qualify for better pricing or discounts.

Key Takeaways

• A Letter of Experience is an official summary from your previous insurer that confirms your coverage dates and (usually) your claims history for a specific policy type.
• You’re most likely to need one after an international move, a lapse in coverage, or when your new insurer can’t easily verify your prior insurance records.
• Most letters include policy dates, what was insured, named insureds/listed drivers, and any claims—sometimes noting whether claims were paid, denied, or withdrawn.
• Request the letter from your prior insurer or agent early, confirm the details are accurate, and ask your new insurer exactly what information they require.

What Is a Letter of Experience for Insurance?

A Letter of Experience is a carrier-issued summary of your insurance history. It typically confirms:

• Who was insured (named insureds and, sometimes, listed drivers)
• What was insured (vehicle(s), home, address, etc.)
• Policy dates (effective and end dates)
• Claim activity (if any), including loss dates and outcomes

Think of it as a “proof of history” document. It’s not the same thing as proof of insurance (an insurance ID card shows you’re covered right now), and it’s not necessarily a full claim file. It’s a practical summary—useful when a new company needs extra verification beyond what it can pull electronically.

If you’ve filed claims before, your letter may reference the types of claims you had and whether payments were made.

When Do You Need a Letter of Experience?

In many domestic U.S. switches, you won’t be asked for a Letter of Experience because insurers can often verify history through tools like claims databases and motor vehicle reports, making it easy for insurers to check your driving record and accident history.

You’re more likely to need a Letter of Experience in situations like:

• You moved to the U.S. (or moved abroad) and need to prove prior coverage.
• You had a lapse in coverage and your new insurer wants documentation of prior insurance before the lapse.
• You weren’t the primary policyholder (for example, you were covered on a parent/spouse/roommate policy) and now you’re starting your own policy.
• Your new insurer sees missing or conflicting information and requests written confirmation.
• You’re applying for certain discounts and need proof you were claim-free or had continuous coverage (for example, a good driver discount).

Bottom line: a Letter of Experience is usually requested when the insurer needs a “clean” paper trail to validate what you reported on your application.

What Information Is Included in a Letter of Experience?

Exact formats vary by company, but most Letters of Experience include some or all of the following details:

• Policyholder information: name, address, and sometimes date of birth.
• Policy details: policy number, policy type (auto/home/renters), effective dates, and cancellation/non-renewal date (if applicable).
• What was insured: vehicles (VINs) and/or property address and coverage period.
• Named insureds / listed drivers: who was covered during the term.
• Claims history: loss dates, claim type, amount paid (or “$0 paid”), and status (paid/closed).
• Claim outcomes: a note if a claim was denied or if it was withdrawn before payment.
• Reason the policy ended (sometimes): for example, whether it was canceled, non-renewed, or simply ended because you changed carriers.

If you had no losses, the letter may specifically state there were no paid claims during the coverage period—helpful if you’re trying to qualify for a claims-free discount.

And if a listed driver had a serious accident (for example, a crash where the car was totaled), that loss may appear in the history tied to the policy.

Letter of Experience vs. CLUE Report vs. Loss Runs

These documents sound similar, but they’re used in different situations:

If you want to see what’s in your claims history, your CLUE report is often a good starting point. You can also request a consumer disclosure report directly through LexisNexis here: https://consumer.risk.lexisnexis.com/request.

For business policies, insurers often request “loss runs” rather than a Letter of Experience. If you’re shopping commercial coverage, your agent may ask you to provide loss runs for the past 3–5 years (sometimes longer depending on the line).

How to Request a Letter of Experience

The simplest approach is to contact your prior insurer (or the agent who sold/serviced the policy) and ask for a Letter of Experience for the specific line of insurance you’re buying now (auto, home, renters, etc.).

What to Ask For

• Ask for the letter on company letterhead (or an official PDF) including your policy dates and claims history.
• If your new insurer is strict, request that it includes named insureds/listed drivers and a statement about no paid claims (if applicable).
• Ask whether they can send it directly to the new insurer (email/fax/portal upload), and request a copy for your records.

Email Template You Can Copy

Subject: Request for Letter of Experience (Policy History)

Hello [Insurance Company/Agent Name],

I’m requesting a Letter of Experience for my prior policy.

Name on policy: [Full Name]
Policy number (if available): [Policy #]
Policy type: [Auto/Home/Renters/etc.]
Coverage dates (approx.): [Month/Year] to [Month/Year]
Property/vehicle (optional): [Address or VIN]

Please include my coverage dates and any claims history (or a statement that no paid claims occurred if applicable).  
If possible, please send the letter to: [New insurer email/fax/upload instructions] and copy me at: [Your email].

Thank you,
[Your Name]
[Phone number]

What If You Don’t Have Records or Your Old Insurer Is Gone?

If your prior insurer merged, rebranded, or went out of business, don’t panic. Here are common alternatives your new insurer may accept:

• Old declarations pages, renewal offers, or cancellation/non-renewal notices
• Expired insurance ID cards (helpful, but not always enough by themselves)
• Proof you paid premiums (bank statements) paired with policy documents
• Your CLUE report or other consumer disclosures (to support claims history)
• Agent/broker documentation (if an agency still has your file)

If you’re switching carriers, it can also help to be proactive: keep your last declarations page and save a copy of any confirmation emails when you switch auto insurance companies.

Tips to Avoid Delays (and Protect Your Rate)

• Request it early. If you’re shopping coverage, ask for the letter before your new policy starts.
• Double-check names and dates. A mismatch (nickname vs. legal name, wrong address, incorrect policy dates) can slow underwriting.
• Review claims details for errors. If something looks wrong, ask the prior carrier how to dispute or correct it.
• Ask what the new insurer needs. Some only need coverage dates; others want claims details and listed drivers.

FAQs on Letters of Experience for Insurance

Final Thoughts

A Letter of Experience is a straightforward way to prove your insurance history when a new insurer can’t easily verify it—especially after a lapse in coverage or an international move. If you think you’ll need one, contact your prior carrier or agent, request an official letter, and keep a copy with your records.