How is an investigative consumer report different from a standard consumer report?

An investigative consumer report is distinct from a standard consumer report primarily because it involves interviews that go beyond just raw data. While a standard consumer report typically contains straightforward information such as credit history and payments, an investigative consumer report customarily includes insights gathered through interviews with acquaintances, neighbors, or other people who know the consumer. This additional qualitative information can provide a deeper understanding of the consumer’s character, reputation, and lifestyle, which are not typically available in a regular consumer report.

This aspect of blending both personal insights and factual data helps insurance companies or other entities to make more informed decisions. It reflects a more comprehensive approach to assessing a consumer's background and reliability, which is critical in industries such as insurance where underwriting assessments rely heavily on understanding the applicant's overall profile.