• The access to records clause, also commonly referred to as the “check” or “audit” clause, is one of the most important contractual rights a reinsurer has under a reinsurance agreement. The purpose of this clause is to give the reinsurer the right to inspect the books and records of the cedant applicable to the reinsured business. This is one of the few methods by which reinsurers must assess the business they are contracting under a reinsurance contract and determine whether the reinsurer is complying with the terms of the contract, in particular the accuracy of the policy, assignments and premium calculations. A typical record access offer provides the following. The Reinsurer or its appointed representatives shall have free access to the books and records of the Company on matters relating to this reinsurance at any reasonable time for the purpose of obtaining information relating to this Contract or its subject matter. More recent provisions on access to records are more limited and specific as to the scope, timing and method of verification provided to the reinsurer. Clauses on access to records can be found in most reinsurance contracts. The right of inspection is so ingrained in the customs and practices of the reinsurance industry that it is supported to suggest that the reinsurer has this right even in the absence of an express reservation.