Glossary
Loss Runs
Loss runs are claim history reports that underwriters often request before quoting, renewing, or moving a trucking account.
Plain-English summary
They help show what claims occurred during prior policy periods. A carrier with organized loss runs can explain claim history more clearly during renewal or market review.
Where they show up
Loss runs come up during renewal, market shopping, premium finance issues, authority transitions, and fleet growth.
What to check
- Policy period
- Claim status
- Paid amount
- Reserve amount
- Date of loss
- Whether the report is valued through a recent date
Who runs into this after a loss or renewal
- Owner-operators reading a quote
- New authorities preparing documents
- Small fleets reviewing certificates or claims
Why the record matters
- Where the term appears
- How to discuss it with an agent
- Why the definition can affect coverage
Where claim shorthand gets risky
What the record does not decide by itself
- A standalone guarantee of coverage
- A substitute for policy wording
- Legal advice about a contract
Recordkeeping mistakes
- Treating informal shorthand as policy language
- Assuming the same word means the same thing in every policy
Files to keep available
- Policy declarations
- Certificates
- Endorsements
- Contracts or official filing notices when relevant
Questions for claim or renewal review
- Where is this term defined in the policy?
- Does an endorsement change the meaning?
- Does a regulator or contract use the term differently?
Sources
- Auto Insurance Regulator National Association of Insurance Commissioners — checked 2026-05-19
- Commercial Auto Insurance Educational Insurance Information Institute — checked 2026-05-19
Questions carriers ask
Who should provide loss runs?
They should come from the insurer or authorized source, not from an informal internal summary.
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