Guide
Loss Runs Explained for Trucking Insurance
Loss runs are the insurance equivalent of a financial statement. They give an underwriter a documented picture of a carrier's claim history—how often losses have occurred, how much they cost, and whether the issues behind them have been addressed.
Plain-English summary
Commercial truck underwriters often request recent loss runs for established carriers. Understanding how to request them, what they contain, and how to explain the history they show is a practical skill for every carrier managing a renewal or shopping for new coverage.
What a loss run report contains
- Policy period covered by the report
- Each claim during the period: date of loss, brief description, coverage line (liability, physical damage, cargo, etc.)
- Amount paid on each claim (closed claims)
- Current reserve amount (open or pending claims)—this represents the insurer's estimate of ultimate cost for unresolved losses
- Total paid and total incurred (paid plus open reserves) for the period
- Claim status: open or closed
How to request loss runs
Loss runs should come from the insurer or another authorized source, not from an informal spreadsheet. Submit a written request using the insurer's preferred process. State rules may set response timeframes, and those rules vary. For carriers with multiple prior policies, request loss runs from each insurer separately. Keep a copy of every request and every response as part of the insurance file.
What underwriters look for in a loss run
- Claim frequency: how often claims occur relative to fleet size and exposure period
- Severity: are individual losses large, small, or catastrophic?
- Loss pattern: recurring brake or maintenance-related accidents suggest different underwriting concerns than isolated events
- Open reserves: large open reserves on active claims indicate ongoing financial exposure that affects renewal pricing
- Loss ratio context: total incurred compared to total premium paid over the period
Who this guide helps
- Owner-operators
- New authorities
- Small fleets
- Dispatch or office staff preparing insurance documents
What this guide can clarify
- What the term or process usually means
- Records to gather
- Questions to ask before signing or renewing
- Where official sources may be relevant
Where paperwork gets misread
What this guide does not replace
- A legal opinion
- A promise that a filing or certificate is sufficient
- A replacement for reading the policy
Review mistakes to avoid
- Waiting until a broker onboarding deadline
- Comparing only the premium
- Skipping exclusions, endorsements, or filing status
- Using informal names for coverage without checking policy wording
Records to pull before you act
- Entity and authority information
- Policy declarations and certificates
- Vehicle and driver schedules
- Contracts, claim documents, or official notices if relevant
Questions to bring to the agent
- What does the policy form actually say?
- Which documents should I send to the agent?
- Does this affect filings, certificates, or renewal timing?
Sources
- Auto Insurance Regulator National Association of Insurance Commissioners — checked 2026-05-19
- Understanding Auto Insurance Regulator National Association of Insurance Commissioners — checked 2026-05-20
- Consumer Insurance Resources Regulator National Association of Insurance Commissioners — checked 2026-05-19
Questions carriers ask
What if a prior insurer refuses to provide loss runs?
State insurance regulations typically require insurers to provide loss runs upon written request within a defined timeframe. If a prior insurer is unresponsive, contact your state's department of insurance for guidance on enforcement options.
Can a carrier get a quote without any loss runs?
New authorities that have never had coverage may not have any loss runs, which underwriters generally expect. Established carriers who cannot produce loss runs raise underwriting concerns—prepare an explanation in writing if a gap exists.
Do open claims on a loss run hurt a renewal?
Open claims with large reserves can affect renewal pricing and sometimes eligibility. Carriers with major open claims should understand the reserve amounts and be prepared to discuss the circumstances during the renewal conversation.
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