I believe the spectrum of rates in the trucking insurance market will continue to widen, particularly for large commercial fleets. As the market becomes more data-driven, underwriters are analyzing risk profiles more thoroughly than ever, making the gap between optimal and suboptimal rates increasingly pronounced.

Companies that meet underwriting criteria will benefit from increased competition among carriers, leading to better rates and more favorable terms.

On the flip side, the market for companies that fail to meet these standards will continue to shrink, making it harder to avoid rate hikes and unfavorable conditions.

Here are 3 “red lights” that might raise concerns among undewriters—and 3 “green lights” that can help you stand out as a safe and reliable operation:

 🚦Red Lights
1️⃣ Poor CSA Scores: A history of violations or compliance issues signals heightened risk to underwriters.

2️⃣ Lax Disciplinary Programs: Without consistent consequences for unsafe driving, underwriters will take notice. For example, if a driver violates the safety handbook but isn’t held accountable or continues to operate as a driver, it raises significant red flags.

3️⃣ Informal Safety Practices: A lack of structured safety policies signed and acknowledged by drivers can be a major liability. During litigation, one of the first things requested is evidence of a formal safety program. If you don’t have one in place, it could spell trouble.

🟢 Green Lights: What Underwriters Want to See

1️⃣ Strong CSA Scores: Clean, consistent compliance records demonstrate your commitment to safety and regulatory standards.

2️⃣ Cameras & Telematics: Companies leveraging technology like dashcams and telematics grab an underwriter’s attention immediately. The benefits of cameras, especially in preventing and defending claims, are hard to overstate.

3️⃣ Structured Safety Programs: Companies with clear safety policies, regular training sessions, and consistent accountability for drivers are highly valued by underwriters. No exceptions to enforcement shows a culture of accountability.

Key Takeaway: The financial arbitrage between the risks of neglecting safety and the benefits of implementing best practices will only continue to grow. Companies that prioritize compliance, technology, and structured safety programs will reap the rewards in the form of better rates, stronger partnerships with carriers, and long-term operational success.