Commercial insurance premiums remain one of the most pressing cost burdens for the trucking industry, with 84% of our surveyed readers reporting increases in the past two years—and over half describing the impact as a “moderate” but ongoing financial strain.
Today’s Trucking’s latest Pulse Reader Survey asked how readers are navigating those pressures, and most of the responses reflected widespread frustration with rising rates, limited options, and the industry’s uneven risk-sharing models. While some readers warned that the trend is driving small fleets out of business, some other respondents offered examples of success, crediting safety investments and strong insurance partnerships.
Among 94 survey respondents, 34% said premiums had increased “significantly,” and 50% said they had gone up “somewhat.” Nearly one in four respondents (21%) described insurance costs as a “severe” concern. For 49% of readers, insurance hikes have affected their ability to grow their business, and 34% said it has impacted their ability to stay afloat.
One reader claims to have 40 years of clean records, adding that they will cease operating should rates keep climbing.
“After 29 years as an owner-operator, I’ve seen insurance premiums from $3,000 a year to $17,000. In that span, what’s frustrating for me is never having an at-fault claim, but year over year I’m seeing rising premium costs—especially in the last five years. With the amount of wrecks and rollovers, no wonder the insurance companies are charging what they are,” one reader wrote. “Reward good carriers and operators for doing their part—don’t paint everyone with the same brush.”
Several others echoed the sentiment that safe carriers are subsidizing the riskiest operators. “No claims, but I have to pay extra to support all of the bad drivers and companies out there,” one of many responses read.
“Small rural carriers such as myself seem to pay the price for the high crime and theft rates and bad actors in urban areas within the industry. We all seem to be painted by the same brush, though the pictures are quite different. It’s not just the cost of insurance—it is also the HR stronghold that the insurance companies have on the little guys when it comes to adding drivers,” one of the respondents added.
“They have complete control over who can work and who cannot. Farmer John that wants to drive for me in the winter — has his own equipment commercially insured and has been driving hay and equipment around our province for 20 years — cannot work because he is unverifiable for 36 months. Yet the sponsored Driver Inc. can start right away once done his ‘driver training’ with the large companies.”
But one reader, who says they have not had a claim in 20 years, said they’ve seen no increase in premiums this year. Another wrote: “We have very reasonable rates because of excellent equipment, long-term employees, no turnover, [and a] second-to-none maintenance program. No at-fault accidents in 39 years.” Another response read, “We have been extremely fortunate to have not seen an increase in three years.”
“Treat your insurer as a partner—not a supplier that you ‘use’ only when needed,” one respondent advised. “The right broker will help you get there. Insurance is an investment when done right.”
Blame it on inexperienced and unsafe operators
The perceived root causes of premium hikes were clear: 64% of readers blamed broader industry trends like nuclear verdicts and inflation. Another 43% pointed to claims history and driver records, and road safety in certain regions, while 38% cited the type of cargo hauled.
Many readers were vocal about frustrations with the Driver Inc. model, public insurance structures, and what they view as inconsistent training and hiring standards. One respondent from British Columbia called the system “a disaster,” while another said it’s becoming “virtually impossible” to insure semi-retired or part-time drivers due to rigid underwriting requirements.
“I don’t believe the insurance industry understands our business,” another reader said. “I seriously have to consider if I can afford to stay in this business.”
About a third of respondents said they’ve changed insurance providers or brokers (27%), adjusted driving behavior and safety practices (32%), or installed new safety technology like dash cams or telematics (37%) in response to premium increases. Thirty percent of respondents have not made any changes, while 7% joined a captive.
Others shared that focusing on safety and stability has paid off. “We continue to monitor driver safety performance and place a high expectation on safe driving,” one reader said.
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