Author: rigmidwest

Loss runs are a standard part of many trucking insurance submissions. They give an underwriter a record of reported claims over a stated period and help provide context beyond a simple premium or policy summary.

What a Loss Run Usually Shows

A loss run commonly lists claim dates, claim types, paid amounts, reserves, and whether a claim is open or closed. The format can vary by insurer. Underwriters may request several years of currently valued loss runs, particularly for fleets or more complex accounts.

Why Underwriters Review Them

Loss history can help an underwriter evaluate claim frequency, severity, trends, and open exposures. A single loss does not tell the whole story. Context matters, including what happened, what changed afterward, and whether the operation has implemented relevant corrective measures.

How to Prepare

• Request currently valued loss runs early in the renewal process
• Review them for accuracy and identify open claims
• Prepare concise factual explanations for significant losses when appropriate
• Keep supporting information organized, including safety or maintenance changes relevant to the account

Use the Information Constructively

Loss runs are not simply a pass-or-fail document. They are one part of a broader underwriting review that can also include drivers, equipment, commodities, routes, contracts, and requested coverage. Complete information helps markets evaluate the risk on its actual facts.

This article is general educational information, not insurance advice. Coverage and eligibility are subject to underwriting and policy terms.

Renewal is more than a date on the calendar. Starting the review about 90 days before expiration gives fleet owners time to organize information, identify operational changes, and have a more productive discussion about the next policy term.

Update Your Fleet Schedule

Confirm every power unit and trailer, including additions, disposals, leased equipment, VINs, stated values, and garaging information. Equipment values and usage can change over a year, so an old schedule may not reflect the current operation.

Review Drivers and Operations

• Current driver roster, experience, and licensing information
• Changes in commodities, lanes, operating radius, or states served
• New contracts and insurance requirements
• Changes in fleet size, revenue, or annual mileage
• Safety, maintenance, camera, or telematics practices that may be relevant to underwriting

Gather Loss Information Early

Current loss runs, open-claim status, and a clear explanation of significant losses can help an underwriter understand the account. Waiting until the final weeks before renewal can limit the time available to address questions or present a complete submission.

Review Coverage and Contract Needs

Compare current limits, deductibles, cargo requirements, additional-insured requests, and certificate obligations with the way the business operates today. A renewal review is an opportunity to identify changes, not a guarantee that every requested change or market option will be available.

Request a renewal review with RIG.

This article is general educational information. Coverage, pricing, and eligibility are subject to underwriting and applicable policy terms.

Owner-operators do not all have the same insurance structure. One of the most important distinctions is whether the operator runs under their own authority or is leased to a motor carrier. The answer can affect the insurance conversation, contractual requirements, and the coverages that may be relevant.

Operating Under Your Own Authority

An owner-operator with their own authority may be responsible for arranging a broader insurance program. Depending on the operation, that can include primary auto liability, physical damage, motor truck cargo, general liability, and other coverages. Authority, commodities, radius, equipment, contracts, and driver experience can all be relevant to underwriting.

Leased-On to a Motor Carrier

An owner-operator leased to a motor carrier may have different responsibilities under the lease agreement and the carrier’s insurance program. Some operators consider physical damage, occupational accident, or non-trucking liability depending on their circumstances. The lease and insurance documents should be reviewed carefully.

Non-Trucking Liability Is Not a Substitute

Non-trucking liability may apply only in qualifying non-business uses and is subject to policy terms. It should not be assumed to replace primary liability coverage for an owner-operator operating under their own authority or performing business use.

Bring the Right Information

Before requesting a quote, gather the lease agreement if applicable, equipment details, operating authority information, commodities, anticipated radius, and any contractual insurance requirements. A clear description of the operation helps identify which coverage questions to explore.

This article is general educational information, not legal, regulatory, or insurance advice. Coverage is subject to underwriting and policy terms.

Motor truck cargo insurance is designed to address covered loss or damage to freight while it is in a motor carrier’s care, custody, or control. It is a common part of many trucking insurance conversations, but the right limit and terms depend on the operation and the cargo involved.

What Cargo Coverage Addresses

Coverage may respond to qualifying cargo losses subject to the policy’s limits, deductibles, exclusions, conditions, and endorsements. It should not be assumed that every commodity, cause of loss, or contractual obligation is automatically covered.

Who Commonly Considers It

Motor carriers hauling freight for others often consider cargo coverage. Shipper, broker, or customer contracts may also specify cargo limits or insurance requirements. Those requirements should be reviewed carefully against the actual policy rather than relying on a certificate alone.

Factors That May Affect Cost

• Commodity type and maximum value per load
• Operating radius and lanes traveled
• Equipment and security practices
• Claims and loss history
• Requested limits and deductibles
• Whether the operation includes specialized freight, refrigeration, or high-value goods

These factors may be relevant to underwriting, but they do not determine a price by themselves. Carrier appetite and the complete account profile also matter.

Questions to Ask Before Quoting

Know what you haul, the highest value of a typical load, any excluded commodities, and the cargo limits required by contracts. RIG can help you frame those questions as part of a transportation insurance review.

Coverage descriptions are general summaries only. Actual coverage is subject to the terms, conditions, exclusions, limits, and endorsements of the applicable policy.

MCS-90 and BMC-91 are often mentioned together, but they are not the same thing. Understanding the distinction can help motor carriers ask better questions about their insurance program and FMCSA-related obligations.

What Is an MCS-90?

The MCS-90 is an endorsement attached to certain motor carrier liability insurance policies. It is intended to demonstrate compliance with federal financial responsibility requirements in applicable situations. It is not itself an FMCSA insurance filing, and it is not a complete description of the policy’s coverage.

What Is a BMC-91?

A BMC-91 is an electronic public-liability insurance filing made with FMCSA by an insurer. A BMC-91X may be used when more than one insurer is involved. Applicable filings depend on the authority, operation, insurance program, and regulatory requirements.

Why the Difference Matters

One is an endorsement connected to an insurance policy; the other is a filing made with FMCSA. Neither term should be treated as a shortcut for determining every coverage obligation or compliance requirement. Requirements can vary by entity type, authority, vehicle, commodity, and operation.

Use FMCSA as the Current Source

For current filing information, review FMCSA’s Insurance Filing Requirements and Insurance Filing resources. If you have questions about your authority or regulatory obligations, consult FMCSA, applicable state authorities, and qualified professional advisors.

Date reviewed: June 2026.

This article is general education only and is not legal, regulatory, or insurance advice. Regulations and filing requirements can change.

Starting a trucking company involves more than putting a truck on the road. Before an insurance market can evaluate a new venture, underwriters commonly need a clear picture of the business, the equipment, the drivers, and the work the company expects to perform.

Start With Business Details

Have the legal business name, DBA if applicable, business address, contact information, and entity details ready. If the operation has a USDOT number or MC authority, include those identifiers. A new venture may still be organizing authority or equipment, so share the current status accurately rather than guessing.

Document Equipment and Drivers

• Year, make, model, VIN, and stated value for each power unit
• Trailer details and ownership or lease arrangements
• Driver names, CDL information, experience, and driving-history information when requested
• Whether units are owned, financed, or leased

Driver experience and equipment details can be relevant to underwriting. Complete information helps an underwriter understand the operation instead of filling gaps with assumptions.

Explain How You Will Operate

Be prepared to describe commodities, operating radius, primary states, estimated annual mileage, anticipated contracts, and whether the business will operate interstate or intrastate. Specialized work such as refrigerated freight, intermodal hauling, towing, or hazardous-material transportation may require additional detail.

Know the Coverage Conversation

New ventures may consider primary auto liability, physical damage, motor truck cargo, general liability, trailer interchange, occupational accident, or other coverages depending on the operation. Not every business needs every coverage. Contract requirements, authority, equipment, and business model all matter.

Prepare for Follow-Up Questions

Underwriting requirements vary by carrier and account. A strong initial submission is organized, accurate, and clear about the planned operation. RIG can help identify the information that may be needed to evaluate available options.

Start a quote conversation with RIG.

This article is general educational information, not legal, regulatory, or insurance advice. Coverage and eligibility are subject to underwriting and policy terms.

Insurance Built Around the Road Ahead

For trucking companies, owner-operators, and logistics businesses, insurance is more than a requirement. It is a key part of protecting equipment, contracts, drivers, and the ability to keep freight moving. RiverBend Insurance Group (RIG) helps Midwest transportation businesses understand the coverage considerations that can shape a stronger risk-management plan.

Start With Your Operation

Every transportation business has a different risk profile. The commodities you haul, the radius you travel, the equipment you operate, your driver experience, and the contracts you sign can all affect your insurance needs. A local owner-operator may face different considerations than a multi-unit fleet, a towing business, or a carrier handling hazmat loads.

• What types of freight or services do you provide?
• Where do your vehicles operate?
• Do you own trailers, lease equipment, or use non-owned units?
• What insurance requirements appear in your shipper, broker, or facility contracts?

Know the Core Coverages

Transportation insurance programs often combine several coverages. Primary auto liability can address third-party bodily injury and property damage claims arising from covered vehicle operations. Physical damage can help protect covered tractors and trailers, while motor truck cargo coverage may address covered freight exposures. Depending on the operation, general liability, workers compensation, inland marine, umbrella or excess liability, and specialized programs may also be relevant.

The right coverage structure should reflect your actual operation, contractual obligations, and risk tolerance—not a one-size-fits-all checklist.

Keep Documentation Current

Accurate information supports a more productive insurance conversation. Keep vehicle schedules, driver lists, loss runs, operating authority details, and contract requirements organized and current. If your business adds units, changes commodities, expands lanes, or takes on new work, review those changes promptly so your insurance program can be evaluated in context.

Make Risk Management Routine

Insurance works best alongside day-to-day risk management. Driver screening, maintenance practices, cargo securement procedures, incident reporting, and safety training can all be important parts of protecting your operation. Regularly reviewing these practices can help identify issues before they become larger disruptions.

Talk With a Transportation Specialist

RIG serves commercial operators, fleets, logistics businesses, towing risks, and specialized transportation exposures from Lemont, Illinois. If you are reviewing your current program or preparing to quote a new operation, our team can help you start a focused conversation about your coverage needs.

Request a transportation insurance quote or contact RiverBend Insurance Group at 866-736-6747.

Coverage availability, eligibility, limits, and policy terms are subject to underwriting and the terms and conditions of the applicable policy. This article is for general informational purposes only and is not insurance advice.