The trucking industry is a cornerstone of the American economy, but in 2025 its insurance market faces ongoing challenges. Rising premiums, litigation trends, regulatory uncertainty, and cargo theft are shaping coverage costs and availability. At the same time, new technologies and risk management strategies provide opportunities for fleets to control costs and strengthen safety programs.
Executive Snapshot
- Commercial Auto Liability: Still unprofitable with a ~113% combined ratio in 2024.
- Physical Damage: Improved materially in 2024 (~88.6% combined ratio), most competitive line.
- Litigation: Nuclear and “thermonuclear” verdicts continue to expand, fueled by third-party litigation funding.
- Cargo Theft: Record-high theft in 2024, still elevated in 2025, especially in food, metals, and electronics.
- Regulation: FMCSA withdrew the federal speed-limiter rule (2025). AEB mandates advancing. California’s Advanced Clean Fleets rule partly repealed.
What Changed
Commercial auto liability remains loss-making, while physical damage lines became profitable. Litigation costs are rising due to larger jury awards. Cargo theft hit record levels in 2024, creating tighter terms in 2025. Regulatory changes include the withdrawal of the federal speed-limiter proposal and litigation over California’s clean-truck rules.
Where Prices Are Landing in 2025–26
| Line of Coverage | Expected Renewal Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Auto Liability | +7% to +20% | Higher for fleets with adverse losses or high-hazard commodities. |
| Umbrella/Excess | +12% to +30% | Carriers tightening terms and pushing higher attachment points. |
| Physical Damage | Flat to +10% | Parts/labor inflation easing; rising equipment values still a factor. |
| Motor Truck Cargo | Flat to +12% | Identity fraud and theft driving underwriter scrutiny. |
The Biggest Claim Drivers
- Verdict severity: Multi-million-dollar awards raise liability costs.
- Cargo theft: Strategic theft schemes and fraud are common.
- Driver shortage: Hiring less experienced drivers increases accident frequency.
- Equipment values: High repair and replacement costs for ADAS-equipped trucks.
What Earns Credits in 2025
Insurers reward fleets that demonstrate proactive safety and controls:
- Video telematics with driver coaching programs.
- Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) such as automatic emergency braking.
- Strict cargo pickup verification and anti-fraud protocols.
- Structured claims management and evidence preservation.
Regulatory Watchlist
- Speed Limiters: Federal rule withdrawn, but state-level initiatives possible.
- Automatic Emergency Braking: Mandated for light vehicles by 2029; heavy-vehicle timelines pending.
- Tort Reform: Florida and Texas reforms reshape claim filings; venue continues to impact pricing.
- California Clean-Truck Rules: Key parts repealed or under litigation; uncertainty for fleets and insurers.
Renewal Playbook for Fleets
- Start submissions 120–180 days out with clean loss runs and narratives.
- Provide telematics and safety program data.
- Model higher deductibles or structured excess programs.
- Demonstrate cargo fraud-prevention controls.
- Engage multiple markets, including admitted, E&S, and captives.
FAQs
Why did my premiums rise despite clean losses?
Industry-wide loss costs and jury verdicts push liability rates up regardless of individual fleet performance.
Will dashcams lower my premium?
Yes, especially if paired with driver coaching and used to exonerate drivers after claims.
Are zero-emission or ADAS trucks cheaper to insure?
They may reduce crash frequency but often increase repair costs. Insurers focus on your actual loss data.
How can smaller fleets handle the hard umbrella market?
Consider higher attachment points, layered excess, and detailed claims-preparedness programs.
How Inszone Insurance Can Help
Inszone Insurance specializes in trucking risks across local, regional, and long-haul operations. Our team can:
- Benchmark your program against current market conditions.
- Secure competitive quotes from multiple carriers.
- Provide risk management guidance tailored to your fleet.
Contact Inszone Insurance today or call 877-308-9663 for a consultation.
Sources and Further Reading
- Marsh – US Insurance Market Rates Q1 2025
- RPS – 2025 Commercial Auto & Trucking Market Outlook
- Risk & Insurance – U.S. P/C Industry Posts Best Underwriting Results in Over a Decade
- Verisk CargoNet – Cargo Theft Surges to Record Levels in 2024
- Verisk CargoNet – Cargo Theft Data (2024–2025)
- IIHS – Front Crash Prevention on Large Trucks Could Prevent Thousands of Crashes
- NHTSA – Final Rule: Automatic Emergency Braking for Light Vehicles
- FMCSA – Speed Limiter Rulemaking Withdrawal (July 2025)
- ATRI – 2025 Update to Operational Costs of Trucking
- ACT Research – Class-8 Used Truck Prices Rise Again in 2025
- Florida Legislature – House Bill 837 (2023) Tort Reform
- Texas Legislature – House Bill 19 (2021) Commercial Vehicle Litigation