If you are paying trucking insurance premiums that are too high, there are several factors that can be adjusted to lower your rates. Insurance companies examine your drivers, your fleet, and your safety record to determine your rates; to get the most out of your policy, it pays to follow the tips below.

  • Shop around to find an insurance agent who understands the needs of your business. Finding the right agent is essential if you are looking for lower trucking insurance premiums. Agents who specialize in trucking insurance can help you get the right coverage for the right price.

  • Adjusting your existing policy to a higher deductible plan will lower your premiums, though this will result in higher upfront costs if there is an accident.

  • Since value, age, and condition of your fleet are taken into account when calculating trucking insurance premiums, upgrading your fleet to newer models will result in lower premium payments.

  • Work with experienced drivers, who have clean driving records and a verifiable employment history, and are between 30 and 62 years old. Providers use these criteria as a factor when setting your trucking insurance premiums, so be sure your employees tick as many boxes as possible. Look for drivers with two years or more of experience, fewer than two minor moving violations in the past three years, and be sure to verify their experience through background and references checks.

  • Make sure your company has a clean safety record with the Department of Traffic. Violations, high Selection (ISS-2) scores, and failed emissions inspections can all have a negative impact on trucking insurance premiums. Maintain a good standing with the DOT and be sure to monitor your record for any issues. Evaluate any safety features your company has in place and make changes to any procedures that are not working as intended.

  • The routes your drivers take can also impact your premium. If your routes take your fleet through areas with  high population density, frequent accidents, or periodic bad weather, consider researching alternate routes for your drivers.