What drives a fleet's premium
| Factor | What underwriters look at | What you can do |
|---|---|---|
| Loss history | 3 to 5 years of loss runs, frequency and severity | Loss control, claims management, CPDP for not-preventable crashes |
| CSA scores | BASIC percentiles, OOS rates | Lower violations, DataQs challenges |
| Drivers | Experience, age, MVRs, turnover | PSP and MVR screening, retention |
| Operations | Radius, states, commodities, equipment values | Accurate submissions, right-sized values |
| Safety program | Written policies, cameras, telematics, maintenance | Document it and present it |
Ten moves that lower premiums
- Review your SMS data quarterly and act on the worst BASIC first.
- Challenge inaccurate inspections and crashes in DataQs.
- Submit eligible crashes to CPDP, with dash cam video.
- Set written hiring standards and pull PSP and MVR on every applicant.
- Run weekly ELD and telematics exception reports and coach drivers.
- Install forward-facing, and ideally driver-facing, cameras.
- Hold documented safety meetings and post-accident reviews.
- Choose deductibles that fit your cash flow and claim frequency.
- Keep continuous coverage and clean, organized loss runs.
- Start renewal 90 to 120 days out, with a written safety narrative for underwriters.
Why the renewal process matters
Underwriters only price what they see. A rushed renewal with a bare application looks like any other risk. A complete submission with improved CSA trends, DataQs wins, hiring standards and a safety narrative stands out and gets more insurers competing. That's the process Haul Good runs for fleet clients.
Last updated November 10, 2026. Reviewed by a licensed insurance professional at Haul Good Insurance.