COMMERCIAL PROPERTY & CASUALTY
Smarter Strategies for Commercial Auto Liability
Companies without robust safety controls may find themselves facing unaffordable coverage or worse, non-renewal.
As kids head back to school and traffic patterns shift with buses, carpools, and young pedestrians, the risks on the road increase, not just for personal vehicles but especially for commercial fleets.
For many businesses, your commercial auto policy represents your single largest liability exposure. Here’s what business owners need to know about creating a culture of safety and mitigating auto liability risk.
The Growing Exposure of Commercial Auto
The numbers tell the story: the average cost of a large truck crash involving injuries exceeds $385,000, while those involving fatalities can soar past $14 million. Even smaller-scale incidents can result in nuclear verdicts, with settlements in the tens of millions, a trend that has increased over 1,000% in the past decade.
With schools back in session, roads are more congested during peak hours. Hazards include:
- Increased pedestrian traffic, particularly children walking or biking.
- More stop-and-go driving with buses making frequent stops.
- Distracted driving from both commercial drivers and surrounding commuters.
Beyond the dollar figures, commercial vehicles are often viewed as higher-value claims because businesses typically carry larger policy limits. This can make even minor accidents subject to closer scrutiny.
Controls That Make the Difference
Carriers are increasingly requiring businesses to implement formal fleet safety programs as a condition of coverage or to keep premiums manageable. Proactive measures include:
- Driver Training Programs: Ongoing training reduces accident rates and demonstrates a culture of safety.
- Telematics & Tracking Tools: Solutions from providers like SambaSafety allow companies to monitor driver behavior, flagging speeding, harsh braking, or fatigue.
- Dash Cams & Onboard Cameras: Once optional, dash cams are now becoming the norm. They don’t just improve driver accountability; they can make or break your defense in court by providing indisputable evidence.
- Formal Fleet Safety Policies: Written guidelines on vehicle use, maintenance schedules, and driver responsibilities are essential (here’s a resource we previously shared on designing a fleet safety program).
Why It Matters
Insurance carriers are watching closely. Commercial insurance rates rose 2.8% in Q2 2025, with commercial auto seeing the sharpest increase at 6.7%, while overall rate hikes eased slightly from the previous quarter. Companies without robust safety controls may find themselves facing unaffordable coverage or worse, non-renewal.
By investing in preventative measures today, you not only reduce your liability exposure but also strengthen your position when negotiating with carriers. As your workforce hits the road this fall, remember: fleet safety isn’t just compliance—it’s protection for your business, your employees, and your community.
If you have questions about your program, reach out to our team today for a conversation.