Insurance Was Trucking’s Last Real Barrier to Entry. It Collapsed.

Core Insights - The trucking insurance industry is experiencing a significant shift towards instant-issue policies that lack proper risk assessment and verification, leading to increased risks on the highways [7][12][14] - Traditional underwriting practices are being undermined, allowing unqualified operators to enter the market with minimal oversight, which poses a threat to public safety [11][17][43] Group 1: Current State of Trucking Insurance - Instant-issue commercial trucking insurance allows individuals to obtain coverage quickly without thorough verification, raising concerns about the qualifications of operators on the road [7][12] - Major insurers like GEICO and Progressive are adopting models that prioritize quick issuance over comprehensive risk assessment, which deviates from traditional underwriting standards [11][12][13] - The existence of subprime insurance carriers has blurred the lines between standard and high-risk coverage, making it easier for unfit operators to obtain insurance [15][17] Group 2: Financial Implications of Insurance Practices - The average verdict in truck crash lawsuits has dramatically increased, with the average exceeding $1 million rising from $2.3 million in 2010 to $22.3 million by 2018, a 967% increase [18] - In 2023, there were 27 cases resulting in verdicts over $100 million, highlighting the financial risks associated with inadequate insurance coverage [19] - Many legitimate carriers are facing bankruptcy due to soaring insurance costs, while high-risk operators can still obtain coverage with minimal scrutiny [20] Group 3: Accountability and Regulatory Concerns - The concept of "chameleon carriers" allows operators to evade accountability by changing names and policies after causing accidents, further complicating regulatory oversight [22][25] - The federal minimum liability coverage for trucking operations has remained stagnant at $750,000 since the 1980s, which is insufficient given modern crash costs [27][31] - There is a pressing need for reforms in underwriting practices and coverage limits to ensure that insurance effectively protects the motoring public [43][44][47]