How to Get Your Loss Runs (And Why It Shouldn't Be This Hard)

If you've ever tried to shop your trucking insurance, you've probably run into the loss run wall. You call your agent to ask for your loss runs and suddenly things get complicated. They're "working on it." The carrier is "taking a while." They need to "check with underwriting."

Here's the truth: your loss runs should take 5 business days or less to release. If it's taking longer, something is wrong — and it usually means your agent doesn't want you shopping.

What Are Loss Runs?

Loss runs are a detailed history of every insurance claim filed against your policy over the past 3-5 years. They show the date of each claim, the type of claim, the amount paid, and the current status. Think of them as your insurance credit report.

When you shop for insurance, any new agent or carrier will need your loss runs to give you an accurate quote. Without them, they're guessing — and guesses are usually higher than reality.

Why Agents Stall on Loss Runs

Let's be direct: many agents deliberately slow-walk loss runs because they know that once you have them, you can easily shop their competition. If they delay long enough, your renewal is too close to shop, and you're stuck renewing with them.

This practice is one of the most common complaints we hear from owner-operators. It's manipulative, it's anti-trucker, and it's exactly the kind of behavior BigTruckCoverage exists to prevent.

How to Get Your Loss Runs

1. Request them in writing. Email your agent and explicitly ask for your loss runs for the past 5 years. Put the date on it.
2. Set a deadline. Tell them you need them within 5 business days.
3. If they stall, contact the insurance carrier directly. You can request loss runs directly from the carrier's customer service — you don't need your agent's permission.
4. If your carrier won't cooperate, contact your state's Department of Insurance. Loss runs are your legal right.

At BigTruckCoverage, every partner agency signs an agreement that includes a 5-business-day loss run release standard. If they can't meet it, they're not our partner. Simple as that.