Trucking loss runs: what they show and how to request them
A loss run is a report from your insurer that lists claims on your policy: the date of each loss, the type of claim, what was paid and what is still reserved. Underwriters use it to judge your fleet. Ask each insurer you had for its loss runs, in writing, for every policy term they covered.
- What a loss run shows
- How to request loss runs
- What to check
- Match it to your FMCSA record
- FAQ
When an insurer reviews a fleet, it reads your loss runs to see what claims you have had. Having them in hand early saves time, and lets you catch errors before an underwriter does.
What a loss run shows
IRMI defines a loss run as a periodic report of claim information from an insurer to its insured. A typical one lists:
- Policy number, policy term and named insured
- Date of each loss and the type of claim, such as liability, cargo or physical damage
- Amount paid on each claim
- Amount reserved for open claims
- Whether each claim is open or closed, as of the date the report was run
How to request loss runs
- List every insurer that covered your trucks over the past several years, with policy numbers and terms.
- Send each one a written request, signed by an owner or officer, naming the policy numbers, terms and your USDOT number.
- Ask that the report be sent to you, and keep a copy of each request.
- If you have an agent, ask them to request it for you as well.
What to check
- Every claim is yours and on the right policy.
- Closed claims show as closed, with the final paid amount.
- Open claims have a reserve that matches what you know about the claim.
- Claims that paid nothing are marked that way.
- No policy term is missing.
Match it to your FMCSA record
Underwriters also read your public crashes and inspections on SAFER and SMS. If a crash on your FMCSA record is wrong, request a review through DataQs. Our CSA BASICs guide explains what is public, and DOTView shows your record by USDOT number.
FAQ
What is a loss run?
A report of claim information that an insurer gives its insured. It usually lists the date of each loss, the type of claim, the amount paid and the amount reserved.
Who do I ask for loss runs?
Each insurer that covered you, for each policy term. Your agent can usually request them for you. If you had more than one insurer, ask each one.
What does reserved mean on a loss run?
It is the amount the insurer has set aside for an open claim it expects to pay. An open claim with a large reserve can weigh on how an underwriter reads your file.
My loss run has an error. What do I do?
Ask the insurer that issued it to correct it, in writing, and keep a copy. If the error is on your FMCSA record instead, use DataQs.
Is a loss run the same as my FMCSA crash record?
No. A loss run lists insurance claims. FMCSA records list reportable crashes and inspections. Underwriters often read both, so check that they tell the same story.
This guide is general information, not legal advice or an offer of insurance. Rules and programs change, so check the sources below. Helm Partners is a trucking-only insurance agency being formed in Michigan. Our Michigan license is pending. We do not quote or sell insurance until licensed.