Trucking Terms Guide

Insurance / Documents

Loss Run in trucking

Short answer: A report showing a business's insurance claims history for a period.

Plain-English explanation

A loss run is a report from an insurance company that shows a carrier's claims history: dates, claim types, amounts paid, reserves, and whether claims are open or closed. Loss runs are used by underwriters when pricing or renewing a policy, and by brokers or shippers who want to see a carrier's insurance track record during carrier vetting.

Insurance terms should be matched to the policy, endorsement, certificate, limit, and exclusion language. A short definition cannot confirm coverage for a specific loss or load.

Why it matters in trucking

Loss runs can affect premium at renewal more than any other single factor. A series of cargo claims or liability incidents over a three-year window can push a carrier into higher-risk underwriting tiers or non-standard markets with much higher premiums. Some brokers and shippers now request 3-year loss runs as part of carrier qualification beyond just a certificate of insurance.

Coverage questions are easier before dispatch than after a claim. If the load, trailer, cargo value, or operating status is unusual, clarify the wording early.

Example in real use

A carrier's insurance comes up for renewal. The underwriter requests 3 years of loss runs from the prior insurer. The report shows two cargo claims totaling $62,000 and one liability claim from a fender bender that settled for $18,000. The underwriter prices the renewal significantly higher than the prior year and adds a higher cargo deductible.

Common mistakes or confusion

  • Not requesting loss runs from a prior insurer when switching carriers — the new underwriter will ask for them and a gap can delay the renewal.
  • Assuming a settled or closed claim disappears from loss runs quickly — claims history typically follows a carrier for 3–5 years.
  • Filing small claims that could have been handled out of pocket, which adds to the claims count on the loss run even if the dollar amount is low.

Related terms

Certificate of Insurance A document summarizing insurance coverage for a broker, shipper, or customer. Additional Insured A party added to a policy for limited coverage rights under policy terms. Certificate Holder A party listed to receive proof of insurance or notices as described on the certificate. Certificate of Insurance A document summarizing insurance coverage for a broker, shipper, or customer. Primary Liability Liability coverage for bodily injury or property damage caused by the truck in covered operations. Physical Damage Coverage for damage to the insured truck or trailer itself, subject to policy terms.

Related guides

Truck Insurance Terms is the best next place to keep learning this topic.

Sources and last updated

Insurance definitions are reviewed against FMCSA minimum coverage requirements and NAIC consumer insurance glossary. Coverage details should be confirmed against the actual policy. See the sources page.

Last updated: 2026-05-10