The Renewal Timeline
Insurance renewal isn't a single event — it's a 90-day process. Here's when to do what.
Start the Process
- Pull your current policy and declarations page
- Review your coverage limits — are they still right?
- Check your CSA scores and loss runs
- Note any changes: new trucks, new drivers, different cargo, expanded radius
- Contact your agent and say: "I want to review my renewal early this year"
Get Competing Quotes
- Contact 2-3 other agencies for comparison quotes
- Provide the same information to each (apples-to-apples)
- Ask each agent: "What carriers can you access that my current agent can't?"
- Don't just chase the cheapest price — compare coverage, carrier ratings, and service
Review & Compare
- You should have your renewal quote from your current agent by now
- Compare against competing quotes — same coverage limits, same deductibles
- Ask about any rate increases: "What specifically is driving the increase?"
- Negotiate: "I have a quote from [carrier] at $X — can you match it?"
Make Your Decision
- Choose your carrier and agent
- If switching, give your current agent formal notice
- Confirm new coverage starts the day old coverage ends — NO GAPS
- Set up your payment plan (monthly, quarterly, pay-in-full)
Final Verification
- Confirm your new policy documents are ready
- Verify FMCSA filings will be transferred (BMC-91/91X)
- Get your new COI (certificate of insurance) for brokers
- Update your Clearinghouse, load boards, and broker packets
- Put your new insurance cards in the truck
Renewal Day
- Verify coverage is active (your agent should confirm)
- Check FMCSA SAFER system shows active insurance
- Keep old policy documents for 3+ years (claims can surface later)
What Determines Your Renewal Rate
Your renewal rate isn't random. Insurance carriers look at specific, measurable factors. Knowing what they are lets you influence the outcome.
Claims History
Any claims in the past 3-5 years — especially at-fault accidents — are the #1 rate driver. One $50K+ claim can increase your renewal 30-60%. Two claims? Some carriers won't renew you at all.
CSA Scores & Violations
Elevated CSA percentiles in any BASIC will increase your rate. Violations from roadside inspections are especially damaging because they're visible to every insurance carrier.
Authority Age
Year 1 to 2 is the most expensive. Years 2 to 3, rates typically drop 15-25%. After year 3, you're in the standard market. After year 5, you get the best rates available.
Driver Records (MVR)
Tickets, accidents, and license suspensions on your MVR (and your drivers' MVRs) directly affect your rate. Moving violations are worse than non-moving ones.
Market Conditions
The trucking insurance market goes through hard (expensive) and soft (cheaper) cycles. In a hard market, rates rise industry-wide regardless of your record. You can't control this — but you can shop harder when it happens.
Vehicle Changes
Newer trucks with higher values cost more to insure (physical damage). Older trucks cost less but may have reliability issues. Adding or removing trucks changes your fleet profile.
What to Expect at Renewal
Realistic expectations based on what we see across hundreds of renewals:
| Your Situation | Expected Rate Change | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Clean year, no claims, 3+ years authority | -5% to -15% | Negotiate hard. You're a desirable risk. Shop if your agent can't deliver a decrease. |
| Clean year, year 1 to 2 authority | -15% to -25% | This is the biggest drop you'll ever get. Make sure you actually receive it. |
| Clean year, year 2 to 3 authority | -10% to -20% | Second biggest drop. You're entering the standard market — more carriers will quote you now. |
| Minor violation(s), no claims | 0% to +10% | Push back on increases. One minor violation shouldn't cost you much. Shop if increase exceeds 5%. |
| One claim (under $25K) | +10% to +25% | Ask what steps would lower your rate. Dash cams, safety programs, and higher deductibles can help offset. |
| One major claim (over $50K) | +25% to +60% | Your options narrow. Your agent's relationship with underwriters matters more here. Don't switch agents impulsively — continuity helps. |
| Multiple claims or serious violations | +40% to non-renewal | Start shopping immediately at 90 days. You may need a surplus lines carrier. Be honest about your history — surprises at binding are worse. |
Red Flags at Renewal
Watch for these warning signs that something is wrong with your renewal or your agent.
Your agent sends the renewal 2 weeks before expiration
This means they either forgot about you or they're hoping you won't have time to shop. A good agent starts 60-90 days out.
"This is the best rate available"
Unless your agent represents every carrier in the market (they don't), they can't know this. It's the best rate they can get. Another agent with different carrier appointments might do better.
Your rate increases with a clean record
If you had zero claims, zero violations, and your rate still went up significantly, either the market is hard (ask for data) or your agent isn't fighting for you.
Coverage limits decreased without your approval
Some agents lower limits to make the premium look better without telling you. Always compare your renewal declarations page against last year's — line by line.
Your agent can't explain the rate
If they can't tell you specifically why your rate is what it is — which factors are driving it and which are helping — they either don't understand your account or they're not working it properly.
New exclusions or endorsements you didn't request
Carriers sometimes add exclusions at renewal (like excluding certain drivers or cargo types). Read every page of your renewal. If something changed, ask why — and whether it's negotiable.
7 Ways to Lower Your Renewal Rate
Pay in full
Most carriers offer a 5-10% discount for paying the annual premium upfront instead of monthly installments. On a $15K policy, that's $750-$1,500 saved.
Increase your deductible
Moving from a $1,000 to $2,500 physical damage deductible can save 5-10% on that coverage line. Only do this if you have the cash to cover the higher deductible.
Install a dash cam
Forward and inward-facing dash cams show carriers you're serious about safety. Some carriers offer explicit discounts. Others just look at you more favorably in underwriting.
Shop at the right time
If your authority just crossed the 2-year or 3-year mark, you've unlocked access to more carriers with lower rates. Your current carrier may not automatically adjust — shop to find your new market rate.
Bundle coverage
Putting auto liability, physical damage, cargo, and GL with the same carrier often earns a multi-line discount. Ask your agent about bundling options.
Review your vehicle list
Still insuring a truck you sold? Listed a value of $80K on a truck that's now worth $45K? Incorrect vehicle information costs you money. Update values to actual cash value.
Improve your safety profile
Clean inspections, defensive driving courses, written safety programs, and drug testing compliance all contribute to a better underwriting picture. These take time but compound year over year.
Should You Switch Agents?
Switching isn't always the answer — but sometimes it is. Here's how to think about it.
Reasons to Stay
- Your agent is responsive and explains things clearly
- They proactively shop your renewal (not just one carrier)
- Your rate is competitive for your risk profile
- They have relationships with claims adjusters (matters when you file)
- They know your operation and history
- Continuity with carriers can earn loyalty credits over time
Reasons to Switch
- Your agent only quotes one carrier
- They don't return calls or respond slowly
- Your rate increased with a clean record and they can't explain why
- They've never mentioned rate-saving strategies
- They don't understand trucking (generalist agency)
- Another agent has access to carriers yours doesn't
Your Renewal Checklist
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch insurance mid-term or do I have to wait for renewal?
You can switch at any time, but switching mid-term usually triggers a short-rate cancellation penalty — meaning you'll get back less than a prorated refund. Some carriers charge 10-25% of the remaining premium as a penalty. Switching at renewal avoids this entirely, which is why starting the process early matters.
What are loss runs and why do I need them?
Loss runs are your claims history report from your current insurance carrier. They show every claim filed, paid, and reserved over the past 3-5 years. New carriers require them to quote you. Request them from your agent at least 60 days before renewal — they can take 2-4 weeks to arrive.
My agent says I can't get a better rate. Is that true?
Maybe — but probably not. Unless your agent has appointments with every trucking insurance carrier in your state, there are carriers they can't access. A second opinion from another agency costs you nothing. Get at least one competing quote to verify your agent's claim.
Will I lose my claims history if I switch carriers?
No. Your claims history follows you through loss runs and CLUE reports regardless of which carrier or agent you use. What you might lose is a "loyalty" discount from your current carrier — but if the competing rate is lower even without that discount, switching still makes sense.
What happens if my insurance lapses during renewal?
Even a 1-day lapse in coverage can trigger FMCSA action — your authority can be revoked. And when you reinstate, you'll be treated as a "new" authority with the highest rates. This is why you should bind your new policy 30 days early and confirm the transition date. NEVER let coverage lapse.
Renewal Coming Up?
Start 90 days out. We'll give you a honest comparison quote with the same coverage — so you know whether your current rate is competitive. No pressure, no obligation.