New ATRI Research to Study Rising Commercial Auto Insurance Costs and Risk Management Strategies

The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) is launching an important study to understand the rising costs of commercial auto insurance and the risk management strategies motor carriers are employing to address these financial pressures. This research presents a crucial opportunity for trucking companies to contribute valuable insights that can help shape the industry’s future.

In recent years, trucking auto liability premiums have surged by an alarming 36 percent per mile over the past eight years, despite a decline in truck crashes over the last four years. As we approach 2025, issues such as insurance cost and availability, along with the growing concern of lawsuit abuse, have been identified as significant challenges facing the trucking industry. In fact, these concerns were ranked second and third among industry stakeholders.

In light of these rising costs, many fleets are reevaluating their total cost of risk. They are exploring innovative solutions, including new technologies, enhanced training protocols, and alternative insurance arrangements such as self-insurance or captives. Previous ATRI research highlighted how fleets have responded to financial pressures by reducing coverage and increasing deductibles between 2018 and 2020. While some of these strategies have incentivized safety improvements, many fleets still face higher premiums.

Recognizing the need for deeper insights, ATRI’s Research Advisory Committee (RAC) has prioritized expanding this research to better understand industry-wide trends in the adoption and effectiveness of these risk management strategies.

To contribute to this vital research, motor carriers are encouraged to submit data on their coverage stacks for 2021 through 2024, along with information on their use of safety technologies and alternative insurance arrangements. Rest assured, all submitted data will remain completely confidential and will be analyzed in aggregate only. ATRI is also willing to sign non-disclosure agreements upon request.

As an added benefit, all participating carriers will receive a customized report that compares their fleet’s cost of risk to an anonymized peer group, providing valuable benchmarking information.

Motor carriers interested in participating can complete the survey either via PDF or online. The submission deadline is Friday, December 19, 2025.

For more information and to participate, click here.