What Is a Loss Runs Report and How Do You Get One?

What Is a Loss Runs Report and How Do You Get One?

What Is a Loss Runs Report and How Do You Get One

What Is a Loss Runs Report and How Do You Get One

If you’re shopping for coverage or switching carriers, you’ll quickly run into one key document: the loss runs report. So, what is a loss runs report and how do you get one? This guide explains everything owner-operators and trucking companies need to know—what it is, why it matters, and exactly how to request it fast.



What Is a Loss Runs Report?

A loss runs report is a document from your insurance carrier that shows your claims history over a specific period—typically the past 3 to 5 years.

It’s one of the most important documents used by underwriters to determine your risk level and pricing.


What Information Is in a Loss Runs Report?

A standard loss runs report includes:

  • Policy numbers
  • Coverage periods
  • Type of coverage (liability, cargo, physical damage)
  • Claim dates
  • Claim status (open or closed)
  • Amount paid on each claim
  • Reserve amounts (estimated future payouts)

Why Is a Loss Runs Report Important?

Understanding what is a loss runs report and how do you get one matters because it directly affects your insurance rates.

Key reasons it matters:

  • Determines your risk profile
  • Impacts premium pricing
  • Required when switching insurance companies
  • Helps identify patterns in claims

👉 Clean loss runs = lower premiums
👉 Frequent claims = higher costs


How Do You Get a Loss Runs Report?

Now let’s answer the second part: how do you get a loss runs report?


Step-by-Step: How to Request a Loss Runs Report

1. Contact Your Insurance Carrier

Reach out to your current or previous insurance company.

You can request your loss runs report through:

  • Email
  • Online portal
  • Customer service

2. Provide Required Information

Be ready with:

  • Business name
  • Policy number
  • Years requested (usually 3–5 years)

3. Submit a Written Request (Recommended)

Many carriers require a formal request.

Example:

“Please provide 5 years of currently valued loss runs for all policies under [Company Name].”


4. Wait for Processing

Most carriers deliver your loss runs report within:

  • 24–72 hours

Some may take up to 5 business days.


Can an Insurance Agent Get Loss Runs for You?

Yes—your insurance agent or broker can request your loss runs report on your behalf.

Benefits:

  • Faster processing
  • Correct formatting for underwriters
  • Less back-and-forth

How Many Years of Loss Runs Do You Need?

Most insurance companies require:

  • 3 years minimum
  • 5 years preferred

If you’re a new authority, you may only have:

  • 1 year or less

What Does “Currently Valued Loss Runs” Mean?

You may hear this term when requesting your report.

Definition:

“Currently valued” means the report includes:

  • Updated claim payments
  • Current reserve amounts
  • Accurate claim status

This ensures underwriters see the most up-to-date risk picture.


Common Mistakes When Requesting Loss Runs

Avoid these errors when learning what is a loss runs report and how do you get one:

  • Requesting outdated reports
  • Forgetting prior insurance carriers
  • Missing policy numbers
  • Not asking for “currently valued” data

What If You Can’t Get Your Loss Runs Report?

If you’re having trouble:

Try these options:

  • Contact previous agents
  • Reach out to prior carriers directly
  • Check email records for past policies

Important:

Insurance companies are generally required to provide your loss runs report upon request.


How Loss Runs Affect Commercial Truck Insurance Rates

Your loss runs report plays a major role in pricing.

🚛 Clean Record:

  • Lower premiums
  • More carrier options

🚨 Multiple Claims:

  • Higher premiums
  • Limited markets
  • Possible coverage restrictions

Example: How Loss Runs Impact Pricing

Driver A:

  • No claims in 5 years
  • Premium: $12,000/year

Driver B:

  • 3 claims in 3 years
  • Premium: $18,000+/year

👉 Same truck, same operation—different loss history.


Do All Trucking Businesses Need Loss Runs?

Yes—if you are:

  • Owner-operator
  • Fleet owner
  • Switching insurance providers
  • Renewing with a new carrier

How Often Should You Request Loss Runs?

Best practice:

  • Once per year
  • Before shopping for insurance
  • Before policy renewal

Digital vs Paper Loss Runs Reports

Most carriers now provide:

  • PDF downloads
  • Email delivery

Some older systems may still use:

  • Fax or mailed copies

Key Benefits of Having Your Loss Runs Ready

  • Speeds up quotes
  • Improves negotiation power
  • Avoids delays in binding coverage
  • Shows professionalism to underwriters

What is a loss runs report in trucking insurance?

A loss runs report is a document showing your claims history over the past 3–5 years.

How do you get a loss runs report fast?

Contact your insurance carrier or agent and request “currently valued loss runs” via email.

Is a loss runs report required for new insurance?

Yes, most carriers require it to provide accurate quotes.

How long does it take to get loss runs?

Typically 24–72 hours, depending on the carrier.

Can I get loss runs from a previous insurance company?

Yes, all prior carriers can provide your report upon request.


Final Thoughts

So, what is a loss runs report and how do you get one? It’s your insurance track record—and one of the most important tools for controlling your premiums.

Whether you’re renewing, switching carriers, or just comparing quotes, having your loss runs report ready can save time, money, and frustration.

If you stay proactive and keep your claims history clean, you’ll put yourself in the best position for lower commercial truck insurance rates moving forward.


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TruckingbyJDW Commercial Truck Insurance Agent
JDW Truckers Insurance - At JDW Truckers Insurance, we specialize in commercial trucking insurance for owner-operators and trucking businesses. Our mission is to provide comprehensive coverage, competitive pricing, and exceptional customer service, so you can focus on running your business while staying FMCSA compliant and meeting shippers’ requirements. We work with a large network of A-Rated carriers, allowing us to shop and compare quotes to find the best coverage for your trucks, cargo, and operations. Text or call for a quick response - 843-849-4929