Fleet risk management has become a key focus for commercial auto insurers navigating an increasingly complex landscape. With regulatory shifts, rising claims costs, and unpredictable driving behavior, underwriting and claims teams alike are under pressure to find faster and smarter ways to assess exposure and mitigate losses.

In this article, we’ll explore five of the most pressing challenges commercial auto insurers face today and how evolving data and telematics tools are reshaping the conversation.

1. Visibility Gaps in ELD & Telematics Data

While most fleets today are equipped with Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs), insurers still struggle to gain clear, consistent access to that data. Fragmentation is a common obstacle—fleets may use different providers across their vehicles, leaving underwriters and claims adjusters to chase down logins and compatibility.

Beyond connectivity, there’s also the question of completeness. Some telematics feeds focus only on GPS and hours of service, missing out on behavioral insights like harsh braking or erratic driving patterns. Without a full picture, insurers are left relying on assumptions instead of real-world context.

For insurers looking to build or expand telematics-based programs, solving for ELD access and data normalization is a foundational step. A unified approach can pave the way for better underwriting and faster claims resolution.

2. Hidden Vehicle Exposure & Premium Leakage

One of the biggest issues in commercial auto risk is the misalignment between listed policy vehicles and real-world activity. Known as premium leakage, this gap can result in major lost revenue and inaccurate underwriting.

For example, an insured may report 25 active vehicles, but mileage and telematics data might show 40 operating regularly. If a claim is filed on an unlisted VIN, the insurer could still be on the hook under the MCS-90 endorsement—while collecting premiums on just over half the exposure.

Traditional methods, like checking FMCSA registration data, often miss active vehicles that don’t show up on public filings. Real-time mileage reporting, paired with VIN tracking at the device level, gives insurers a better way to monitor actual fleet behavior and identify gaps.

3. Lagging First Notice of Loss (FNOL)

In the event of a crash, time matters. The sooner an insurer is alerted, the better the chances of accurate documentation, clear liability assessment, and reduced litigation.

Unfortunately, many insurers still rely on manual First Notice of Loss (FNOL) processes. Drivers may delay reporting and brokers might miss key details, so claims departments are left piecing together the incident after the fact.

Telematics-based FNOL can offer a more proactive alternative. By detecting crash events within minutes, insurers can be notified in near real-time and begin the claims process with fresher, more accurate information.

4. Underwriting Based on Stale or Incomplete Data

Commercial auto underwriting has traditionally leaned on historical loss data and static risk indicators. But as driving behavior and fleet operations evolve, those methods are showing their limits.

Insurers now have access to richer, more current datasets through telematics integrations. Behavioral metrics like speeding, idling, and cornering, when layered with real-time location and usage trends, can give underwriters a sharper lens into actual risk.

The challenge? Turning that raw data into something meaningful and manageable. With so many signals to interpret, insurers need tools and partners that help surface patterns, quantify exposure, and translate telematics into clear underwriting actions.

5. Bridging the Gap Between Risk & Operations

Even the best fleet risk management strategy will fall short if it's siloed from the people on the ground. Many insurers find that the insights they develop don’t always translate into action with their insureds.

Fleet managers may not have access to the same data or may be overwhelmed by multiple dashboards and devices. Claims teams may lack the tools to communicate risk trends effectively. And brokers, tasked with servicing both parties, often don’t have the time or training to mediate.

Successful insurers are finding ways to close this loop, whether by integrating directly with fleet telematics platforms, streamlining communication through shared tools, or embedding loss control guidance into daily fleet operations.

Closing the Gaps with Smarter Tools Like TruckerCloud

Fleet risk management is only getting more dynamic. For commercial auto insurers, the path forward lies in better data, cleaner integrations, and smarter processes.

At TruckerCloud, we work with insurers to bring clarity to commercial fleet risk. Here’s how we help eliminate the biggest fleet risk management challenges:

• Resolve ELD fragmentation with seamless integrations to over 100 telematics and camera providers
• Detect hidden VINs and identify premium leakage with real-time mileage and asset tracking
• Trigger FNOL alerts within minutes of a crash using ELD and camera data
• Support underwriting accuracy with pre-policy driving behavior and location history
• Bridge the communication gap between brokers, fleets, and carriers with shared visibility tools

Ready to see it in action? Get in touch to learn how TruckerCloud can help streamline your risk management strategy.