It’s not too late to lower your trucking insurance premiums in 2025 and beyond!
We all know having a good driving record is a no-brainer, but there’s actually more to it than you might think.
Here’s some tips to help you save money now and also score a better truck insurance renewal premium in 2026.
Top 10 Tips to Reduce Trucking Insurance Costs
1. Maintain a Good Credit Score to Save Money
Your credit score plays a big role in affordable trucking insurance rates. Insurance companies often view businesses with better credit as less risky, which can lead to lower premiums. There are several free credit card search companies where you can monitor and improve your credit score. Once your score starts improving, that’s the best time to look for lower premiums by starting a commercial truck insurance online quote to see how your numbers stack up. Chatting with a trucker pro agent early on can really help you get your future plans and budget sorted.
2. Pay Your Insurance Bill on Time to reach Best Tier
Late payments can mess with your chances of getting lower premiums in the future. Insurance companies love customers who pay on time, and setting up automatic payments or paying in full upfront could save you up to 15%. Plus, paying on time means no penalties and lower rates when it’s time to renew. Behind the scenes, there are different “tiers” in insurance algorithms that group you with others based on your payment history and insurance credit score. The goal? Get in that top tier!
3. Keep Your DOT Authority Active for Lower Rates
If rising fuel costs or other challenges are getting you down, don’t rush to cancel your DOT authority. Shutting it off and restarting later can lead to higher insurance rates and fewer options. Insurers like GEICO and Progressive view turning your authority on and off as a red flag. Even just pushing a payment back by 10 days is way better than letting your authority get involuntarily revoked. If that happens, you’ll have a seriously tough time getting insurance again when you try to restart your Motor Carrier Authority.
4. Resist the Urge to Reduce Coverage Mid Term
Reducing your truck insurance mid term with Progressive or GEICO has never been easier. Problem is, when renewal time rolls around their underwriting model sees mid term coverage changes as a sign of instability. Then your renewal premium goes up. The higher your POP, or proof of prior insurance is, the lower your renewal offer. Your best bet? Stick with your current coverage to build a good, solid history.
5. Update Your Truck’s Value and Deductibles
Make sure your truck’s physical damage coverage matches what it’s actually worth. With used truck prices all over the place, keeping up with your truck’s stated amount helps you avoid overpaying for insurance or being underinsured if something happens. Progressive’s Financed Value Coverage has your back if you owe more on your loan than the truck’s worth. If your driving record isn’t perfect, a $2,500 deductible for comprehensive and collision coverage can really help you out. That’s because physical damage premiums are higher for drivers in your situation. Let’s face it, a thousand dollars just isn’t what it used to be:)
6. Consider Your Actual Radius to Reduce your Premium
A lot of new Motor Carriers and Owner Operators go for Unlimited Radius right off the bat, but the truth is, you might only be driving within 500 miles on your regular routes. Long haul trips come with more risks like unfamiliar roads, higher chances of accidents, more time behind the wheel. If you’re not driving coast to coast, grab a map, figure out your actual radius, and lock that in before starting your policy. You might be surprised at how much you can reduce your trucking insurance premium!
7. Shop Rates Before Big Changes to Plan Costs
Thinking about getting your own DOT authority, hiring drivers, or switching up your vehicle—maybe from a cargo van to a hot shot or box truck or semi? Get your insurance quotes first! Premiums vary a ton with these changes, and no one likes surprise costs. Companies like GEICO and Progressive use your DOT number and MCS-150 to see changes, so it’s smart to crunch the numbers before making any big moves that could raise your rates. While getting your commercial truck insurance quote online is super convenient, when you’re considering big changes in your life then a quick free call with a transportation insurance expert is what you need to do. At CIS we work as your advocate to make sure you’re not making the wrong step that could really affect your overhead!
8. Be Aware of State-Specific Costs for Budgeting
Some states naturally have higher trucking insurance premiums because of things like personal injury protection (PIP) requirements and higher litigation costs. Places like New Jersey, California, and Louisiana usually top the charts for the most expensive rates. If you’re running operations in these areas, it’s definitely something to budget for. On the flip side, GEICO and Progressive seem to be fans of states like Ohio, Indiana, Pennsylvania, South Carolina…and surprisingly…Florida these days!
9. Secure a Safe Garaging Location to Lower Rates
Where you park your truck matters. Progressive and GEICO look at your zip code to figure out if it’s a safe spot for your vehicle. Unfortunately, telling them your truck’s never parked because it’s always on the road doesn’t work… trust us, we’ve tried! At CIS, we’ll help you find the best truck insurance at an affordable price, no matter where you are.
10. Discounts for Data and ELD Monitoring
Insurance underwriters look at your data and details to figure out how risky you are to insure. Want to make a good first impression? Start by looking professional online with a custom website and branded email. And think about your company’s physical address; can you actually park your truck there, or is it just the local Staples parking lot?
Also, keep an eye on your SMS scores using the FMCSA Company Snapshot.
All insurance companies now offer discounts on your premium when you use an ELD (Electronic Logging Device) monitoring plan. For example, with Progressive’s Smart Haul program, you could save between 5% and 18%—that’s an average of $1,384 a year. Progressive also offers another 10% in savings on top of Smart Haul when you use the Motive A.I. powered platform, plus a software subsidy of $20 per unit each month.
October Update: Progressive now requires the Motive A.I. powered platform for anyone with an out-of-state driver.
Save Money on Trucking Insurance Today
Saving money on your trucking insurance might take a little effort, but it’s definitely possible. Take small steps like keeping a good credit score, staying updated on your truck’s value and deductibles, and utilize ELD discounts. Over time, these simple tips will help you save money while keeping your business stable and protected.
Want to learn more? Check out our CIS Truck Insurance blogs:
- New GEICO Commercial Truck Insurance is Here!
- Progressive Just Lowered their Commercial Truck Insurance Quotes
- Proven Tips to Save Money on New Venture Motor Carrier Insurance
- How to Get an MC Number
- What to Know about Insuring Cargo Vans for Commercial Use
- Commercial Truck Insurance Review