Protecting fleet operations: The latest innovations in commercial auto insurance

Fleet of commercial trucks.
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These days, it seems there is a never-ending line of impressive technological advancements. Across sectors, artificial intelligence is redefining how we write, generate ideas and even solve problems. There's also quantum computing, which is being utilized to accelerate all kinds of developmental processes — from chemical modeling to materials optimization.

With how we approach projects and accomplish tasks changing so quickly, it's easy to feel left behind. That said, failing to keep up with the latest wonders can drastically impact a company's bottom line. From retail to healthcare, practically everyone is expected to take advantage of these modernizations sooner, rather than later.

The same goes for those working in the auto insurance industry.

Below, we'll go over some of the latest advancements that are modernizing commercial auto insurance and how they can empower insurance professionals in these fast-paced, highly competitive times.

Telematics

First up is telematics. Completely revamping fleet insurance, this innovation offers real-time data from connected vehicles driving all across the world. How does telematics work? Through GPS systems, onboard diagnostics and sensors located throughout the vehicle, telematics gathers and transmits data on everything from braking patterns to the best route to the destination.

Of course, telematics doesn't just provide insights into speed and fuel efficiency; it gives insurance carriers access to driver behavior and vehicle health. By studying these aspects of fleet operation, it's easier to assess the risk levels of those driving and how it can impact the entire fleet's performance. Providers can then create usage-based insurance (UBI) policies and customize their small business insurance quotes, rewarding fleets with lower premiums when they demonstrate safe habits.

These personalized, cost-effective plans have the power to further improve safety out on the road as they promote safe driver practices, ultimately reducing the risk of costly, dangerous accidents.

Predictive analytics

Next is predictive analytics — another innovative approach to assessing risk is commercial auto insurance. The "analytics" part of this refers to the close examination of historical claims, weather conditions, driving patterns, maintenance records and other key datasets. The "predictive" part comes next as sophisticated algorithms use the vast amount of data being analyzed to predict potential trends and risks. This predictive modeling allows insurers to form more accurate assessments and adjust – and even price – their policies accordingly.

Predictive analytics can also benefit the industry through fraud detection. As these advanced algorithms study the data and assess risk, they are able to identify inconsistencies in claims as well. This gives insurance professionals the information needed to address discrepancies and – in turn – reduce fraudulent activity.

Going hand-in-hand with this is a more streamlined claims processing. When equipped with this impressive tool, auto insurers can reduce settlement times, improve underwriting accuracy and enhance the overall customer experience.

Driver safety programs

Combining both telematics and predictive analytics, insurers — alongside other businesses in the industry — can come together to form more comprehensive driver training and safety programs. We all know that continual, consistent training is a key part of improving safety — no matter the sector. That's why companies all across the U.S. are using the latest and greatest tech to enrich this important measure.

When backed by these technologies, safety programs can be redesigned with a focus on the specific areas where drivers may be lacking. It can also address where and when accidents are most likely to happen. There are additional technologies that can be incorporated here as well. It could be employing well-designed mobile apps or e-learning platforms to make training easier on the go or employing virtual reality (VR) simulators to enhance training back at base.

With the integration of cutting-edge technologies like these into training programs, insurers can reduce insurance costs as they help fleets minimize their risks and develop sounder driver practices.

Putting technology front and center
Opportunities are expanding all the time with technology behind the driver's seat. By taking advantage of all that telematics, predictive analytics and innovative driver safety programs have to offer, insurers can better position themselves to serve their clients while staying competitive.

After all, as other industries have shown, those who integrate the latest tech today, are the ones who will be leading tomorrow.

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Artificial intelligence Commercial insurance Auto insurance
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