Major commercial insurance lines like Property and Workers’ Comp are moving in buyers’ favor in 2026. Auto liability is the exception. Litigation trends continue to outpace premium adjustments, and carriers are pricing accordingly. If your business operates vehicles, this coverage line requires strategic attention at renewal. For broader context, see RBN's commercial auto industry outlook.
Accident-related litigation has been a major driver of social inflation, with plaintiffs drawing out claims for longer and winning larger verdicts from juries. The result is a persistent mismatch between what carriers collect in premium and what they pay in claims. This pattern has developed for years and shows little sign of reversing.
The commercial auto combined ratio, which measures losses plus expenses relative to premiums, has consistently exceeded 100% in nearly every year over the past decade, per S&P Global data. A ratio above 100% means carriers are absorbing underwriting losses on this line of coverage. Industry-wide commercial auto liability losses have been in the area of approximately $5 billion annually over the last several years. Until that loss trend reverses, rate pressure will persist across the market.
Trucking operations face the most scrutiny. Heavy trucks are a major target of plaintiffs’ attorneys because potential verdict sizes are larger. Additionally, accounts with trucking operations face pressure around recruitment and retention of qualified drivers, which leads to an elevated risk profile that carriers evaluate carefully. If your fleet includes heavy trucks, expect the most detailed underwriting scrutiny and the least pricing flexibility. Carriers are willing to differentiate accounts, but only when the risk controls are clearly documented and credible.
Auto exposure extends into excess casualty lines. The increasing tendency to litigate claims and plaintiffs’ corresponding success in winning large verdicts is spilling out of the auto line and into the excess and umbrella areas. Mid-to-high single-digit rate increases are typical on excess lines, but there is significant variation based on class of business, amount of coverage, and loss history. Accounts with larger vehicle fleets are among the most exposed.
Driver quality. A rigorous driver hiring process with MVR checks, background screening, and documented minimum qualifications signals risk management discipline. Carriers want to see that you treat driver selection as an underwriting-level decision. Effective communication with fleet employees reinforces these standards day-to-day.
Safety technology. Telematics, dashcams, and driver monitoring systems reduce actual risk and demonstrate proactive exposure management. Carriers notice the investment because it directly reduces the severity and frequency of claims. See RBN's guide to reducing fleet risk through telematics.
Post-accident protocols. A detailed post-accident investigation process shows operational maturity and helps prepare for claims before they become litigation. Being ready to document and respond quickly makes a material difference in claim outcomes.
Ongoing safety training. Regular, documented driver safety training programs are a standard expectation for favorable pricing. Carriers want evidence of continuous investment, not a one-time initiative.
Vehicle use restrictions. Limiting employees’ personal use of company vehicles reduces exposure that carriers would otherwise price into the account. Every mile driven outside of business operations is risk you do not need to carry.
Audit your fleet safety program and document every improvement since the last policy period. Be specific about what changed and when.
Consider deploying telematics or dashcams. For many fleets, this can drive a notable improvement in the risk profile. Not only do these tools allow you to manage driving behaviors more effectively, they can also support your defense in the event questionable claims are made against you.
Keep a close eye on your safety scores and vehicle maintenance. These are major factors in underwriters’ assessment of any account.
Auto liability is a major focus area for insurance underwriters. The buyers getting the best outcomes are the ones making it easy to sell the strength of their risk management practices.
RBN's 2026 Buyer's Guide to Commercial Property & Casualty Insurance covers all six major coverage lines in detail, with the underwriting signals and renewal preparation tactics that drive the best outcomes.
Download the full guide (PDF, 11 pages)
Source: RBN's 2026 Buyer's Guide to Commercial Property & Casualty Insurance. Combined ratio data: S&P Global.