Please note: the following content was developed for educational purposes only and covers a wide variety of general workplace safety concerns and considerations, some not relevant to workers’ compensation or commercial auto coverage.
For insurance agents working with small business clients, commercial auto coverage represents both a significant opportunity and a critical risk management challenge. Pie Insurance's 2025 State of Workplace Safety Report includes some revealing data about commercial vehicle incidents that could help agents better understand their clients' risks and provide more value in their advisory role.
Small businesses across industries have become increasingly reliant on commercial vehicles to maintain operations. The survey data indicates that approximately 67% of businesses depend on commercial vehicles to deliver goods, provide services, or transport employees. This spans everything from construction and landscaping companies to food service and retail delivery operations.
However, this heavy reliance on commercial vehicles may create substantial exposure that many business owners may not fully recognize. When agents discuss commercial auto coverage with clients, they have an opportunity to help protect the operational foundation of these businesses.
The financial consequences of commercial vehicle incidents can extend well beyond initial repair costs. Let's look at the numbers, because they reveal some concerning trends.
The survey data reveals several key financial impacts:
Agents can help clients understand that inadequate coverage limits or high deductibles may create financial consequences that could significantly impact business operations.
One of the most notable findings from the research involves the relationship between formal safety policies and incident rates. Many businesses operate commercial vehicles without comprehensive safety protocols, which may contribute to unnecessary risk exposure.
The survey reveals significant gaps in safety program implementation across small businesses. While many companies recognize the importance of vehicle safety, the execution of formal safety programs often falls short of industry best practices. This presents an opportunity for insurance agents to provide guidance that extends beyond traditional coverage discussions.
Businesses that lack structured safety policies tend to experience higher incident rates, which can translate to increased insurance costs and potential coverage challenges finding coverage. Agents who understand this connection can advise clients to implement measures that may benefit both safety outcomes and insurance premiums.
Survey data shows that many businesses are taking proactive steps toward commercial auto safety, though significant opportunities for improvement remain.
Positive trends in current safety practices include:
Commercial auto incidents are part of a larger workplace safety challenge that affects businesses nationwide. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), motor vehicle crashes remain the leading cause of work-related fatalities in the United States.
The scope of transportation-related workplace incidents is substantial. NSC data indicates that 37% of all work-related deaths in 2023 were transportation-related. These figures highlight the importance of comprehensive safety programs and adequate insurance protection for businesses operating commercial vehicles.
Understanding incident timing patterns can also help businesses implement more targeted safety measures. NSC research on crashes by time of day and day of week provides valuable insights that agents can share with clients to help them identify higher-risk periods and potentially adjust operations accordingly.
Insurance agents can provide significant value by advising clients to establish comprehensive commercial auto safety programs. The most effective approaches typically combine technology, training, and consistent policy enforcement.
Key safety practices that can make a meaningful difference include:
The commercial auto insurance landscape continues to evolve as technology provides new tools for risk management. Modern telematics systems offer enhanced visibility into driver behavior and vehicle performance, enabling proactive interventions that may help prevent incidents.
Today's fleet management technology offers several key capabilities:
Insurance agents who familiarize themselves with these technologies can better advise clients on implementation strategies that align with their specific operational needs.
Successful commercial auto safety programs require more than just policies and technology. They depend on creating organizational cultures that prioritize safety at every operational level. Business owners should demonstrate genuine commitment to safety through consistent policy enforcement and appropriate investment in training and equipment.
Employee engagement in safety programs significantly impacts their effectiveness. Businesses that involve drivers in safety program development and provide regular performance feedback tend to achieve better results than those that simply impose rules without explanation or input from employees.
Recognition and incentive programs can reinforce positive safety behaviors while creating accountability for policy violations. Some businesses implement driver scorecards based on telematics data, providing regular feedback and recognition for safe driving practices. These approaches can help create positive reinforcement for safety-conscious behavior.
Insurance agents have a unique opportunity to influence commercial auto safety outcomes for their clients. Beyond providing coverage, agents can serve as risk management advisors who educate businesses to implement comprehensive safety programs that may reduce both incidents and insurance costs.
Regular safety consultations with commercial auto clients create opportunities to identify emerging risks and recommend appropriate interventions. These consultations might include reviewing incident trends, evaluating new safety technologies, or updating policies to reflect changing business operations.
Agents who develop expertise in commercial auto safety can differentiate themselves in the marketplace while providing genuine value to their clients. This expertise includes staying current on safety technologies, understanding regulatory requirements, and maintaining relationships with safety training providers and fleet management vendors.
The data from Pie Insurance's workplace safety research provides a clear framework for guidance on improving commercial auto safety outcomes. Insurance agents can use these insights to have more meaningful conversations with clients about their risk exposure and potential mitigation strategies.
Practical steps agents can take to help their clients include:
The commercial auto insurance market will continue evolving as technology advances and safety practices improve. Agents who position themselves as knowledgeable advisors in this space can build stronger client relationships while contributing to improved safety outcomes across their client base.
Regular engagement with clients about their evolving safety needs helps ensure that coverage remains adequate and that risk management strategies stay current with operational changes. This proactive approach benefits both the client's safety outcomes and the long-term success of the agent-client relationship.
Thanks for reading! This content is intended for educational purposes only and does not imply coverage under commercial auto or other insurance offered through Pie Insurance Services, Inc. Please consult an agent or attorney for any questions regarding applicability of insurance coverage in all circumstances.
Any mention of cost throughout the report is based on answers from respondents being asked how much their business spent on workers’ compensation or commercial auto insurance, medical expenses, and/or legal costs related to workplace or commercial vehicle accidents in the past year.
