Category: Echelon Insurance

Fraudulent practices in licensing and certification are a growing concern in the Canadian trucking industry. Unqualified individuals may use illegal methods, such as forged documents, bribery, or falsified training certificates, to obtain commercial driver’s licences or other professional credentials.

When drivers lack valid qualifications, the risk of collisions increases, putting road safety at stake while simultaneously driving up claim severity and costs. Over time, that pressure can raise insurance costs across the commercial trucking sector, affecting fleets regardless of their operational integrity.

Mitigation and prevention require due diligence at both the driver and carrier levels – and it’s a shared responsibility. Fleet operators must maintain disciplined internal processes to ensure drivers are properly licensed and trained and all these details are documented. Brokers can help keep fraudulent or non-compliant operations out of the market by leveraging thorough verification practices in alignment with insurer standards. Since Brokers are often the first checkpoint in carrier selection and placement, validation at this stage may stop issues before they become losses.

Brokers as the first line of defense

Through proper verification, Brokers can confirm that fleet operators are legitimately authorized to operate and are following correct processes. This can include:

• Verifying operating authority and identity: Confirm that a carrier’s operating authority is active and authorized and review their authority history (especially if recently reinstated). Validate driver’s licences regularly, confirm safety fitness certificates with provincial/territorial authorities, and confirm insurance coverage directly with the insurer.
• Asking the right questions: Strengthen verification by asking process-based questions, for example, who verifies licences, how often are driving records reviewed, and what happens when information is missing or inconsistent.
• Ensuring strong document management: Look for red flags such as incomplete driver files or discrepancies across documents, and maintain accurate records of transactions, insurance certificates, and operating licences for all contracted carriers.
• Encouraging consistent onboarding and training: Support carriers in documenting employee orientation, training, and ongoing coaching.
• Promoting incident readiness: Confirm fleets have clear post-incident procedures (including collecting driver statements, obtaining dashcam footage, gathering witness information, and preserving documentation) so information is captured quickly and accurately to support claims investigations.

Why it’s important for fleet operators to demonstrate ongoing compliance

For fleet operators, gaps in licensing or certification can lead to increased scrutiny during underwriting, higher premiums, tighter terms, or difficulty securing coverage. After a serious loss, those gaps can also lead to denied claims and significant financial exposure.

Implementing and maintaining structured processes helps demonstrate compliance, reduce the likelihood of errors, and support long-term insurability. This can include:

• Maintaining complete, up-to-date documentation: Ensure licensing, training records, and required certifications are legitimate, accurate, organized, and accessible. Assigning clear internal responsibility for managing these files, regardless of fleet size, helps prevent oversights and gaps.
• Using consistent onboarding and training processes: A documented approach to orientation, training, and ongoing coaching reinforces expectations and creates a record of due diligence. Fleets that treat training as ongoing, not a one-time requirement, are better positioned to manage evolving risks.
• Conducting regular internal reviews of records and processes: Addressing issues early and engaging proactively with their Broker when questions arise supports compliance and helps demonstrate a commitment to safe, authorized operations.

How insurers can support Brokers and fleet operators

To help Brokers and fleet operators strengthen compliance, insurers can clarify expectations and reinforce best practices and risk mitigation strategies before issues escalate.

To reinforce the Broker verification process, insurers can also conduct risk inspections to assess compliance. Regulators can strengthen these efforts by providing insurers with direct access to verify licensing and certifications, helping deter fraud.

Insurers further support Brokers by communicating underwriting expectations clearly and consistently, so they can explain requirements to their customers with confidence. This shared understanding promotes a more collaborative approach to maintaining proper coverage.

When Brokers, fleet operators, and insurers each uphold their responsibilities, these combined efforts strengthen compliance, enhance safety, and help build a more resilient Canadian trucking industry.

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Copyright © 2026 Echelon Insurance. All rights reserved. This article is provided by Echelon Insurance (“we”) for general information purposes to help Brokers and their commercial customers understand the risk implications of illegality in trucking licensing and certifications and taking proactive steps to respond to and mitigate these risks. While we believe this article is comprehensive, it is provided “as is” and we do not guarantee it is complete. All responsibility and risk relating to specific incidents, including use of this form, are assumed by the commercial enterprise.

® Registered trademark of Echelon Insurance.

Canadian businesses, regardless of size, are facing a surge in cyber threats. In 2023 alone, one in six businesses in Canada fell victim to a cybersecurity incident, exposing them to the potential for financial losses, reputational damage, legal liability, and operational disruptions. Cyberattacks are growing in both frequency and sophistication, with the average cost of a data breach in Canada now surpassing $6 million, according to a recent IBM report. In today’s volatile digital landscape, businesses must go beyond reactive measures and adopt a proactive approach to cybersecurity. Brokers are uniquely positioned to guide business owners through today’s complex risk landscape.  By helping clients understand emerging cyber threats, implement preventative strategies, and secure the right coverage, brokers play a key role in building long-term resilience for Canadian businesses.

Common cyber threats businesses face

The spectrum of cyber threats is broad and constantly shifting. Some of the most prevalent types include:

• Malware, including ransomware, spyware, and worms, can steal or destroy data and shut down systems.
• Phishing, whether through emails, texts (SMiShing), or voice calls (Vishing), is designed to deceive employees into handing over credentials or clicking malicious links.
• Denial of Service (DoS) attacks overload a company’s networks, causing operational shutdowns.
• Website defacements and QR-code-based ‘quishing’ are newer tactics that disrupt branding and redirect users to dangerous sites.

Each of these threats can seriously compromise a business’s systems, data, and reputation.

Prevention starts with awareness and action

Many small and medium-sized businesses commonly believe they’re too small to be targeted. However, their limited information technology (IT) resources make them prime candidates for an attack.

Business owners should consider adopting core cyber hygiene practices, including, but not limited to:

• Regular data backups and encryption.
• Automatic patching of software and devices.
• Anti-virus and firewall protections.
• Two-factor authentication.
• Employee awareness training, especially on identifying suspicious emails or links.

Mobile devices, portable media, and cloud services also require proper security and monitoring. Business owners should ensure strong access control policies are in place, which includes regularly evaluating who or what systems have access to their data.

Response and recovery planning

Even with robust safeguards, no business is entirely immune to cyberattacks. That’s why having a cyber incident response plan is just as important as prevention. Business owners should consider the following strategies as part of their cyberattack response plan:

• Establish a process to identify and prioritize critical systems and data.
• Create a cross-functional incident response team.
• Develop clear communication protocols for internal and external stakeholders.
• Monitor systems for early warning signs of an attack, such as unusual logins or changes to files.

Recovery plans should be regularly updated to include timelines, testing protocols, and procedures for returning systems to full operational status.

The role of cyber insurance

Beyond covering direct financial losses from cyberattacks, strong policies can also provide access to expert support in the event of an incident, from IT forensics to legal counsel and public relations.

Brokers play an important role in ensuring that their customers not only have appropriate coverage but also understand what their coverage entails. Together, brokers and their customers should discuss potential gaps, clarify policy terms, and walk customers through scenarios to ensure their operations are adequately protected.

When evaluating their needs, business owners should work with their broker to consider incident response and recovery costs, data breach liability, business interruption losses, and cyber extortion (also known as ransomware).

How can brokers help support business owners in mitigating cyberattacks?

Brokers don’t need to be cybersecurity experts to make a meaningful impact on risk mitigation. Simply starting the conversation about a business’s cybersecurity needs can go a long way. Brokers should work collaboratively with insurers to leverage loss prevention expertise and educational materials to support their customers in understanding the myriad of cyber threats and proactive strategies to mitigate an attack. Brokers can also help identify comprehensive coverage options that align with their customers’ unique needs when reviewing insurance needs annually or more regularly as needed.

As cyber threats become more aggressive and sophisticated, ensuring that commercial customers have a robust cyberattack response and mitigation plan, access to education, and coverage tailored to their unique needs can significantly reduce their exposure.

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Copyright © 2025 Echelon Insurance. All rights reserved. This guide is provided by Echelon Insurance (“we”) for general information purposes to help Brokers and their commercial customers understand the types of cyber security risks they may be exposed to and how they may enhance their protection and loss prevention. While we endeavour to be accurate and up to date, this information is provided “as is” and we cannot guarantee it is complete or that implementing the recommended loss prevention measures will have the desired results.

® Registered trademark of Echelon Insurance.

Auto insurance fraud is a persistent and costly issue that affects everyone, including insurers, policyholders, and the broader industry. Fraudulent claims raise premiums across the board, strain insurer and law enforcement resources, and can erode customer confidence. In Canada, fraud is estimated to cost policyholders $1 billion annually, according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada. While the number is staggering, they also highlight an opportunity for brokers to provide crucial support in combatting fraud.

Brokers are often the first point of contact for customers, which uniquely positions them to detect suspicious activity early, educate policyholders, and help prevent fraud before it escalates.

What is insurance fraud?

Insurance fraud involves any deliberate deception for financial or personal gain. It can include lying on an application, exaggerating damages, or even staging entire collisions. Fraud may be committed by individuals or as part of large-scale, organized crime rings.

Types of insurance fraud

Fraud generally falls into two categories:

• Opportunistic fraud: Often spontaneous, such as claiming pre-existing vehicle damage after a real accident or inflating repair costs.
• Premeditated fraud: Planned and may involve multiple parties staging collisions or creating fake documentation.

Regardless of type, all fraud increases costs and undermines public trust.

Common auto insurance fraud tactics

Today’s fraudsters use a range of tactics ranging in complexity, including, but not limited to:

• Staged collisions: carefully choreographed crashes involving complicit parties.
• Rate evasion: Misrepresenting details (e.g., where a car is kept) when obtaining insurance quotes to secure lower premiums.
• Identity theft: Using stolen names or driver’s licenses to initiate or cash in on policies.

Vehicle theft and VIN manipulation

Vehicle-related fraud continues to grow in complexity, with organized crime groups using increasingly sophisticated tactics to profit from stolen vehicles. One common method is VIN cloning, where a stolen vehicle is assigned the VIN of a similar, legally registered car to mask its identity. Another is re-VINing, which involves swapping the VIN with one from a salvaged or junked vehicle. In some cases, fraudsters go a step further by creating entirely fictitious VINs that don’t correspond to any real vehicle. These vehicles may be sold to unsuspecting buyers, used to file false insurance claims, or exported overseas. Brokers who understand these tactics are better positioned to detect red flags early and help protect their customers.

What actions can brokers take to mitigate auto insurance fraud?

Brokers play a key role in the fight against auto insurance fraud, acting as trusted advisors as well as risk spotters. Brokers are often the first to hear about suspicious losses or unusual documentation. By asking the right questions, verifying information, and reporting inconsistencies early, brokers can prevent fraudulent claims from progressing. Equally important is educating customers about what constitutes fraud and its consequences, not only for insurers but for honest drivers who bear the financial burden.

In addition to taking a diligent approach when quoting and supporting customers during the claim submission process, there are several proactive strategies brokers can leverage to prevent auto insurance fraud, including, but not limited to:

• Request complete documentation: Photos, bills of sale, registration, and identification.
• Verify vehicle information: Use manufacturer tools or recall databases to validate VINs.
• Ask follow-up questions: If something feels off, don’t hesitate to dig deeper.
• Stay informed: Be aware of new scams and trends in your region.
• Collaborate: Work closely with underwriters, loss prevention teams, SIUs, and industry groups like the Équité Association.

Fraud prevention is a shared responsibility. By staying alert, asking the right questions, and leveraging available resources, brokers can play a key role in protecting both their customers and the industry as a whole.

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Copyright © 2025 Echelon Insurance. All rights reserved. This article is provided by Echelon Insurance (“we”) for general information purposes to help brokers and their customers understand auto insurance fraud classifications and the important role brokers play in insurance fraud prevention. While we endeavour to be accurate and up to date, this information is provided “as is” and we cannot guarantee it is complete or that implementing the recommended loss prevention measures will have the desired results.   

® Registered trademark of Echelon Insurance.

Fleet safety is no longer just a regulatory requirement, it’s a business imperative. As commercial drivers face increasingly complex challenges while on the road, operators are under increasing pressure to improve safety performance across their fleets. A robust safety program can help prevent collisions and protect employees, contributing to an improved overall safety score, which, in turn, can lead to lower insurance premiums and general cost savings.

For brokers, supporting fleet operators in building or strengthening their fleet safety efforts is an opportunity to provide additional value to their customers. Understanding the key elements of an effective safety program, and how tools like telematics can support it, can help brokers reinforce their position as trusted partners in risk management.

What factors contribute to an effective fleet safety program?

A comprehensive fleet safety program goes beyond having a written policy. It should be fully integrated into daily operations and include the following components:

• Clear safety policies outlining expectations around speeding, distracted driving, seatbelt use, and vehicle maintenance
• Thorough driver screening and onboarding, including abstract checks, defensive driving training, and structured orientations
• Driver selection and progressive route planning, assigning newer or junior drivers to shorter, local routes until they are ready and fully trained to handle longer-haul or higher-risk routes
• Ongoing training and coaching to reinforce safe habits and correct unsafe behaviours over time
• Incident reviews to analyze collisions and near misses, identify root causes, and prevent recurrence

These programs should be reviewed, updated, and enforced consistently across an organization. Fleets that invest in proper driver development, from onboarding through coaching, reduce risk exposure and build a safer, more resilient operation.

Leveraging telematics to reinforce safety

Telematics is an important component of any modern fleet safety program. These systems capture real-time and historical data on vehicle and driver behaviour, such as speeding, harsh braking, rapid acceleration, and idling. This data helps fleet managers monitor risk, identify trends, and coach drivers more effectively.

However, the benefits of telematics go beyond coaching. Many systems offer driver scorecards, in-cab alerts, and automated safety reports that make it easier to track performance and intervene early. In the event of an incident, telematics data provides clear, time-stamped evidence that can support claims handling and investigations.

Additionally, telematics can support broader operational efficiencies. Fleets can optimize fuel consumption, reduce unnecessary idling, and plan routes more efficiently, all of which contribute to cost savings. Fewer accidents also mean fewer deductible expenses, less downtime, and lower repair and replacement costs.

For businesses already using telematics for route planning or vehicle maintenance, integrating safety metrics into their daily operations is the next logical step. For brokers, encouraging operators to see telematics as both a safety and cost management tool, not just a logistical one, can help them strengthen safety performance and unlock additional insurance value.

Some insurers offer telematics-based programs, pricing incentives, or loss control support for clients who share this data. Brokers who understand these offerings can assist their customers in making more informed decisions about their coverage.

How can brokers support fleet operators?

Brokers are uniquely positioned to support customers in strengthening their safety programs. They don’t need to be safety consultants, but they can play an important role in initiating the conversation and connecting customers to resources.

This could include, but is not limited to:

• Reviewing whether a customer has an up-to-date fleet safety policy
• Recommending structured onboarding and driver coaching practices
• Sharing risk control materials or case studies
• Encouraging the use of telematics for benefits beyond logistics
• Brokers can also act as liaisons between customers and insurers’ loss prevention teams, helping customers demonstrate their commitment to safety during underwriting discussions.

Fleets that prioritize safety often see the impact across their entire operation, not just in fewer claims but in improved fuel efficiency, reduced maintenance costs, and stronger bottom-line performance. Brokers who help customers build these programs position themselves as partners in the long-term success of fleet operators.

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Copyright © 2025 Echelon Insurance. All rights reserved. This guide is provided by Echelon Insurance (“we”) for general information purposes to help Brokers and their commercial customers understand how they may enhance their fleet safety program and loss prevention. While we endeavour to be accurate and up to date, this information is provided “as is” and we cannot guarantee it is complete or that implementing the recommended loss prevention measures will have the desired results. 

® Registered trademark of Echelon Insurance.

From rising construction and replacement costs to increased climate-related exposures, there are a range of dynamic factors influencing commercial property premiums across Canada. For brokers, understanding these drivers is key to helping commercial customers manage risk and ensure their coverage continues to meet their business’ evolving needs.

Unsure of which factors can contribute to the cost of insurance for Canadian businesses? The following is an overview of the key operational and market level factors influencing premiums, as well as tactics business owners should consider to improve their risk management strategies.

Operational Factors Affecting Premiums

Business class plays a central role in determining premiums, as some industries face higher risks and may require specialized coverage. For example, restaurants are particularly prone to kitchen fires, often sparked by cooking operations and intensified by grease buildup in poorly cleaned exhaust and ventilation systems. In contrast, condo or strata buildings frequently face water damage claims due to plumbing overflows and maintenance issues—risks that tend to increase with the size and complexity of the building, such as the number of units or storeys.

Claims history also impacts premiums. Insurers generally assess claims over the past five years, but significant older events, such as major fire or flood losses, should also be disclosed. This history informs underwriters of a business’ exposure and overall risk management.

Experience in an industry is correlated by an insurer with the perceived risk and reliability of a business. Established businesses with strong safety protocols and fewer past claims are generally rated as lower risk. In contrast, newer businesses or those with limited experience in an industry may face higher premiums and deductibles due to the perceived higher risks of operations efforts, safety breaches, or not-yet-established risk management programs.

Market-Level Factors Impacting Premiums

Inflation and supply chain issues have driven up repair and reconstruction costs, indirectly impacting commercial property premiums. Brokers should encourage their customers to review their policy limits annually to ensure they are insuring to value, as being under-insured can result in partial claim payments or major shortfalls during a total loss. Business owners should also work with their broker to understand the importance of selecting the right business interruption indemnity period, as often 12–24 months is recommended depending on the size and complexity of operations.

Climate risks and natural disasters are also shifting insurer capacity. While wildfire exposure hasn’t significantly changed rates in Western Canada, it has led some insurers to limit their capacity in those regions. Similarly, areas prone to earthquakes and floods have seen reduced capacity even though pricing has remained relatively stable. Brokers should work closely with their customers to provide accurate and transparent risk disclosures to their insurer to ensure they have appropriate coverage.

Risk Management Strategies

Brokers play a key role in not only ensuring their customer’s coverage aligns with their evolving needs, but also in supporting their customers’ risk management strategies to proactively mitigate loss. One of the most valuable resources available to brokers and business owners is the expertise provided by insurers. Many insurers offer loss prevention services, including on-site inspections before binding coverage, ongoing consultation, and educational resources. Practical tools such as the RiskIntel^TM Snow and Ice Removal Logs, Roof Inspection Checklist, and Slip, Trip, and Fall Checklist can also be incorporated into business owners’ daily operations to reduce exposure.

Maintaining detailed maintenance records is another key element of a strong risk management strategy. Business owners should retain maintenance logs for at least two years and store them in a secure, backed-up digital format. These logs serve as important documentation in the event of a claim and reflect a proactive approach to property upkeep, which can influence an insurer’s risk assessment.

Finally, regular policy reviews are critical to ensuring that insurance coverage reflects the current needs and risks of a business. Brokers should meet with their customers at least once a year, or more frequently as needed, to review and adjust coverage limits where required. As factors like the cost of reconstruction, changes in revenue, or updates to business operations shift over time, these reviews help ensure customers remain adequately covered in the event of a claim.

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Copyright © 2025 Echelon Insurance. All rights reserved. This article is provided by Echelon Insurance (“we”) for general information purposes to help commercial property owners understand some of the factors influencing premium and how they may enhance their loss prevention strategies to effectively manage risk, and, in turn, premium costs. While we endeavour to be accurate and up to date, this information is provided “as is” and we cannot guarantee it is complete or that implementing the recommended loss prevention measures will have the desired results. ^TM Trademark of Echelon Insurance. ^® Registered trademark of Echelon Insurance.

• Information sharing: Though drivers may not suspect that their conversations at truck stops, over the phone, or online pose a substantial risk, thieves can overhear or see these exchanges and gather a wealth of information about cargo, destinations, and delivery windows. Drivers need to be aware of their surroundings and avoid sharing information about their routes and their cargo.
• Background checks: For industries like trucking, background checks are essential when hiring employees who will have access to valuable cargo and sensitive information. Background checks help identify potential risks, such as criminal history or unsafe driving records, and ensure that only qualified, responsible individuals are hired. 
• Unattended trailers and cargo: Trailers should be continuously monitored or stored in secure, gated facilities when not in transit. When stopping for rest breaks or overnight stays, drivers should park in well-lit, high-traffic areas or truck stops.
• Route planning: Predetermined routes should be followed to ensure efficiency and prevent drivers from stopping in unsafe locations. In addition, drivers should work with dispatch to vary their route when delivering cargo to the same destination frequently, as routine travel patterns may make drivers an easier, more predictable target for theft.
• Driver training: As theft tactics evolve, trucking operators need to provide ongoing training to ensure drivers are aware of the latest theft mitigation strategies. Loss prevention is a shared partnership between customers, brokers, and insurers. Trucking operators can work with their broker and insurer to access educational tools to support cargo theft prevention and other loss prevention strategies across their operations.

Responding to cargo theft

Equipping drivers with an organized response plan will help ensure that an incident is addressed quickly, minimizing potential losses and increasing the chances of recovering the stolen goods or equipment. If a theft occurs, drivers should immediately contact the police followed by their dispatch team, who will then notify their broker and/or insurer and provide the authorities with key information such as dashcam footage or GPS tracking details.

Mitigating and responding to cargo theft requires a multilayered approach that includes premise security systems and technologies as well as driver screening and ongoing training. While these strategies require an investment of time and resources, these tools can lead to long-term savings from the potential cost of stolen cargo and interruption to business operations. Over time, taking a proactive approach will contribute to building resilience against cargo theft throughout Canada’s long-haul trucking industry.

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Copyright © 2025 Echelon Insurance. All rights reserved. This article is provided by Echelon Insurance to assist commercial enterprises in identifying conditions that may lead to property and liability exposure as a result of cargo theft and taking proactive steps to respond to and mitigate these risks. While we believe this article is comprehensive, it is provided “as is” and we do not guarantee it is complete. All responsibility and risk relating to specific incidents, including use of this form, are assumed by the commercial enterprise. ® Registered trademark of Echelon Insurance.

• Establish a team responsible for developing and implementing a business continuity plan. To get a head start on continuity planning, download the RiskIntel^TM Business Continuity Toolkit.
• Offer annual training on flood event procedures for all staff involved in building operations and routinely assess policies to ensure they remain relevant based on current business needs.
• Apply physical barriers to commercial premises, including sealants around basement windows and ground-level door assemblies. Install window wells and covers to windows that are near or below ground level. Consider installing a sump pump and backflow preventer in basement areas.
• Business owners should work with their broker to review their insurance annually, or more frequently as needed, to ensure their coverage meets their overall needs but specifically in the event of flooding. Though most commercial property policies include some level of water damage coverage, flood and sewer backup coverages may contain sub-limits, high deductibles, or be excluded outright for those in high-risk areas and who may need it most. It’s important to review policy details with a broker to ensure the necessary water-related risks are covered adequately.

Impending flood preparation

When a flood is forecasted to occur, there are actions that should be taken to help reduce damage to commercial property including, but not limited to:

• Activate and communicate the business continuity plan to staff and follow documented procedures to shut down equipment that may be affected by the flood.
• Critical equipment such as fire alarms, fire pumps, and sump pumps should remain operational and connected to an emergency generator, if available. 
• Relocate any materials susceptible to flood damage, such as electronics or vital business records, to an upper floor.
• If instructed by authorities to evacuate, do so as soon as possible. Ensure that all employees are informed about evacuation details.

Flood Recovery

Though returning to a business after a flood can be an overwhelming experience, steps to safely and effectively navigate the recovery process include, but are not limited to:

• Avoid entering damaged buildings before their structural integrity is thoroughly evaluated.
• Notify local utility companies if power lines are down or gas leaks are detected.
• Document property damage and take photos and videos of damaged equipment and stock.
• Business owners should notify their broker and/or insurance company of potential losses. To expedite the claims resolution process, requested claim forms should be completed as soon as possible. For guidance on what information to gather and how to report a claim, download the RiskIntel Claims Reporting Checklist.
• If water has entered a building, remove it from the premises as soon as possible to reduce damage and contamination using dehumidifiers and submersible pumps.

Brokers and insurers play an important role in supporting customers by providing tailored advice and resources to mitigate damage caused by floods effectively, and by ensuring customers have access to the right support during unexpected incidents.

To help business owners get a head start on preparing for potential flooding incidents, download the RiskIntel Flood Preparedness and Recovery Guide.

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Copyright © 2025 Echelon Insurance. All rights reserved. This article is provided by Echelon Insurance to assist commercial enterprises in identifying conditions that may lead to liability and property risk exposure as a result of floods and taking proactive steps to respond to and mitigate these risks. While we believe this article is comprehensive, it is provided “as is” and we do not guarantee it is complete. All responsibility and risk relating to specific incidents, including use of this form, are assumed by the commercial enterprise. ^TM Trademark of Echelon Insurance. ® Registered trademark of Echelon Insurance.

In today’s ever-evolving commercial automobile and long-haul trucking industries, staying ahead requires more than just reliable vehicles and experienced drivers. Telematics technology is transforming the way fleets are managed, offering a powerful tool that enhances safety, efficiency, and improvements to a company’s bottom line.   

Whether businesses are in the process of building their commercial fleet or are tenured fleet managers assessing ways to improve their bottom line, brokers and insurance providers may be asked what is telematics, and how can it benefit my fleet, and, in turn, my business? To help answer those questions and more, below is an overview of the key benefits telematics offers when it comes to driving safety and efficiencies for commercial operators.  

Often referred to as GPS vehicle tracking, telematics devices collect information on nearly every aspect of the vehicle they’re installed in, including speed, idling, fuel use, tire pressure, and more. This technology involves the collection of real-time information on a vehicle and its driver’s behaviour either through a mobile app or small chip inserted through a vehicle’s on-board diagnostics (OBD) port.     Telematics offers a myriad of benefits to commercial operators. To start, telematics technology can optimize how fleets are managed and maintained. Telematics provides businesses with real-time insights into their vehicles’ locations and overall health. “It’s not just about having telematics, but ensuring operators are leveraging the insights this technology provides properly to proactively mitigate loss,” says Olivier Bernier, Echelon’s Director, Quebec Long-Haul Trucking and Commercial Automobile.   

Telematics enables fleet managers to track routes more efficiently, ensuring more accurate route planning which reduces fuel consumption and wear and tear on vehicles. This system monitors vehicle health, providing predictive maintenance alerts that prevent costly breakdowns and extend a fleet’s lifespan.  

When it comes to driver safety, telematics continuously monitors driver behavior, providing insights into metrics such as the distances traveled, the times of day the vehicle is in use, acceleration patterns, and braking behaviors. Information collected by telematics systems can help operators identify opportunities for additional driver training and education.   

“Operators should be actively assessing this data and be coaching their drivers on areas where they need to improve, which, in turn, will contribute to safer roads for all,” says Bernier. 

Additionally, telematics offers significant benefits to fleet operations through enhanced risk assessment. When shared with their insurer, telematics data enables insurers to assess fleet operations on an individualized basis with precise, real-time data.  

 “Insurers can use this insight to create highly customized insurance plans that reflect individual driving habits,” says Bernier. By analyzing driving patterns, vehicle usage, and maintenance records, insurers can more accurately gauge the risk associated with a fleet, leading to tailored insurance solutions. From a cost savings perspective, this may lead to lower insurance premiums for operators who demonstrate safe driving behaviors and effective fleet management practices.  

From optimizing fleet management and improving driver safety, to potentially lowering insurance premiums, telematics technology is revolutionizing the insurance landscape by offering a multitude of benefits for fleets. As the industry continues to evolve, brokers and insurers who embrace telematics will be well-positioned to lead in safety, profitability, and customer satisfaction. 

 “Telematics fosters a symbiotic relationship between insurers, brokers, and customers,” says Bernier, “where data transparency leads to mutual benefits and a shared commitment to road safety.”

As interest in telematics technology within commercial automobile and long-haul trucking industries continues to grow, brokers have a unique opportunity to introduce their clients to the benefits of telematics, helping them reduce costs, mitigate risks, and improve overall efficiency.

 

Experiencing a claim can be extremely stressful, causing feelings of uncertainty and frustration as customers deal with the immediate loss and its repercussions on their personal lives or business. Insurance providers rely on brokers to help relieve some of the uncertainty by educating their customers on what to expect during the claims process and having a plan when filing a property or automobile insurance claim.

The first notice of loss (FNOL) process is a critical moment for both insurers and customers. As the initial notification that a customer submits to their insurance company after experiencing a loss or damage, the FNOL sets the stage for how efficiently a claim will be processed. It marks the beginning of a claim journey, and how this initial step is handled can significantly impact the overall experience and efficiency of the claims process. Brokers are integral to the FNOL process, supporting with communication between customers and insurers while fostering trust, streamlining processes, and ultimately enhancing customer satisfaction.

As intermediaries between customers and insurers, brokers have the unique role of guiding customers through the FNOL process. There are several ways brokers can add value and create efficiency within the FNOL process, including:

Education: Brokers can provide clarity by explaining the steps involved, what information will be required, and the timeline insureds can expect. This proactive approach helps demystify the process and reduces anxiety.

Preparation with resources: To streamline the FNOL process, brokers can create and share a comprehensive FNOL checklist with their customers. This checklist can include items such as policy details, contact information, a description of the loss, or photos. Having a clear, organized list allows customers to gather necessary information before they initiate the claim, making the process smoother and more efficient.

It’s important to note that the type of information required will vary based on the nature of the claim. For example, commercial automobile or long-haul trucking claims may require the submission of dash cam footage, information on weather conditions, and details about cargo carried, where applicable. In this case, an automobile accident report can be shared with customers to assist in the FNOL process.

Continuous support: The FNOL process doesn’t end with the initial notification. Brokers can continue to support customers by following up with the insurance company to ensure all requested information has been shared, ensuring that the claim is moving forward and addressing any issues that arise. This ongoing involvement reinforces the value brokers provide and ensures that customer feels supported throughout the entire claims journey.

Claims can become complicated or face delays due to insufficient information, supply chain delays, or other hurdles. As trusted advisors, brokers can act as advocates for their customers, communicating directly with insurers to resolve issues and expedite the claims resolution process.

The FNOL process is a pivotal moment for customers and insurers alike. Brokers have an important role to play in supporting their customers during this time, offering education, resources, and ongoing support to create a seamless experience. By providing tools like an FNOL checklist and an automobile accident report, brokers can enhance the efficiency of the FNOL process and ensure a smoother claims experience for their customers. As expectations around customer service evolve, embracing a proactive approach to supporting customers through the claims journey can set brokers apart and foster long term customer relationships.