Trucking Insurers Credit ADAS as Premiums Hit Record 10.2 Cents per Mile

Trucking insurance premiums rose to a record 10.2 cents per mile in 2024, up 12.5% from 2023 and another 3% year-over-year, as nuclear verdicts surged 52% to 135 cases totaling $31.3 billion. Insurers are now pricing that litigation risk into every renewal, pushing owner-operators to seek documented safety technology discounts. Automatic emergency braking (AEB) remains the strongest lever for premium reduction. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found AEB cut rear-end crashes by 41% in heavy trucks, while forward collision warning reduced them 44% and overall crashes 22%. But underwriters require OEM build sheets, system activation records, and clean claims histories before adjusting pricing. With a federal AEB mandate for new Class 7–8 trucks expected by 2027–2028, owner-operators and small fleets who document installed ADAS features 60–90 days before renewal can improve their negotiating position. Lane departure, blind spot warning, and adaptive cruise control support the overall risk profile but carry less standalone credit weight.