Protecting Responsible Trucking: How STAR Is Responding to Industry-Wide Challenges

The commercial auto and trucking industry is facing a wave of challenges that affect carriers large and small. From the sharp rise in massive jury awards—known as “nuclear verdicts”—to the growing cost of fraudulent claims, today's risk environment is tougher than ever.

At STAR Mutual RRG, we believe responsible operators deserve a program that protects them. That’s why we’re reinforcing our underwriting approach to support safe, compliant trucking businesses and preserve the long-term stability of our offerings.

A Closer Look at the Legal Landscape

In 2024, the number of so-called “nuclear verdicts”—jury awards exceeding $10 million—increased by 52%. A total of 135 cases resulted in more than $31 billion in awarded damages, and nearly one in four of these involved commercial trucking companies.

These cases don’t just reflect big numbers—they highlight a troubling trend. More and more, juries are assigning fault to trucking companies in ways that can feel disproportionate, even in complex or unclear situations. The impact is real: higher claims costs, rising premiums, and operational pressure on even the most safety-conscious fleets.

The Growing Cost of Fraud

Fraud is another force straining the insurance ecosystem. Across the U.S., the estimated cost of insurance fraud reached $308.6 billion in 2024, factoring in inflated medical bills, staged accidents, legal manipulation, and more.

When fraud enters the picture, everyone pays. It raises premiums, delays legitimate claims, and undermines trust in the system. That’s why addressing fraud—alongside legal risk—is central to STAR’s mission.

What We’re Doing at STAR

In light of these industry-wide pressures, we’ve strengthened our underwriting standards. This doesn’t mean we’re pulling back—it means we’re leaning in to support the carriers who are doing things right.

Going forward, we are placing even greater emphasis on:

• Safety history and CSA scores

• Loss trends and operational practices

• Compliance with regulatory standards

• Risk exposure based on region or claim type

In some cases, this may lead to adjusted pricing for higher-risk accounts. But for safe operators, it helps protect access to fair, reliable coverage—even as the broader market becomes more volatile.

Why This Matters for Our Clients

We’ve always believed in rewarding responsible behavior—and today, that belief is more important than ever. Carriers that invest in safety, training, and compliance often benefit not just from better insurance pricing, but also from stronger operations overall.

Even simple steps—like maintaining a clean CSA score—can open the door to more competitive premiums and better business opportunities. Our goal is to help our insureds make smart, forward-looking decisions that pay off in the long run.

Standing Strong for the Long Term

STAR Mutual RRG is committed to serving the trucking industry with clarity, fairness, and stability. These adjustments are part of that commitment. They allow us to continue offering strong, long-term support to the operators who depend on us—especially in times of uncertainty.

We’ll continue to monitor trends and adjust as needed, always with our core principle in mind: protecting those who drive safely, operate responsibly, and move the industry forward.