Everything You Need to Know About Loss Run and Business Insurance

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Loss runs are a crucial part of business insurance, and understanding them can make all the difference in managing claims and preventing future losses.

A loss run is a detailed report of all claims made against a business's insurance policy, typically including the date of loss, description of the loss, and payment information.

Businesses can request a loss run from their insurance provider at any time, but it's usually done when a claim is made or when the policy is up for renewal.

Loss runs can be used to identify patterns and trends in claims, helping businesses to take proactive steps to prevent future losses.

Additional reading: Business Losses and Taxes

What is a Loss Run?

A loss run is essentially a report from your insurance provider that details your business's past claims history. It's like a permanent record of every time you've had to use your insurance.

Loss runs are generated by your insurance carrier and include details like the type of claim, when it occurred, and how much has been paid out by the carrier.

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These reports are typically used when applying for an insurance policy with a new carrier, but they can also be a valuable tool to help business owners monitor and improve their operations and safety practices.

Insurance companies provide loss runs for most forms of business insurance, including general liability insurance, business owner's policy, commercial property insurance, commercial auto insurance, and workers' compensation insurance.

Your loss run report will include information about the type of claims you've filed, the financial impact of those claims, and how often you've filed claims in the past. This data is used by potential insurers to assess how risky your business will be to insure.

Business Insurance and Loss Runs

Business insurance and loss runs are closely tied together. Loss runs provide a detailed history of your business' past insurance claims, including types of claims, when they occurred, and amounts paid out by your insurance carrier.

Carriers use loss run reports for a variety of business insurances, including workers' compensation, professional liability, general liability, commercial property, and Business Owner's Policy (BOP). These reports are essential for evaluating a business' risk level and determining insurance premiums.

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To obtain a loss run report, simply contact your insurer through your insurance broker and ask for it. You'll need to provide specifics, such as which insurance policies you want reports for, how many years of reporting you need, and when you need the reports by. In most U.S. states, insurers are required to send the reports within 10 days or less.

A loss run report typically includes the insured's name, policy number, dates of claims, reason for the claim, amount paid out by the insurer, and if the claim is still unresolved, how much the insurer has set aside in reserve funds. This information is crucial for evaluating your business' risk level and determining insurance premiums.

Here are some types of business insurance that use loss run reports:

  • General liability
  • Workers' compensation
  • Commercial property
  • Professional liability
  • Business Owner's Policy (BOP)
  • Commercial auto

Types of Business Insurance

Insurance companies provide loss runs for most forms of business insurance, including general liability insurance, business owner's policy, commercial property insurance, commercial auto insurance, and workers' compensation insurance.

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Businesses need loss runs for nearly every type of business insurance, including general liability, workers' compensation, commercial property, professional liability, business owner's policy, and commercial auto.

Here are the types of business insurance that use loss run reports:

  • Workers' compensation
  • Professional liability
  • General liability
  • Commercial property
  • Business Owner's Policy (BOP)

Loss runs are primarily used when shopping for new insurance, and can help businesses prove that they are a safe bet for insurers, potentially leading to lower premiums.

Business Insurance Reporting Requirements

Business insurance reporting requirements can be a bit confusing, but don't worry, I've got the scoop.

Most business insurance types require loss run reports, including general liability insurance, business owner's policy, commercial property insurance, commercial auto insurance, and workers' compensation insurance.

Insurance companies need loss run reports to determine how much risk a business poses to the insurance company. This helps them decide whether to quote the business a premium, and how much to charge.

You may need to request a loss run report from your current insurance provider to share with a new insurer. In most US states, your insurance provider is legally obligated to fulfill your request.

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If your insurance provider doesn't have an online portal for downloading loss runs, you can contact your point of contact and ask for a report. Be sure to specify the term required and the deadline you need it by.

A loss run report typically includes information such as the name of the insurance carrier, the name of the insured business, policy numbers, and the status of each claim.

Here's a breakdown of the typical information included in a loss run report:

  • Name of the insurance carrier
  • Name of the insured business
  • Policy number(s)
  • Policy coverage dates
  • A valuation date
  • Claim number
  • Date the loss occurred/date the claim was reported
  • Type of claim
  • Status of claim–open or closed
  • Total amount paid on the claim to date
  • Total amount being held in reserves for the claim

It's a good idea to request a loss run report from your current insurer with enough time to spare, as it can take anywhere from a day to a week or more to generate.

When and Why Do You Need a Loss Run?

You need a loss run when shopping for new insurance, and it's usually requested by insurers when applying for various types of business insurance, including general liability, workers' compensation, commercial property, professional liability, Business Owner's Policy (BOP), and commercial auto.

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Loss runs are used to assess your business's claims history and determine your risk level. A business with a high risk or adverse loss history may be declined coverage or quoted a higher premium.

You'll typically need to provide three to five years of claims history, but having a clean track record can lead to lower premiums, just like careful drivers get safe-driver discounts.

Loss runs are also used when purchasing another business, allowing you to evaluate its risk level and avoid surprises.

Here are some common types of business insurance that use loss run reports:

  • Workers’ compensation
  • Professional liability
  • General liability
  • Commercial property
  • Business Owner’s Policy (BOP)

What's Included in a Loss Run Report?

A loss run report contains a detailed history of every claim you've made on your business insurance. This report is typically requested by new insurers when you shop for coverage.

You can expect to find the insured's name or business, policy number(s), and policy coverage dates in the report. These details are essential for the new insurer to assess your risk and determine the cost of your premiums.

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The report will also include the dates of any claims you reported, the type of claim reported, and how much the insurer paid to settle the claim if it's closed. If there are open claims, the report will show how much the insurer has set aside in reserves.

Here's a breakdown of what you can typically find in a loss run report:

  • Insured's name or business
  • Policy number(s)
  • Policy coverage dates
  • Dates of any claims reported
  • Type of claim reported
  • Amount paid to settle the claim (if closed)
  • Amount set aside in reserves (if open)

Keep in mind that different insurance companies may include slightly different details in their loss runs, but this list gives you a general idea of what to expect.

Loss Run Report Generation and Delivery

Getting a loss run report can take anywhere from a day to a week, depending on the insurer, but be aware that some states require a response within 10 days or less.

Some insurance companies are quick to respond, while others can be slow, which is why it's essential to retain written documentation of your requests.

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If you don't receive your loss run report within a reasonable amount of time, contact your state's commissioner of insurance.

Insurance companies have varying turnaround times, but many states now have laws requiring them to respond to loss run requests within a specific time frame, often due to problems caused by slow responders.

Understanding Loss Run Reports

A loss run report provides a comprehensive picture of your business's insurance history, including claims made during the current and prior policy terms. It's a valuable tool for both you and potential insurers to evaluate the level of risk associated with your company.

The report typically includes information such as the insured's name, policy number, dates of claims, and the amount paid to settle each claim. This data is essential for understanding your business's claims history and identifying potential weaknesses in your operations.

To request a loss run report, you simply need to contact your insurer through your insurance broker and ask for it. Make sure to specify which insurance policies you want to get loss run reports for, how many years of reporting you need, and when you need the reports by.

Here's a breakdown of the types of business insurance that typically use loss run reports:

  • Workers’ compensation
  • Professional liability
  • General liability
  • Commercial property
  • Business Owner’s Policy (BOP)

What Are Reports?

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Loss run reports are essentially a record of your business's insurance claims history. They give you and potential insurers a clear picture of your experience and the potential risks associated with your company.

These reports show the frequency and severity of past losses, which insurance companies use to evaluate the level of risk they might face if they insure your business.

Insurance companies review loss run reports to assess the severity of losses and how often they occur. This helps them make informed decisions about your premiums.

Frequent claim activity can send warning signs to underwriters that your business practices or manufacturing process have weaknesses and are at a high risk of claims.

What Does 'Currently Valued' Mean?

A loss run report typically includes a valuation date that reflects when the data on the report was generated.

This valuation date helps ensure that potential insurers are receiving the most up-to-date information on any open claims and any new claims that may have recently occurred.

The valuation date listed on a "currently valued" loss run must fall within 30, 60, or 90 days of the application date, as determined by the carrier.

Carriers often require that loss runs be currently valued within this timeframe to provide accurate and relevant information for underwriting purposes.

Analyzing and Mitigating Risks

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Analyzing and mitigating your company's risks is crucial to preventing future losses. A loss run report can help you do just that by providing a detailed history of your company's claims.

You can use a loss run report to pinpoint weak points in your operating protocols. For example, if you notice that your company has dealt with frequent workers' compensation claims, you can brainstorm ways to improve employee safety.

Implementing better safety protocols, upgrading equipment, and investing in safety training programs can help prevent future claims. By taking corrective measures, you can demonstrate to your insurance carrier that you're committed to reducing risks.

Here are some types of business insurance that use loss run reports to identify potential risks:

  • Workers' compensation
  • Professional liability
  • General liability
  • Commercial property
  • Business Owner's Policy (BOP)

By analyzing your company's claims history, you can establish an effective plan to mitigate risks and prevent future losses. This can also influence the underwriter's position and potentially lower your premiums.

Requesting a Report

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To get a loss run report, all you need to do is contact your insurer through your insurance broker and ask for it. It's as simple as that.

You should let your insurer know which insurance policies you want the report for, how many years of reporting you need, and when you need the report by. This information will help your insurer provide you with the report you need.

In most US states, insurance companies are required by law to send you the requested information in ten days or less. If you believe your insurer is delaying or trying to avoid sending you the report, you can contact your state's insurance department and lodge a formal complaint.

To request a loss run report, you may not even need to file an official request. Your insurer may provide access to the report through an online portal, making it easily downloadable.

If your insurer doesn't provide an online portal, you should reach out to your point of contact and ask for a loss run report. Be sure to specify the term required and the deadline you need the report by.

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If you're being asked for a loss run report by a new insurer, you'll likely be given a timeframe they want reported on (e.g. 3 years, 5 years, etc.). Make sure to give yourself enough time to pass along your information, as loss run reports can take anywhere from a day to a week or more to generate.

Here are the specifics you should provide to your insurer when requesting a loss run report:

  • Which insurance policies you want the report for
  • How many years of reporting you need
  • When you need the report by

Impact and Importance of Loss Run Reports

Loss run reports are profiles that document your business' history, similar to a credit score. They help insurers determine your risk and insurability.

A loss run report can impact the specifics of a plan you negotiate with a company. For instance, a history of high-value claims being paid out might lead to higher premiums.

Insurers use loss run reports to assess your business for various types of insurance, including workers' compensation, professional liability, general liability, commercial property, and Business Owner's Policy (BOP).

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Here are the types of business insurance that use loss run reports:

  • Workers’ compensation
  • Professional liability
  • General liability
  • Commercial property
  • Business Owner’s Policy (BOP)

Your loss run report can also influence the cost of your insurance premiums. A history of little to no claims might lead to lower premiums, while a history of high-value claims being paid out might result in higher premiums.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a loss run?

Typically, you can receive a loss run report within 1-10 days, but this timeframe may vary depending on the insurer

What are loss runs in trucking?

Loss runs in trucking refer to a record of past claims and accidents involving your business, providing insight into your company's risk level and operational history. Reviewing loss runs can help you and potential insurers assess the safety and reliability of your trucking business.

Wilbur Huels

Senior Writer

Here is a 100-word author bio for Wilbur Huels: Wilbur Huels is a seasoned writer with a keen interest in finance and investing. With a strong background in research and analysis, he brings a unique perspective to his writing, making complex topics accessible to a wide range of readers. His articles have been featured in various publications, covering topics such as investment funds and their role in shaping the global financial landscape.

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