Why Ten Four Insurance is a Game-Changer for Trucking Companies
Ten Four Insurance has quickly gained recognition in the trucking insurance market for its unique background, selective partnerships, and customer-first approach. From its origins in trucking to its focus on accessible underwriting and competitive payment structures, 10-4 is changing the way trucking companies experience insurance.
The Origin Story of Ten four Insurance
Unlike most insurance carriers that started in boardrooms, Ten Four was built out of the trucking industry itself. The company grew from a family with three trucking-related businesses:
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A fleet operation
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A leasing company
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An insurance arm (introduced in 1992 to cover its own assets)
In 2020, after years of feedback from industry partners and frustration with the state of the trucking insurance market—skyrocketing rates, limited coverage, and slow service—Ten Four expanded its insurance offerings to the broader trucking marketplace.
Today, nearly 5,000 trucking companies across the U.S. trust Ten Four with their insurance needs, ranging from single-truck owner-operators to fleets with thousands of trucks.
Why Ten Four Works With Select Agents
10-4 takes a unique approach to distribution. Instead of giving access to every agent, the company works only with a select group of agencies that:
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Have deep knowledge of trucking regulations and compliance requirements.
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Understand what underwriters look for in submissions.
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Can tell the full story of a trucking company's risk, not just provide numbers on paper.
This model reduces mistakes, shortens turnaround times, and ensures trucking companies are represented by agents who specialize in their industry. It creates a stronger three-way partnership between the carrier, the agent, and the insured.
Accessible Underwriters and Common-Sense Decisions
One of the most frustrating parts of trucking insurance is slow or unresponsive underwriting. With 10-4, trucking companies and agents can actually connect directly with underwriters when questions arise.
More importantly, underwriting decisions aren't left to algorithms alone. 10-4 takes a common-sense, human approach by reviewing context behind violations or losses:
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Was an accident not at fault? Provide the police report, and it's taken into account.
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Are certain violations being addressed with safety programs? That matters.
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Is a loss in subrogation or partially paid back? That context can change the evaluation.
This method allows fairer rates and more accurate assessments compared to "check-the-box" carriers that automatically hike premiums.
Lower Down Payments and Direct Billing
Insurance premiums are one of the highest costs trucking companies face, and large down payments can be a major burden. 10-4 has designed its payment structure to be more manageable:
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Standard industry down payment: ~20%
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Ten Four down payment: Only 12% at inception
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Renewals: No additional down payment required
Additionally, Ten Four offers direct billing, which eliminates the need for premium financing. Trucking companies avoid costly APR financing charges, keeping more money in their pockets for fuel, maintenance, and driver pay.
Fast, Transparent, and Accurate Quotes
Turnaround time can make or break a trucking company's ability to get on the road. Unlike carriers that take weeks to deliver numbers—only to change them later—Ten Four's process is built around speed and accuracy:
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Quotes are only provided once complete information (like loss runs) is available.
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Once issued, quotes are final and accurate—no hidden surprises later.
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Responsive agents and underwriters working together make turnaround times fast.
For trucking companies, this means less downtime, fewer delays, and the confidence that a quote won't change at the last minute.
Telematics With Trucker-Friendly Intent
Ten Four partners with TruckerCloud to verify essential information, such as:
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The number of active trucks and VINs.
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Geographic coverage and territory exposures.
Unlike some carriers, 10-4 does not use ELD data to penalize or increase rates during the policy period. Instead, telematics are used simply to confirm that all trucks are listed correctly and that FMCSA requirements—like MCS-90 compliance—are met.
This approach protects trucking companies from being unfairly rated while ensuring accurate coverage when claims occur.
Claims and Support: Building Trust Through Service
Insurance isn't just about quoting—it's about what happens when a claim occurs. One of the key strengths of 10-4 is accessibility during the entire policy cycle, not just at the point of sale.
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Direct access to underwriting teams makes problem-solving faster.
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Carrier–agent–insured collaboration ensures all sides are aligned.
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Old-school relationship focus means trucking companies don't feel like just another policy number.
This support structure helps companies not only secure coverage but also navigate challenges confidently throughout the year.
A Partnership Approach
10-4 emphasizes that every policy is a three-way partnership:
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The carrier (Ten Four),
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The agent (insurance representative), and
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The insured (the trucking company).
This partnership model ensures transparency, quick communication, and long-term trust. Many carriers view insureds as customers. 10-4 views them as partners.
Final Thoughts
Ten Four Insurance offers something rare in the trucking insurance space: a company built by trucking professionals, for trucking professionals.
With competitive down payments, direct billing, responsive underwriters, fast quoting, and a partnership-first mindset, 10-4 provides trucking companies with both financial relief and peace of mind.
For fleets of any size—whether running one truck or thousands—10-4 is proving to be a carrier that listens, understands, and delivers.
Trucking companies looking for a carrier that combines industry expertise, fair underwriting, and long-term support should strongly consider exploring what 10-4 Insurance has to offer.
