CAB Report

Insurance, Moving and Storage

Movers: Why CAB Reports are a Critical Tool in Keeping your Commercial Auto Premiums under Control

It’s certainly not new news that Commercial Auto Insurance Premiums continue to rise, but it’s worth a closer look at the factors behind the increases and what steps movers can take to mitigate potential increases.

Why are Premiums Increasing?

The short answer: The average claim payment in commercial auto has increased significantly over the past decade. Those numbers have become even steeper over the last 5 years.

The long answer: It’s a combination of economic uncertainty, increase in litigation, an increase in cost of claims and loss severity:

  • General Inflationary Pressures: From labor to parts, costs are up across the board.
  • Supply Chain Disruptions: Delays and price hikes in parts and repairs make each accident more expensive.
  • Increased Claim Costs: Tariffs on imported parts, new fancy vehicle technology, and pricier medical care are inflating the cost per claim.
  • Litigation and Legal Costs: More lawsuits, higher settlements, and nuclear verdicts are becoming more common.
  • More Severe & Frequent Losses: Distracted driving, high-speed crashes, and a post-COVID surge in traffic are all contributing to worse outcomes on the road.

What Moving & Storage Companies Can Do to Keep Premiums from Rising: Focus on What’s in your Control — start with CAB Scores.

If you’re in the business of moving and storage, you’ve probably heard the term CAB Report thrown around when talking with your broker or fellow movers. It may have been mentioned during renewal or while shopping for new insurance. But what is it, and why should you care?

CAB Reports: More Than Just a Scorecard

CAB (Central Analysis Bureau) Reports have become a central tool in underwriting moving companies. These reports track everything from crash history to inspections and violations for motor carriers, especially those involved in interstate moves.

The result? A strong CAB report can help offset some of the impact on your premium increases. It can also make the difference between receiving a quote or being declined for coverage. A weak report? You can expect to pay higher insurance premiums.

That’s why we’re seeing the rise of CAB or DOT authority experts enter the conversations when discussing coverage options. These are consultants and advisors who work with insureds to help clean up reports and improve fleet behavior before it leads to a pricing problem. They’re there to help and I encourage movers to consider consulting a trusted advisor.

I also recommend that you monitor your CAB/SAFER Reports: Check it regularly and take action on flagged areas. You can utilize FMCSA’s DataQ to report any erroneous marks on your authority and trust me, it happens more often than you might imagine.

And here’s the kicker: CAB reports are not just for underwriters any longer.

Reinsurers, the companies that back your insurers, are now putting heavier emphasis on CAB data, especially as reinsurance markets tighten up due to increasing auto losses and catastrophe exposure. When the reinsurance markets tighten up, the insurer tightens up.

What Else Can Moving & Storage Companies Do to Control Their Insurance Premiums?

In addition to improving your CAB Reports, focus on other measures to improve your safety culture:

  • Invest in Loss Control: Implement a proactive safety plan and stick with it.
  • Leverage Telematics: Monitor driver behavior in real time to reduce unsafe habits. Have training sessions with drivers after reviewing their driving behavior to help correct any issues that might be trending.
  • Incentivize Drivers: Reward drivers for putting up clean driving scores. This helps improve safety and boost employee morale. It’s a win-win for your drivers and your company.
  • Partner with the right Broker & Insurer: Choose a Broker and Insurer that support you with tools, training, and risk management resources.

At MOVER’S CHOICE Insurance, we help our clients take ownership of their risk with tools like driver safety programs and in-house claims expertise. We have an experienced underwriting team that works with our Brokers to help you (the client) through the challenges you’re facing today.

We’re here to help you “move” forward, safely.

Sources:

Brandon Laam

Written By: Brandon Laam

Brandon has been a transportation insurance specialist for over 10 years, and is constantly striving to create enhanced services for brokers and insureds.

Brandon spearheads the MOVER’S CHOICE philanthropy efforts with Move for Hunger, a national organization working with the moving industry to reduce food waste and fight hunger. Outside of the office, Brandon likes to fish, hike, kayak, garden and read.

Movers: Why CAB Reports are a Critical Tool in Keeping your Commercial Auto Premiums under Control was last modified: August 14th, 2025 by Brandon Laam