What Is a Loss Run in Insurance?

When you’re shopping for business insurance or hoping to lower your premiums, one of the first documents an insurer will ask for is a loss run report.

Think of a loss run report as a credit report for your insurance history. This report tells carriers how many claims you’ve had, how serious they were, and whether they’re still open. Understanding loss runs (and how to use them) makes it much easier to get accurate, affordable coverage.

Detailed Loss Run Report Overview

A loss run, sometimes called a loss history report, is a document issued by your insurance company that lists every claim made under your policy during a specific time frame. It usually shows your name or business name, the policy number, and the date the report was prepared (often called the valuation date). 

It also includes details about each claim, including: 

• The type of claim
• The amount already paid 
• Any reserves still held
• Whether the case is open or closed

Carriers usually want reports that are “currently valued”. This means they are dated within the last 30 to 90 days and cover at least the previous three to five years. Having that information ready helps underwriters make decisions quickly.

Why Loss Runs Matter

Loss runs are the backbone of underwriting. They allow insurers to see an objective record of your claims experience so they can decide if they’ll offer coverage, what premium to charge, and which deductibles or limits make sense. A clear, modest history of claims often leads to better prices and broader terms. On the other hand, frequent or severe losses may prompt higher rates or stricter policy conditions.

Loss runs are particularly important for businesses with specialized risks. General contractors, retailers, and service providers use them when comparing business insurance options. Auto dealers rely on them to secure dealership insurance, and companies that transport passengers, such as NEMT providers, need clean reports to keep coverage affordable.

How Loss Runs Influence Your Quote

Insurers look beyond the sheer number of claims. They weigh how often losses happen, how expensive they were, and whether any remain open. Several small incidents might concern them more than one large claim because frequent issues suggest ongoing risk. Also, large “reserve” amounts on open cases can make you appear riskier, while a long stretch with no claims shows stability. 

Obtaining a Loss Run

Requesting a loss run is usually straightforward. You can contact your current or former insurers and provide the policy numbers along with the years of history you need. If Insured ASAP is your broker, we’ll take care of the request and follow up with carriers on your behalf. Many insurers now provide online portals where you can download reports directly, and if your agent is unavailable, you’re entitled to send a written request straight to the carrier. In most states, companies must deliver the report within a short time frame, often ten business days.

Making the Most of Your Report

Once you receive your loss run, read it carefully. Confirm that every claim listed belongs to you and that the status of each one is accurate. Check the valuation date to ensure the report is current, and pay attention to any large reserves, which may signal an open case even after payment has been made. Keeping up-to-date copies on file means you’re always prepared for renewals or for quoting with new insurers.

How Insured ASAP Simplifies the Process

Gathering and interpreting loss runs can feel technical, but that’s where we come in. At Insured ASAP, we help businesses, auto dealers, and NEMT operators collect their reports, explain what the data means, and use strong loss histories to negotiate better premiums. Our focus is on making insurance cheap, fast, and affordable, whether you need a basic business policy, dealership protection, or specialized NEMT coverage.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

A loss run is more than just paperwork. It’s a record of how your business manages risk. By understanding what it shows and keeping it current, you’ll save time, improve pricing, and make sure your next policy truly protects what matters.

If you already have your loss run, send it to us, and we’ll build your best insurance quote. Need help requesting the report? We’ll guide you through it or handle the process for you.

Contact Insured ASAP to learn more.