It’s wild how much those “little” fixes add up now. I was just comparing quotes for our first fleet policy and couldn’t believe how much the premiums jumped compared to a few years ago. The safety features are supposed to help, but like you said, the cost to repair a single sensor or camera is through the roof. I get that insurers have to cover their bases, but it does feel a bit backwards—safer vehicles, higher costs. Maybe once the tech becomes more standard, we’ll see some relief... but who knows.
The safety features are supposed to help, but like you said, the cost to repair a single sensor or camera is through the roof.
You’re not wrong—those sensors and cameras are a blessing and a curse. I remember when a cracked bumper was just a paint job, now it’s a $1,200 “calibration.” It does seem backwards that safer cars mean pricier insurance. Maybe as more used parts hit the market, or repair shops get better with the tech, we’ll see things level out. But yeah, right now it feels like we’re paying for progress in more ways than one.
It’s wild how a “minor” fender bender can turn into a major headache now. Used to be, you’d buff out a scratch or swap a plastic piece, and you were back on the road. Now, you tap a parking post and suddenly you’re dealing with radar alignment and software resets. I get that the tech is supposed to keep us safer, but it’s hard to see the benefit when the repair bill is double what it used to be.
One thing I’ve noticed—if you’re running a fleet, you almost have to budget for at least one sensor or camera replacement a year, per vehicle. That’s just the reality. And insurance companies know it, so they’re jacking up premiums to cover their end. Maybe in a few years, when there’s more aftermarket support and mechanics get more familiar with the tech, things will settle down. Right now, though, it feels like every “upgrade” comes with a hidden price tag.
Rising premiums for business vehicle fleets—anyone else notice this?
Now, you tap a parking post and suddenly you’re dealing with radar alignment and software resets.
Yeah, this is the new normal. Here’s what I’m seeing on my end:
- Even a “minor” scrape can mean recalibrating sensors, which isn’t cheap. Sometimes the labor costs more than the part itself.
- Insurance companies aren’t just being greedy—they’re reacting to the repair data. Claims that used to be $500 are now $2k+ because of all the tech packed into bumpers and mirrors.
- I’ve seen fleet owners try to save by skipping sensor repairs, but then you risk liability if the safety features aren’t working. Not worth it.
- The aftermarket will probably catch up, but right now, it’s mostly dealer-only parts and service. That’s a wallet-buster.
- Honestly, I miss the days when a cracked taillight was a $40 fix and a roll of red tape.
I get the safety angle, but it’s tough to explain to folks why their premium jumped 20% after a year with no major accidents. The tech is great—until you have to pay for it.
Rising Premiums for Business Vehicle Fleets—Anyone Else Notice This?
I get the safety angle, but it’s tough to explain to folks why their premium jumped 20% after a year with no major accidents. The tech is great—until you have to pay for it.
That 20% spike is brutal, especially when there’s no big claim to point at. I’m seeing the same thing with my clients—sometimes even higher if they’ve got newer models loaded with driver assist features. It’s not just about accident frequency anymore, it’s the repair costs per incident that are driving these numbers up.
One thing I keep wondering: are any of you seeing insurers push for more telematics or dash cam usage as a way to offset these increases? Some underwriters are offering small discounts if you install their tracking devices, but I haven’t seen it make a huge dent in overall premiums yet. Maybe it helps with claims disputes, but not so much with the upfront costs.
Also, has anyone tried negotiating coverage limits or deductibles to manage the hikes? I’ve had a couple of fleet owners raise deductibles just to keep their premiums manageable, but then you’re rolling the dice if there’s a string of minor incidents. Not sure that’s really a win in the long run.
And about skipping sensor repairs—totally agree with you there. I’ve seen policies get voided or claims denied because vehicles weren’t kept in “roadworthy” condition after an accident. It’s a risky move, especially if something happens later and it comes out that safety systems weren’t working as intended.
Curious if anyone’s had luck with alternative repair shops yet? Or is everyone still stuck paying dealer rates for all this calibration work? I keep hearing promises about more affordable options coming soon, but so far it’s been mostly talk...
