ELD Discounts: Save $1,000-$2,000 on Insurance
Bottom Line Up Front
Installing an ELD with telematics can save you $1,000-$2,000 per year on truck insurance. Progressive Smart Haul is the biggest program, but other carriers offer similar discounts. The trade-off is sharing your driving data. Here is everything you need to know.
How ELD Telematics Discounts Work
Telematics devices (often built into your ELD) track your driving behavior and share data with your insurance company. The insurer uses this data to calculate your actual risk instead of relying on industry averages.
If you drive safely, your data proves it and you get a discount. If you drive dangerously, your rates could increase. Most safe drivers save money.
What Data Does Telematics Track?
| Data Point | What It Measures | Impact on Discount |
|---|---|---|
| Hard braking | Sudden stops (deceleration events) | HIGH — fewer hard brakes = bigger discount |
| Speeding | Miles driven over speed limit | HIGH — consistent speed = lower risk |
| HOS compliance | Hours of service violations | MEDIUM — compliant drivers get better rates |
| Idle time | Engine running while stopped | LOW — shows operational efficiency |
| Miles driven | Total and per-trip mileage | MEDIUM — fewer miles = lower exposure |
| Time of day | Nighttime vs daytime driving | LOW-MEDIUM — night driving is riskier |
Which Insurance Companies Offer ELD Discounts?
| Carrier | Program Name | Max Discount | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Progressive | Smart Haul | Up to $2,000/year | Compatible ELD device, 30+ days of data |
| Great West Casualty | Telematics program | $500-$1,000/year | Approved ELD, quarterly data sharing |
| Sentry Insurance | Safe driving discount | $300-$800/year | ELD data integration |
| Canal Insurance | Varies by agent | $200-$500/year | Ask your broker |
Progressive Smart Haul: The Biggest Discount
Progressive Smart Haul is the most generous telematics program for truckers:
- Discount: Up to $2,000/year (average participant saves $1,200)
- How to enroll: Tell your agent you want Smart Haul when quoting Progressive
- Compatible ELDs: Most major ELD brands (KeepTruckin/Motive, Samsara, Omnitracs, etc.)
- Timeline: Need 30+ days of data before discount is calculated
- No penalty: Progressive states they will not increase your rate based on telematics data (discount-only program)
The Privacy Trade-Off
You need to be comfortable with your insurer seeing:
- Where you drive (GPS location data)
- How fast you drive
- Your braking and acceleration patterns
- Your hours of service compliance
For most professional drivers, this is not a problem — you are already tracking this data via your ELD for FMCSA compliance. The insurance company is just getting access to data that already exists.
How to Maximize Your ELD Discount
- Drive consistently — avoid hard braking and rapid acceleration
- Stay at or below speed limits — speeding is the biggest factor
- Maintain HOS compliance — no violations shows responsibility
- Let data accumulate — more months of clean data = higher discount
- Ask TruckSafe which carriers offer the best telematics discount for your driving profile
FAQ
How much can I save with ELD telematics?+
Most safe drivers save $1,000-$2,000/year. Progressive Smart Haul offers up to $2,000. Average participant saves $1,200/year.
Will telematics increase my insurance rate?+
Progressive Smart Haul is discount-only — they will not raise your rate based on telematics data. Other carriers vary, so ask your broker about the specific program terms.
Which ELD devices work with insurance telematics?+
Most major ELD brands are compatible: Motive (KeepTruckin), Samsara, Omnitracs, and others. Ask your insurer for their approved device list.
How long until I get the ELD discount?+
Most programs need 30+ days of driving data before calculating your discount. The discount is then applied at your next billing cycle or renewal.