Policyholders and their insurance agents now have flexibility when selecting either an ELD connection or dashcam when binding Cover Whale Auto Liability coverage
NEW YORK, February 6, 2024 — Cover Whale Insurance Solutions, Inc., a leading insurtech specializing in connected insurance for commercial auto insurance, today announced an enhancement to its Driver Safety Program. Cover Whale-insured truck drivers now have the flexibility to either connect their vehicle's electronic logging device (ELD) or install a Cover Whale-provided dashcam when binding new auto liability policies. Previously, Cover Whale offered dashcam installation as its only telemetry data-sharing option.
More Flexibility for Policyholders and Agents
Cover Whale is now offering more flexibility to policyholders when securing coverage and complying with its requirement for on-the-road telemetry data sharing. Insurance agents and policyholders are now able to share data by connecting their existing ELD or a dual-facing dashcam when purchasing a Cover Whale auto liability policy.
Agents securing coverage for their clients in the Cover Whale platform now simply click one of two data connection options—ELD or dashcam—before they bind a policy. The Driver Safety Program supports dozens of ELD brands covering the vast majority of devices available in the U.S.
Data-Driven Safety and Underwriting
Core to its Driver Safety Program, both telemetry data-sharing options provide Cover Whale with the requisite insights into truckers' safe driving practices. Its Driver Safety Program, with telematics and driver coaching at its core, enables more accurate risk assessment and pricing, which has led to Cover Whale's industry-leading loss ratios and safer driving practices.
"As a data-driven enterprise, we're taking this step to intensify our commitment of leveraging telematics to enhance road safety. We're not just insuring drivers, we're focusing on what matters on the road most—protecting the lives of drivers and those with whom they share the road. We're doubling down on our Safety Program by offering the flexibility of connecting existing ELDs, which most of our target truckers already have, along with our legacy dashcam program option." — Dan Abrahamsen, CEO, Cover Whale
Two Options, Same Safety Benefits
Option 1: Connect Your Existing ELD
What It Is: Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) are already mandated for most commercial trucks to track hours of service (HOS) compliance. Cover Whale now integrates directly with these existing devices to gather telemetry data.
Benefits:
- No additional hardware required for most truckers
- Use what you already have installed in your vehicle
- Seamless integration with dozens of ELD brands
- Lower barrier to entry for coverage
Supported Brands: Cover Whale's platform supports dozens of ELD brands, covering the vast majority of devices used across the U.S. trucking industry, including popular brands used by owner-operators and fleet operators.
How It Works:
- Agent selects "ELD" option during quote process
- Policyholder provides ELD device information
- Cover Whale connects to ELD data feed
- Telemetry data flows to Driver Safety Program
- Real-time insights enable accurate pricing and coaching
Option 2: Install Cover Whale Dashcam
What It Is: A dual-facing dashcam provided and installed by Cover Whale that captures both road-facing and driver-facing video along with telemetry data.
Benefits:
- Video evidence in case of accidents
- Driver exoneration for not-at-fault incidents
- Real-time coaching based on driving events
- Comprehensive data including video context
Features:
- Dual-facing cameras (road and driver)
- Event-triggered recording
- Real-time alerts for unsafe behaviors
- Cloud storage of video footage
- Integration with Driver Safety Program
How It Works:
- Agent selects "Dashcam" option during quote process
- Cover Whale arranges dashcam installation
- Device captures driving data and video
- Events trigger real-time coaching
- Video available for claims and safety review
Why This Enhancement Matters
For Policyholders
Cost Savings If you already have an ELD installed (as required by FMCSA regulations), you don't need to invest in additional hardware or installation.
Flexibility Choose the telemetry option that works best for your operation—whether that's leveraging existing technology or getting comprehensive dashcam coverage.
Fair Pricing Regardless of which option you choose, you get accurate, data-driven pricing based on your actual driving behavior.
Safety Support Both options provide the same high-quality driver coaching and safety insights.
For Insurance Agents
Easier Sales Process Remove a common objection by allowing clients to use equipment they already have.
Faster Binding No need to wait for dashcam installation if client has compatible ELD.
More Flexible Solutions Offer clients choice based on their preferences and existing infrastructure.
Simple Selection Just one click to select ELD or dashcam option during the quote process.
For the Industry
Lowering Barriers Making it easier for truckers to access technology-driven insurance by leveraging existing devices.
Demonstrating Flexibility Showing that insurtechs can adapt to policyholder needs rather than forcing one-size-fits-all solutions.
Advancing Safety Expanding the reach of telematics-based safety programs across more commercial vehicles.
Setting Standards Establishing ELD integration as a viable alternative to proprietary devices.
The Driver Safety Program: Technology Meets Safety
Both telemetry options feed into Cover Whale's comprehensive Driver Safety Program, which includes:
Real-Time Monitoring
- Continuous tracking of driving behaviors
- Speed, braking, acceleration, cornering patterns
- Hours of service compliance (ELD option)
- Video capture of safety events (dashcam option)
Proactive Coaching
- Real-time alerts for unsafe behaviors
- Personalized feedback based on driving patterns
- Positive reinforcement for safe driving
- Intervention before incidents occur
Accurate Risk Assessment
- Data-driven underwriting decisions
- Pricing based on actual risk, not demographics
- Continuous re-underwriting throughout policy term
- Fair premiums for safe drivers
Claims Support
- Video evidence for incident investigation (dashcam)
- Exoneration in not-at-fault accidents
- Faster claims resolution
- Reduced fraudulent claims
Industry-Leading Results
- Loss ratios significantly better than industry average
- Reduced claim frequency among monitored fleets
- Improved safety scores over time
- Premium savings for safest drivers based on verified performance
Nationwide Availability
The option to select an ELD is now accessible for all partner agents within Cover Whale's network across all states where Cover Whale offers auto liability coverage.
Current Reach:
- Auto Liability coverage in 39 states
- All product lines available in 46 states
- 6,000+ agents across the network
- 15,000+ in-force policyholders
Technical Integration Made Simple
Cover Whale has invested heavily in technical integrations to make the ELD option seamless:
Wide Compatibility Support for dozens of major ELD brands and devices used throughout the commercial trucking industry.
Secure Data Transfer Industry-standard security protocols protect sensitive driving and location data.
Automated Connectivity Simple setup process with minimal technical requirements for policyholders.
Reliable Data Flow Robust infrastructure ensures continuous data transmission and processing.
What Happens Next
For Current Policyholders
- ELD option available at next renewal
- Contact your agent to discuss switching from dashcam to ELD
- No disruption to coverage during transition
For New Customers
- Choose ELD or dashcam option when getting a quote
- Discuss benefits of each option with your agent
- Get bindable coverage in minutes with either choice
For Agents
- ELD option now available in agent portal
- Training materials and support documentation provided
- Contact Cover Whale support with questions
About Cover Whale
Cover Whale, an insurtech founded by experienced insurance and technology veterans, focuses on technology, underwriting, and data to provide innovative insurance programs for the commercial auto industry.
Operating as a managing general agent (MGA), the company currently has more than 15,000 in-force policyholders, ending 2023 with a two-year CAGR of 85% while maintaining industry-leading loss ratios. Cover Whale's unique Driver Safety Program combines coverage with telematics and real-time driver coaching to reduce claims, keep drivers safe and save lives on America's roads.
Cover Whale delivers its product through more than 6,000 agents with the industry's fastest, most agent-friendly online quoting experience. With a fundamental belief that safe driving should be rewarded, Cover Whale-insured drivers earn premium savings based on verified safe driving performance.
The company was named 2023 Insurtech of the Year by Program Manager, one of America's Best Startup Employers on Forbes' 2023 list, and more recently, the #3 insurtech to watch in 2024 by PropertyCasualty360.
For more information, visit www.coverwhale.com. Stay up to date with Cover Whale on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and our blog.
Learn More
Agents: Want to learn more about the ELD option for your clients? Contact your Cover Whale representative or access training materials in the agent portal.
Trucking Companies: Interested in using your existing ELD for insurance coverage? Find a Cover Whale agent or request a quote.
Questions? Email us at [email protected]