Protect Your Fleet: The Role of MVR Checks and Accurate Driver Lists in Commercial Auto Insurance

Driver safety matters — to your business, your employees, your customers, and your bottom line. Whether you’re managing a small fleet or overseeing a large operation, the drivers behind the wheel represent both a critical asset and a potential liability.

Outdated driver lists and unchecked driving records can expose your business to unnecessary risk. Failing to monitor your drivers can lead to costly consequences like commercial auto insurance complications and safety violations. A vital part of any fleet safety program is the motor vehicle record (MVR) check, which helps ensure that every listed driver on your insurance policy meets your company’s standards for safe driving.

What is an MVR Check?

An MVR check, short for motor vehicle record check, is a key tool for driver background verification. It provides a detailed snapshot of a driver’s history, sourced from each state’s bureau of motor vehicles. Employers use MVR checks during the hiring process and throughout employment to assess risk, ensure compliance, and help protect their business.

Here’s what employers typically see in an MVR check:

• License status: Indicates whether the license is valid, suspended, revoked, expired, or restricted.
• License class and type: Identifies whether the driver holds a standard operator’s license or a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), including any endorsements or restrictions.
• Issuance and expiration dates: Confirms that the license is current and active.
• Driver’s legal name and address: Verifies the legal name and registered address for identity matching.
• Traffic violations: Lists moving violations, such as speeding, running red lights, or reckless driving.
• Serious driving offenses: Flags major infractions like DUIs or vehicular manslaughter, which may not appear in standard criminal background checks.
• License suspensions or revocations: Details any license suspensions or revocations, including reasons and reinstatement status.
• Accident history: Reports involvement in crashes resulting in property damage, injury, or death.
• Driving restrictions: Notes any limitations on vehicle types or driving conditions.

Why Employers Need to Conduct MVR Checks

Conducting an MVR check for employers is a critical step in reducing risk and ensuring workplace safety. If a candidate will be driving as part of their job, verifying their driving history before extending an offer helps confirm they’re qualified to operate vehicles safely and responsibly. But driver verification through MVR checks is more than a hiring formality — it’s a proactive measure that helps minimize the chances of accidents, liability, and insurance complications.

Not performing MVR checks may expose your business to:

Accidents and claims: Drivers with poor records are more likely to be involved in incidents that lead to property damage, injuries, or fatalities.

• Legal liability: Your company could face lawsuits for negligent hiring or supervision if an unqualified driver causes harm.
• Insurance issues: High-risk drivers can increase your commercial auto insurance premiums or even jeopardize coverage.
• Regulatory violations: Noncompliance with industry standards can result in fines, penalties, or loss of contracts.
• Reputational damage: Accidents involving company vehicles can erode public trust and harm your brand image.

The Role of Continuous MVR Monitoring

Employers are typically required to perform MVR checks annually, but that leaves room for violations to go unnoticed. Drivers may forget to report infractions or choose not to disclose them. Continuous MVR monitoring solves this by screening driving records in real time and alerting employers to changes such as:

• Accidents
• DUI or other major traffic offenses
• Speeding tickets
• Safety violations
• CDL renewals or updates

These alerts provide valuable insights and allow employers to take timely corrective action. Continuous driver monitoring helps prevent accidents, reduce liability, and demonstrate a proactive commitment to safety. It also streamlines compliance by automatically fulfilling annual MVR check requirements. By enrolling drivers listed on your insurance policy in an MVR monitoring program, you can stay ahead of potential risks and ensure your fleet remains safe and audit-ready.

Keeping Driver Lists Updated

Accurate driver lists are essential to protecting your business and maintaining proper insurance coverage. Every individual who operates a commercial vehicle should be clearly listed as a driver on your commercial auto insurance policy. While specifics vary by policy, insurance providers generally expect the following individuals to be included:

• Employees who drive company vehicles, even occasionally (e.g., sales reps, maintenance staff, delivery drivers)
• Business partners who operate company vehicles
• Independent contractors who drive company vehicles

When Should a Driver Be Disqualified?

Disqualification should occur when a driver’s MVR reveals violations that conflict with your company’s standards or insurance requirements. These violations signal elevated risk and can compromise both operational safety and coverage eligibility. Common disqualifying offenses include:

• DUI
• Reckless or aggressive driving
• Excessive speeding
• License suspension or revocation
• Multiple at-fault accidents

If a driver is found to be noncompliant, they should be immediately removed from your active driver list and prohibited from operating company vehicles. Allowing an excluded driver to continue driving can have serious consequences. In the event of an accident, the claim may be denied or considered a breach of policy, leaving your business exposed to repair costs, medical expenses, or legal action.

When an excluded driver regains eligibility — whether through license reinstatement or resolution of violations — they should complete a driver improvement course before returning to active status. This helps ensure they’ve taken steps to correct unsafe behavior and reinforces your company’s commitment to safety.

Strengthen Your Fleet Safety Program

MVR checks and accurate driver lists are essential for managing risk and keeping your fleet compliant. Regular monitoring helps identify unsafe drivers before they become a liability, while training and clear policies reinforce safe driving habits.

At Westfield, we offer commercial auto coverage along with risk control services to help you identify exposures and improve driver performance. From policy guidance to safety resources, Westfield and our agents are here to support your fleet every step of the way. Get started today by auditing your driver list and exploring continuous MVR monitoring.