Data from ANTT (National Land Transport Agency) indicates there are 2.6 million trucks and 900,000 independent drivers registered in Brazil. The records on fatal accidents are alarming. In 2023, according to the Federal Highway Police, 17,579 truck-related accidents were recorded, resulting in 2,611 deaths. In 2024, deaths on federal highways increased to 3,291.
Faced with this scenario, Iriom, a technology company that consolidates a range of services for road transport professionals in its app, launched ‘Iriom Guardião,’ a multi-service product that combines, in a single plan, coverage for death or disability, unlimited online medical consultations (24/7), funeral assistance, and emergency credit.
According to Paulo Nascimento, CEO of Iriom, ‘Iriom Guardião’ was structured based on the specific needs of truck drivers and their families, focusing on providing support in risk situations associated with their profession. The plan brings together different forms of protection in a single solution and aims to facilitate access to services like medical care, financial protection, and assistance in critical situations through the company’s app. ‘It’s an unprecedented solution for truck drivers, an audience often neglected by traditional health and insurance plans,’ he states.
The idea gained momentum in December 2024 when Iriom conducted a qualitative survey during the 36th Festa de São Cristóvão e dos Motoristas in Garibaldi, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil’s largest truck driver festival. The results reinforced the need for more humane and accessible solutions for independent truck drivers.
In the survey, 52.2% of truck drivers work independently, 56.5% own their trucks, 72.7% are married, and 86.4% have one or more children. The study revealed that 61% have avoided seeking medical care because they were traveling or lacked easy access to health services on the road. About 57% drive more than 8 hours a day.
‘Many drivers mentioned they don’t have health insurance, life insurance, or any protection in case of accidents or illness. The reason for this is the high cost imposed by the traditional market. Most said that if something serious happens, their family would be left unprotected. One of the most cited feelings was the fear of ‘something happening’ and not being able to help their family handle the formalities, either financially or emotionally. These responses justify the creation of a targeted product like ours.’
The executive states that everything was designed to ensure users have quick access to medical care, financial support, and assistance for themselves and their families, regardless of their location, without bureaucracy or financial burden. They simply need to activate the desired service through the app. The product is suited for truck drivers who spend days or weeks away from home and face constant risks on the road.
The plan provides significant coverage for death or disability, up to R$100,000, and includes complete funeral assistance, including national and international body transportation, with no mileage limit. In the market, this type of service often has partial coverage, with distance limits or caps between R$3,000 and R$5,000. ‘The death of a truck driver can be very difficult for the family, as, due to the profession, it may occur far from home, making body transportation costly for the family.’
The usefulness of ‘Iriom Guardião’ isn’t limited to these extreme events. Independent road workers often find themselves needing money for unexpected situations and have to juggle to manage. For this, the plan also offers emergency credit of up to R$2,000.
It’s worth noting that there are times when freight payments take longer than usual, and in these moments, access to credit is all the driver needs for food, truck parking, and other necessities. An advantage is that ‘Iriom Guardião’s’ credit plan offers five interest-free days—meaning if the driver can pay before this deadline (e.g., if the freight payment arrives), they are entirely fee-free.
Ecosystem
Iriom was created with the proposal to go beyond a digital bank. The platform functions as a complete ecosystem, combining financial services, vehicle debt consultation, and installment plans, while also offering benefits like exclusive discounts on fuel, auto parts stores, and other strategic partners catering to truck drivers’ routines. This proposal arose from the difficulties drivers face in unexpected road situations. Often, a vehicle breakdown means relying on others for financial help, which can cause discomfort and stress.
‘With the platform we’ve created, this reality changes, as drivers gain access to a support network that preserves their finances and relationships with family and friends, prioritizing their well-being,’ he explains.
See below the benefits provided by Iriom Guardião.
Services and values of ‘Iriom Guardião’
| Benefit | Basic Plan | Essential Plan | Family Plan |
| Telemedicine | Individual | Individual | Family (Primary + 4) |
| Funeral assistance and transportation | Sim | Sim | Sim |
| Accidental death or disability coverage | No | R$ 20,000 | R$ 100,000 |
| Emergency credit | Up to R$ 500 | Up to R$ 1,000 | Up to R$ 2,000 |
| Monthly fee | R$ 29.90 | R$ 49.90 | R$ 99.90 |
