Data from ANTT (National Land Transport Agency) indicate that there are 2.6 million trucks and 900,000 self-employed drivers registered in Brazil. And the records of fatal accidents are frightening. In 2023, according to the Federal Highway Police, 17,579 accidents involving trucks were recorded, resulting in 2,611 deaths. In 2024, deaths on federal roads increased to 3,291.
In this scenario, Iriom, a technology company that concentrates a series of services for road transport professionals in its app, launched "Iriom Guardian," a multiservice product that combines, in a single plan, coverage for death or disability, unlimited online medical consultations (24 hours a day), funeral assistance, and emergency credit.
According to Paulo Nascimento, CEO of Iriom, the "Iriom Guardian" was structured based on the specific needs of truck drivers and their families, focusing on providing support in risk situations associated with their professional activity. The plan combines different forms of protection into a single solution and aims to facilitate access to services such as medical care, financial protection, and assistance in critical situations through the company's app. "It is an unprecedented solution for truck drivers, a group often neglected by traditional health plans and insurance models," he states.
The idea gained momentum in December 2024 when Iriom conducted a qualitative survey during the 36th São Cristóvão and Truck Drivers Festival in Garibaldi, Rio Grande do Sul, the largest truckers' festival in Brazil. The result reinforced the need for more humane and accessible solutions for independent truck drivers.
In the sampling, 52.2% of truck drivers work independently, 56.5% own their own truck, 72.7% are married, and 86.4% of respondents have one or more children. The survey revealed that 61% have already stopped seeking medical care because they are traveling or lack easy access to health services on the road. About 57% of them drive more than 8 hours a day.
"Many drivers mentioned that they do not have health insurance, life insurance, or any protection in case of leave due to accident or illness. And the reason for this is the high cost imposed by the traditional market. Most said that if something serious happens, the family will be unprotected. One of the most cited feelings was the fear of 'something happening' and not being able to help the family with the procedures, neither financially nor emotionally. These responses justify the creation of a targeted product like ours."
The executive states that everything was designed to ensure the user quick access to medical care, financial support, and assistance for themselves and their family, regardless of where they are, without bureaucracy and without burdening their wallet. It is only necessary to activate the desired service through the app itself. The product is suitable for truck drivers who spend days or weeks away from home and face constant risks on the road.
The plan provides coverage for death or disability with substantial amounts, up to R$100,000, and the policyholder gains access to comprehensive funeral assistance, including national and international body transportation, with no mileage limit. In the market, it is common for this type of service to have partial coverage, with distance limits or maximum amounts between R$ 3,000 and R$ 5,000. The death of a truck driver can be very difficult for the family, because due to the profession, death can occur far from home, which makes the cost of transporting the body high for the family.
The usefulness of the "Iriom Guardian" is not limited to these extreme events. Those who work independently on the roads often find themselves in a situation where they need money for an unforeseen event and have to juggle to get it. For this, the plan also offers emergency credit of up to R$ 2,000.
It is worth noting that there are times when freight payment takes longer than usual, and during these moments, having access to credit is all the driver needs to feed themselves, pay for truck parking, among other needs. One advantage is that the "Iriom Guardian" credit plan offers five interest-free days, meaning if the driver manages to pay before this period – for example, if the freight amount is credited to the account – they are completely exempt from fees.
Ecosystem
Iriom was created with the purpose of going beyond a digital bank. The platform functions as a complete ecosystem, bringing together financial services, vehicle debt consultation and installment options, as well as offering benefits such as exclusive discounts on fuel, auto parts stores, and other strategic partners focused on the truck driver's routine. This proposal was born from the difficulties faced by drivers in unexpected situations on the roads. Often, a breakdown of the vehicle means relying on third parties for financial help, which can cause discomfort and overload.
"With the platform we created, this reality changes, as the driver now has a support network that preserves finances and relationships with family and friends, prioritizing the well-being of professionals," he explains.
See below the advantages provided by Iriom Guardian.
Services and values of the "Iriom Guardian"
| Benefit | Basic Plan | Essential Plan | Family Plan |
| Telemedicine | Individual | Individual | Family (Holder + 4) |
| Funeral assistance and transportation | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage for death or accidental disability | No, please. | R$ 20 thousand | R$ 100 thousand |
| Emergency credit | Up to R$ 500 | Up to R$ 1,000 | Up to R$ 2,000 |
| Monthly amount | R$ 29.90 | R$ 49.90 | R$ 99.90 |
