Data from ANTT (National Agency for Land Transport) indicates that there are 2.6 million trucks and 900,000 registered self-employed drivers in Brazil. And the records of fatal accidents are alarming. 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 highways increased to 3,291.
Given this scenario, Iriom, a technology company that concentrates a series of services aimed at road transport professionals in its application, launched "Iriom Guardião," a multi-service 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” plan was structured based on the specific needs of truck drivers and their families, focusing on providing support in risky situations associated with their professional activity. The plan brings together different forms of protection in a single solution and seeks to facilitate access to services such as medical care, financial protection, and assistance in critical situations, through the company's app. “It's an unprecedented solution for truck drivers, a group often neglected by traditional health and insurance plan models,” he states.
The idea gained traction in December 2024 when Iriom conducted qualitative research during the 36th São Cristóvão and Drivers' Festival in Garibaldi, Rio Grande do Sul, the largest truckers' festival in Brazil. The results reinforced the need for more humane and accessible solutions for independent truckers.
In the sample, 52.2% of truck drivers work independently, 56.5% own their own truck, 72.7% are married, and 86.4% of those interviewed have one or more children. The survey revealed that 61% have stopped seeking medical care because they were traveling or lacked easy access to healthcare services on the road. Approximately 57% of them drive more than 8 hours a day.
“Many drivers mentioned that they don't have health insurance, life insurance, or any protection in case of time off 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, their family will be unprotected. One of the most cited feelings was the fear of 'something happening' and not being able to help their family resolve the issues, either financially or emotionally. These responses justify the creation of a targeted product like ours.”
The executive states that everything was designed to guarantee users quick access to medical care, financial support, and assistance for themselves and their families, regardless of their location, without bureaucracy or financial burden. Users simply need to request the desired service through the app. The product is ideal 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 receives complete funeral assistance, including national and international repatriation of the body, with no mileage limit. In the market, it is common for this type of service to have partial coverage, with distance limits or a value ceiling between R$3,000 and R$5,000. “The death of a truck driver can be very difficult for family members, because, due to the profession, death can occur far from home, making the cost of transporting the body high for the family.”
The usefulness of the "Guardian Iriom" program is not limited to these extreme events. Those who work independently on the roads often find themselves in a situation where they need money for unforeseen circumstances and have to juggle to get it. For this, the plan also offers emergency credit of up to R$ 2,000.
It's worth highlighting that there are times when freight payments take longer than usual, and at those times, having access to credit is all a driver needs to buy food, pay for truck parking, and other necessities. One advantage is that the "Iriom Guardião" credit plan offers five days without interest; that is, if the driver manages to pay before this deadline – perhaps when the freight payment is deposited into their account – they are completely exempt from fees.
Ecosystem
Iriom was created with the goal of going beyond a digital bank. The platform functions as a complete ecosystem, bringing together financial services, consultation and installment payment of vehicle debts, in addition to offering benefits such as exclusive discounts on fuel, auto parts stores, and other strategic partners focused on the daily lives of truck drivers. This proposal arose from the difficulties experienced by drivers in unexpected situations on the roads. Often, a vehicle breakdown means depending on others for financial assistance, which can cause discomfort and overload.
“With the platform we created, this reality changes, as the driver gains access to a support network that protects their finances and relationships with family and friends, prioritizing the well-being of these professionals,” he explains.
See below the advantages provided by Iriom Guardião.
Services and values of “Iriom Guardião”
| Benefit | Basic Plan | Essential Plan | Family Plan |
| Telemedicine | Individual | Individual | Family (Head + 4) |
| Funeral assistance and transfer | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage for accidental death or disability. | No | R$ 20 thousand | R$ 100 thousand |
| Emergency loan | Up to R$ 500 | Up to R$1,000 | Up to R$ 2,000 |
| Monthly value | R$ 29.90 | R$ 49.90 | R$ 99.90 |
