CDL Holders: Let’s Talk About Your Life Insurance Rates
If you hold a CDL, your driving history isn’t the only thing under the microscope. The same skills that keep you safe on the road are the ones that help keep your life insurance rates low. But most truckers don’t even know what affects their premiums—or what they can do about it.
So What Impacts Your Rates?
Insurance companies look at your overall risk—just like shippers and brokers do. They evaluate:
- Driving Record: Tickets, violations, and accidents increase your rates.
- Health Conditions: Conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or sleep apnea (very common in trucking) can bump your premiums.
- Height & Weight: Your build matters. If you’re outside of the recommended range, that may push you into a different rating class.
- Smoking & Tobacco: One of the biggest rate killers. Tobacco use can double or triple your premium.
- DOT Physical History: Insurers may ask about your last DOT exam. If it flagged anything, they’ll want details.
Think About It Like Freight Rates
Life insurance works like the freight market: safer, more reliable drivers get the better-paying loads—and better rates. If you’ve got a clean driving record and take care of your health, your life insurance rate will reflect that.
But if you’ve been flagged for high blood pressure or sleep apnea, it’s like pulling a partial with penalties—you’re paying more for less coverage.
What You Can Do to Improve Your Rate
- Get a quote while you’re healthy. Locking in your rate early is like signing a long-term dedicated lane—it saves you from future price hikes.
- Lose a little weight or quit tobacco. Even 10-15 pounds or 30 days smoke-free can make a difference in your rating class.
- Choose term life over cash value. Term gives you high coverage for a lower cost—and that fits a trucker’s budget better.
See for Yourself
Here’s a quick guide that explains how coverage amounts work—and helps you figure out how much protection your family needs:
📄 Download: How Much Is Enough Life Insurance?
What If You’re Dealing with Sleep Apnea or Other Health Issues?
Here’s the good news: just because you’ve got a health condition doesn’t mean you’re uninsurable. Many CDL drivers get approved after underwriting—especially if the condition is treated and under control.
And if you’re unsure where you stand, I’ll help you figure it out before any paperwork is submitted.
Bonus Protection: Legal Coverage for CDL Drivers
What happens if you get a ticket in another state—or someone falsely accuses you after a crash? That’s why I recommend Prepaid Legal Protection for CDL holders.
📄 Download the CDL Driver Legal Protection Brochure
Want a Personalized Rate Breakdown?
📅 Book a free Zoom call and I’ll show you what you’d likely qualify for—based on your age, health, and goals.
🚀 Join the Blast Crew for more downloads, tools, and real-world trucking advice every week.
Useful Resources
You don’t need to be perfect—you just need a plan. Let’s lock in protection while you’re on top of your game.
