Age and Insurance Rates: What Every HGV Driver Should Know

If you’re new to Class 1 licences or have been driving trucks for years, you’ve probably heard that age plays a big part in what you pay for insurance. It isn’t just a guess – insurers use age as a key factor when they decide how much to charge. In this article we break down why age matters, how it changes over time, and what you can do right now to keep your premium under control.

How Age Affects Your Premium

Most insurers look at two age groups: drivers under 25 and drivers over 45. Young drivers are seen as riskier because they have less road experience, so premiums can be 30‑50 % higher than for an experienced driver. After you hit your mid‑30s, many companies start to offer lower rates, assuming you’ve built a solid safety record.

For HGV drivers, the pattern is similar but the numbers are a bit steeper. A 22‑year‑old trainee may pay double what a 40‑year‑old with five years of clean driving history pays. The reason is simple: larger vehicles mean higher potential damage, and insurers want to protect themselves from costly claims.

Once you move past 55, you might notice a slight increase again. Insurers worry about slower reaction times and health issues that could affect driving. However, if you have a clean claims history, the rise is usually modest compared to younger drivers.

Tips to Lower Rates at Any Age

Good news – age isn’t the only thing driving your premium. Here are practical steps you can take no matter how old you are:

• Build a strong claims record. Every claim-free year reduces your risk score. Ask your insurer about a no‑claims discount and make sure it’s applied.
• Take advanced HGV training. Courses on defensive driving or eco‑driving show insurers you’re serious about safety, often unlocking discounts.
• Choose a higher voluntary excess. If you can afford to pay a larger amount out of pocket after an accident, insurers may lower your regular premium.
• Bundle policies. Many providers give a discount if you combine your HGV insurance with personal car, home, or business coverage.
• Shop around every year. Market rates change, and a competitor might offer a better deal for the same coverage.

Even if you’re in a higher‑risk age bracket, these moves can shave dozens or even hundreds of pounds off your yearly bill. The key is to stay proactive and keep your record clean.

Remember, age is just one piece of the puzzle. By focusing on safety, training, and smart policy choices, you can keep insurance costs reasonable throughout your HGV career. Keep these tips in mind the next time you renew, and you’ll drive with confidence without breaking the bank.