Can Being An HGV Driver Affect My Car Insurance?

The Department for Transport and the DVLA have reported that there has been a significant increase in the number of HGV tests being carried out in 2022 compared to the same time last year.  The push for increasing HGV driver numbers came as a result of the industry reporting a huge shortage in the number of HGV drivers that were needed to meet the demand for delivering and transporting goods. With so many new HGV drivers entering the industry there have been many queries relating to whether being an HGV driver affects car insurance. 

Most HGV drivers will also own and drive a private car and therefore want to know whether HGV driving impacts their car insurance, and if so, how.

HGV – Additional Driver Qualifications

In order to become an HGV driver in the UK you need to ensure that you are over the age of 18.  In addition to this, there are additional qualifications you need to obtain in order to get your HGV licence.

Training to become an HGV driver requires commitment and taking steps to get your HGV drivers licence.  Obtaining the licence is not hugely complicated but does need you to invest your time and effort.  Drivers will need to complete a medical test as part of their training to ensure there are no medical conditions that would prevent them from becoming an HGV driver.

In addition to this, there is a theory test HGV drivers need to complete.  This is similar to the theory test you complete when you learn to drive a car.  Once you pass the theory test, you can then progress on to the practical test.

The practical element of the tests is focused on ensuring that you have the skills you need to drive and be responsible for a heavy goods vehicle. 

On account of all this additional training and obtaining new driving skills, many insurance companies deem HGV drivers to be professional drivers with specialist skills. 

What this means in theory is that if you are looking for a car insurance quote you may find that you can get cheaper car insurance on account of being an HGV driver.  

If you have gained additional HGV qualifications many insurance companies will see this as a good thing.

The Difference Between HGV Insurance and Car Insurance

The main thing to note when it comes to car insurance is that you cannot drive an HGV with a car licence, and vice versa, you cannot drive a car if you only have an HGVlicence.  Car licences and HGV licences are two very different kinds of licences.  Similarly, car insurance and HGV insurance are also very different.

How Does Being an HGV Driver Affect my Car Insurance?

As mentioned above, being an HGV driver could actually lower your car insurance premiums.  This is because many insurance companies will view you as a skilled and experienced driver with a lower risk profile than standard car drivers.

Of course, it will also depend on your driving record so always check with your insurance broker and provide them with details of your driving history.

One important point to note is that HGV drivers are far more likely to get a better deal on car insurance if they go direct to their insurance broker, rather than by using comparison sites. 

This is because comparison sites will often not have the capability of using your HGV driving experience or qualifications to bring down your car insurance premiums.

Why Is Car Insurance Often Cheaper for HGV Drivers?

Being an HGV driver and working in the industry means you will have obtained additional driving qualifications in order to qualify as an HGV driver. 

Driving an HGV is a different experience from driving a car and required additional skills and attributes.  HGV drivers are also held to a higher standard of responsibility when compared to standard car drivers, and this means they are viewed as safe drivers by insurance companies.

HGV drivers are on the roads for long periods of time.  HGV drivers are required to remain calm under pressure, take regular qualifications ensuring their skills are up to date, and negotiate traffic on the roads on a daily basis.

For car insurance companies, this all equates to HGV drivers having enhanced driver experience, and insurance quotes are party based on experience and driving history.

Vehicle insurance is based on risk profiles.  When assessing the car insurance premiums payable by any person, the insurance company will review lots of details that are specific to that individual. As HGV drivers drive for a living, they are seen as less risk than someone who does not have a lot of experience driving.  This means that car insurance companies will look favourably on HGV drivers, so it is always worth mentioning your profession when obtaining a quote for car insurance.

For any HGV driver looking for car insurance, it would be sensible to take advantage of those insurers who offer favourable rates to HGV drivers on account of them being seen as less of a risk on the roads.

Does It Matter What Heavy Goods Vehicle I Drive?

The simple answer to this is that it doesn’t really matter what kind of HGV you drive.  The insurance company will review your profile, your profession, and your driving record.   The fact remains that if you are an HGV driver by profession the insurance company will acknowledge that you spend a significant amount of time on the roads, and this is seen as a good thing.