By Drew Gurley
When you think about it, it makes sense why getting life insurance as a trucker may not be as easy as it sounds. Long hours, demanding schedules, and the health risks that come with truck driving make life insurance for truckers a good idea.
If something happens to you, your loved ones shouldn’t be left wondering how they’ll pay the bills. That’s where the right life insurance policy comes in.
I’ll keep this simple.
Connect with me and get help.
My name is Drew Gurley and I have sold life insurance for 16+ years and have the experience to help you navigate the companies to get the best coverage at the lowest price.
Please call or text me anytime at 314-795-5366 and I’ll be happy to help.
Why Truck Drivers Need Life Insurance Coverage
Most truck drivers I talk to aren’t looking for complicated financial planning solutions, they just want protection that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.
Life insurance for truck drivers provides:
- Income replacement: If you’re gone, your paycheck is gone. Coverage ensures your beneficiaries can continue living without financial strain.
- Debt protection: Mortgages, truck loans, and credit cards don’t disappear when you do. A life insurance policy makes sure your family doesn’t inherit the financial burden.
- Peace of mind: Knowing your family has a safety net is worth more than any paycheck.
Roadblocks Truckers Face in a Life Insurance Application
Life insurance companies take a close look at health and lifestyle factors when underwriting, and truckers often hit unique challenges:
- Health risks: Heart disease, diabetes, and weight issues are common in the trucking industry due to long hours of limited mobility and the abundance of less than healthy food options. These can often mean higher premiums, but not always.
- Driving record: Just like with auto insurance, accidents and violations can make you look high-risk to insurers. And yes, many life insurance companies will take driving records into consideration when approving an application.
- Sleep apnea: In my experience, sleep apnea is a common condition among truck drivers that often complicates underwriting.
- Time: Owner-operators and company drivers alike rarely have time for a lengthy medical exam or paperwork which can limit the options to choose from.
I don’t mean to sound so down here, there is good news.
Many life insurance companies now offer simplified life insurance options without a medical exam which can limit the time you need to coordinate an application.
Types of Life Insurance That Fit Truckers
Not every type of policy is right for every driver. Let’s break it down:
- Term Life Insurance: Affordable, straightforward, and designed for a specific period of time. Great for truckers who want maximum protection during their prime earning years. If you’re raising kids or paying down a mortgage, this is often the best, and most affordable starting point.
- Permanent Life Insurance: Costs more but lasts your entire life. Some permanent policies build cash value, which you can borrow against later. Good for truckers who want lifelong coverage and added flexibility. The most common types of permanent life insurance is whole life and indexed universal life.
- Hybrid Approach: Some truckers use a permanent life insurance base with a term life insurance rider, giving them larger coverage now with lifelong protection in the background. Or, allowing them to lock into a low cost policy that they can begin to convert to cash value policy in the future when their earnings increase.
The right type of policy depends on your specific needs, budget, and how long you want protection in place.
How Much Life Insurance Coverage Do Truck Drivers Need?
Here’s the rule of thumb to use: 10–20 times your annual income.
If you make $70,000 a year, you should consider an amount of coverage in the $700,000–$1,400,000 range. Adjust up if you have a lot of debt, business expenses or young kids, or down if your debts are low and your family is more financially stable.
The amount of coverage you need is based on your scenario, not something a stranger tries to sell you.
Permanent Policies vs. Term Policies: Which One?
For many truckers, a term life insurance policy provides the best balance of cost and coverage.
But permanent policies can make sense if you want lifelong protection, have a high-risk health profile, or want to use the cash value feature later in life.
At the end of the day, the right life insurance coverage is about working with someone who understands the trucking industry and can align the type of policy with your goals.
Why Talk to Me?
I’ve worked with truckers, owner-operators, and families across the trucking industry for years.
I know how life insurance application processes can get complicated for truck drivers, and I know which life insurance companies are more flexible with long hours, sleep apnea, or a tough driving record.
My job is to simplify the choices, match you with the right life insurance options, and make sure your family has the protection they deserve. I’ll help potential higher premiums or past denials that come with trucking and help you increase your chances of getting approved.
Final Word and Contact Information
Life insurance for truck drivers doesn’t have to be complicated.
You don’t need to become an expert, that’s my role. All you need to do is take the first step and secure the protection your loved ones deserve.
If you’re in the trucking industry and want no-nonsense guidance, reach out to me, Drew Gurley.
I’ll help you find the best life insurance policy to fit your specific needs and give your family the peace of mind they deserve.
You can call or text me anytime at 314-795-5366 and I’ll be happy to help you.