What is private hire vehicle insurance?

What is private hire taxi insurance cover?

Navigating the private hire insurance market can be challenging, but you can simplify the process by comparing quotes from various providers. When you’re looking for the cheapest private hire insurance online, it’s important to know exactly what it is you’re looking for. There are many types of cover that you can get with private hire taxi insurance cover, such as Uber driver insurance and other specialised coverage.

It’s important to distinguish this from public hire taxi insurance, which covers vehicles like Hackney carriages that can be hailed directly by passengers.

Private hire vehicle insurance is a type of commercial vehicle insurance designed specifically for vehicles that are used for pre-booked transportation services. This type of insurance is mandatory for drivers who operate private hire vehicles, such as minicabs and chauffeur services, and it provides coverage tailored to the risks associated with transporting passengers for a fee.

The reason that private hire insurance is so important is that not only are you required by law to have it, but it is not possible to run a business without it.

The dangers that private hire taxi drivers face on the roads are too great to leave things to chance. Not only do taxi drivers have to worry about other road users and the danger that they pose, but also the risks that come from passengers too. A good private hire insurance policy will provide cover for all the risks that a taxi driver may face including:

  • Legal requirement Operating a private hire vehicle without the appropriate insurance is illegal and can result in hefty fines and penalties.
  • Financial protection Provides financial coverage in case of accidents, theft, or damage, safeguarding your livelihood.
  • Passenger safety Ensures that passengers are covered in the event of an accident, enhancing trust and reliability in your services
How is the cost of private hire taxi insurance determined image

How is the cost of private hire taxi insurance determined

The cost of a private hire policy will depend on a few different factors.

  • The age, driving experience and claims history of the driver. Maintaining a good driving record can lead to a no-claims bonus, reducing your premium over time
  • Mileage, higher annual mileage can impact your premium, so it’s essential to provide accurate estimates if you expect to drive more miles.
  • The value of the vehicle being driven and its current condition.
  • The number of vehicles being insured on the policy.

Often private taxi operators will get all their vehicles insured under the same policy – taxi fleet insurance – to save money and make paperwork easier.

Taxi insurance cover options vary, and it’s essential to consider all the available options to ensure full protection for your business and vehicle.

Getting Your Private Hire Taxi Insurance Quote

To begin your quest to find the best private hire insurance for you – request a quote online by following these three straightforward steps:

1

Personal Information

Provide your contact details, private hire licence number and claims history, along with confirmation of whether you operate independently or as part of a firm.
2

Vehicle Specifications

Supply details of your private hire vehicle including make, model, current value and mileage. Information about overnight parking location and any modifications, such as CCTV systems or accessibility adaptations, will also be required.
3

Operating Requirements

Confirm your licensing authority, private hire operating status, annual mileage breakdown, and register any additional drivers who will be using the vehicle.

Get Private Hire Insurance Quotes Today

Don’t have your registration number? No problem, click here.

Private Hire Insurance Cover Options

Third Party

Legal minimum: Protects against damage to third-party property and other vehicles, injury/death to third parties, and passengers. Excludes your vehicle and personal injury.

Third Party Fire & Theft

Includes Third Party level plus protection for fire damage and theft of your vehicle.

Fully Comprehensive

Complete protection: All Third Party Fire & Theft benefits plus your vehicle damage regardless of fault, personal injury, and full business protection.

Public Liability Insurance

While optional by law, this is essential for taxi drivers. Without it, most councils, schools and local authorities won’t work with you, limiting contract opportunities.
Ian Beevis Insurance Expert

What the experts say…

"As a taxi driver, you may have equipment in your vehicle that is specifically designed for your business, such as a taxi meter or two-way radio. Specialist taxi insurance policies can provide cover for this equipment, ensuring that it is protected against damage or theft."

– Ian Beevis, Founder of Clean Green Compare

Related Insurance

Additional Cover Options

Additional cover options available include the following

Breakdown Assistance

This is an extremely useful type of cover for taxi drivers. If your vehicle breaks down, you’ll be back on the road again as quickly as possible.

Fleet Insurance

If you own a fleet of private hire taxis, it may make sense to insure them under one taxi fleet insurance policy. This simplifies claims and may save you money.

Public Liability Insurance

while some policies may offer a basic level of liability cover as standard, they often do not cover claims from passengers or third parties for injuries, property damage, or accidents outside the vehicle (e.g., a passenger tripping when exiting the taxi)

Personal Use Cover

Allows domestic use (check local council rules). Required if a partner uses the vehicle outside business hours.

Windscreen Cover

Protects against chips through to full replacement.

Key Cover

Handles lost/locked keys, locksmith fees and replacement locks.

Mis-fuelling Cover

Covers draining and flushing if the wrong fuel is used. A common issue requiring expensive repairs.

Why compare private hire taxi insurance?

Some of the benefits of comparing private hire taxi insurance include

Informed Choice

Whether you are starting out in the private vehicle hire business or have been in the trade for a while and are complacent towards your insurance, it makes sense to compare PHV insurance policies. That way you can feel confident that you have made an informed choice by seeing what different options, policy features and benefits are available. You can see which policies are the best on the market and whether they are the right price for you.

Highly tailored policies

Is your current policy lacking in some areas but has other things you will never want or need? Private hire insurance does not come in one size fits all and our panel pride themselves on highly tailored policies which contain everything you tell them that you do want and absolutely nothing that you don’t.

Compare private hire taxi insurance quotes easily

The user-friendly website has made is quicker and easier than ever to compare all the PCO insurance quotes which have resulted from the answers you have given to the questions. Once you have been contacted by the panel of insurance providers, this can be in list form with the prices and excesses etc clearly listed so you can make an informed decision as to which insurance solution is most appropriate for you.

Ready to get covered?

Get Private Hire Insurance Quotes Today

Don’t have your registration number? No problem, click here.

Money saving tips for your Private Hire insurance

There are several ways to reduce the cost of your private hire taxi insurance, such as paying for your policy upfront, having somewhere secure to park your taxi when you’re not using it and increasing the excess. r private hire taxi insurance. Below are three of the best:

1

Pay Annually

Paying for your policy in full for the year rather than in monthly instalments can often be more cost-effective, as monthly instalments typically come with interest rates.
2

Make your vehicle secure

To minimise the risk of theft, you should have an alarm and central locking on your cab. Dash cams are also a useful addition, providing an extra layer of security by recording footage in case of theft or vandalism.
This shows insurance providers that the risk of theft is decreased and therefore they can offer you a more attractive price on your policy.
3

Fit a dash cam

Installing a dash cam can enhance safety and may lead to discounts on your insurance premium.
4

Get multiple quotes online

Getting multiple private hire vehicle insurance quotes means you get a clear idea of what you should be paying for a policy, and gives you the ability to select the best cover for you at what you consider to be a cost-effective price.

Private Hire Insurance FAQs

Do I need private hire insurance to drive a taxi?

Yes. Getting the correct type of taxi insurance as a taxi driver is essential, especially when dealing with customers and transporting people commercially. A regular car insurance policy isn’t good enough when you’re using your vehicle for hire or reward

What are the most important types of private hire insurance cover?

The most important cover for a private hire taxi is road risks. Having this is essential and will make your taxi road legal. Other important types of private hire taxi cover that you should seriously consider include public liability insurance, personal injury, loss of licence and breakdown assistance.

How much will my private hire taxi insurance cost?

The cost of a private hire taxi insurance policy will depend on a few different factors. Insurance providers will take the following into account when coming up with a price – the value of your vehicle, your driving history, your age, no claims bonus, your taxi driving experience and the level of cover you take out. The cost will vary depending on whether you decide to include add ons or more miles as-well.

Does private hire taxi insurance include public liability cover?

While public liability cover is not legally required, it is typically a good idea to take it. Generally, it is an optional extra, but many insurers recommend getting it anyway. It protects the driver against claims made by passengers and pays for the cost of any injuries that occur. You may also want to consider employers’ liability insurance, which will provide you with the same kind of coverage as public liability. This can help you avoid legal problems and protect your business. You can obtain a quote for taxi insurance by visiting Clean Green Compare online. You will need to know the area you work in so you can compare the different policies. Some policies do not cover work outside of their area, and others offer only partial coverage. Typically, the level of cover that you need for your business will depend on what type of vehicle you have and where you are operating. For example, some policies only offer full-coverage if you work in certain areas.

Is private hire insurance cheaper than public hire insurance?

In general private hire insurance is cheaper than public hire insurance since the risks associated with driving a private hire taxi are lower.

How will I get my private hire insurance documents?

In most cases your private hire taxi insurance documents will be sent to you via email and in the post.

Does it make a difference to my private hire insurance which Plating Authority I operate under?

Insurance providers provide a quotation based on numerous factors which can include the area you operate in. Some the plating authorities are as follows: Brighton & Hove, Southampton, Bristol, Reigate and Banstead, Plymouth, Middlesborough, Kingston-upon-hull, Knowsley, South Gloucester, Peterborough, Crawley, Tameside, Huntingdon, Milton Keynes, Cardiff, Doncaster, Newport, Blackpool, Aylesbury Vale, Rotherham, Calderdale, Edinburgh, Sefton, Glasgow City, Stockport, Kirklees, Walsall, Durham, Trafford, South Tyneside, Wirrall, Warrington, Oldham, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Sheffield, Sandwell, Leicester, Wigan, Leeds, Stoke On Trent, Hackney, Blackburn With Darwen, Bolton, Rochdale