Close

Bank Holiday Opening Hours

Motor Trade Road Risks, Courier Insurance, Commercial Vehicle:

Our best prices available over the phone

Are you a taxi driver who carries pre-booked passengers or delivers food and parcels? If so, it’s a legal requirement that you have private hire taxi insurance in place. The added benefit is that a dedicated insurance policy could save you from paying out costs in the event of an insured incident. Here at ChoiceQuote, we offer private hire insurance from a panel of some of the leading insurers with exclusive rates available.**Customers must meet acceptance criteria for exclusive rates.


What is private hire insurance

Private hire insurance covers professional drivers who carry pre-booked passengers or deliver food and parcels. If you hold a private hire taxi or a PCO licence, it’s a legal requirement to have private hire taxi insurance. It financially protects your vehicle if you’re involved in accidents on the road, covering incidents involving passengers or members of the public while you’re working.

What does private hire taxi insurance cover?

You can cover your taxi or minicab on a third-party, third-party fire and theft, or comprehensive basis. This works in the same way as private car insurance.

Below is a breakdown of what each cover includes:

Third-party

Choose third-party cover for protection in cases where you’re involved in an accident and you’re at fault for causing damage to a third-party vehicle, person, or property. It also helps protect you if passengers are injured. It does not cover for fire damage to your vehicle, theft of your vehicle or cover any damage to your own vehicle or compensation for injuries you may sustain.

Third-party, Fire and Theft cover

Covers the above described third-party cover and if your car is stolen or is damaged by fire.

Comprehensive cover

Comprehensive insurance covers you for the above described third-party, fire and theft cover. It also provides cover for damage to your vehicle and compensation for injuries you may sustain whether or not you are at fault.

Public liability insurance

Public liability is also important if you’re a taxi driver, as it offers protection in scenarios where an accident or damage has occurred and a member of the public makes a claim against you. This insurance could be crucial in providing financial or legal assistance in cases in which you have to defend yourself in court or in the event you are pursuing compensation from a successful claim. The good news is public liability protection typically comes as standard with private hire insurance.

Policy limits and exclusions may apply, please see the policy wording for full terms and conditions

Who needs private hire insurance?

Any taxi drivers with a private hire taxi badge require this cover, whether issued by your local authority or the Public Carriage Office (PCO) in London. This also includes drivers of Uber vehicles.

How long will my private hire insurance policy last

We know things can change, and how long you’ll require private hire taxi insurance may vary. That’s why we offer monthly, quarterly, bi-annual and annual cover to give you the flexibility you need.

Who can get private hire taxi insurance?

ChoiceQuote can cover private hire drivers if you:

  • Drive a private hire vehicle, including a saloon, MPV, minicab
  • Are aged between 23 & 75
  • Hold a full UK driving licence
  • Hold a private hire taxi badge

Naturally, the more time you spend on the road, the greater your chance of picking up a motoring conviction, such as speeding offences or accidents. But ChoiceQuote has access to insurers who can also offer cover for a range of risks, including:

  • Individuals with motoring convictions
  • Anyone who has only recently gained their private hire taxi badge

Choose ChoiceQuote, and you can carry out your job, safe in the knowledge that your insurance is there should you need it.

What is the difference between public and private hire insurance?

Private hire drivers only offer pre-booked services. This allows you to pick up passengers who’ve already booked their journey, unlike passengers who hail a cab on the street.

Public hire drivers, on the other hand, can only pick up fares off the street. They can’t pick up pre-bookings. These types of taxis typically include those at railway stations and London black cabs, for example. Unsure what type of taxi insurance you need? Give us a call, and we’ll happily point you in the right direction.

How much does private hire insurance cost?

Prices do vary, and the amount you pay for your policy will depend on several factors, including:

  • Your age
  • The type of vehicle you drive
  • Where you live
  • Driving experience
  • How long you’ve held a taxi badge
  • The length of your no-claims bonus
  • If you’ve any motoring convictions

How can I save money on private hire insurance?

There are various things you can do to help bring down the cost of insurance, including:

  • Paying annually – If you can afford a lump sum every year, many insurance providers will offer you a cheaper rate than if you were to pay monthly.
  • Making your vehicle more secure – Is your vehicle fitted with an alarm and central locking? If so, you may get a cheaper price for your insurance. Providers will see you as a lower risk as there is less chance of theft.
  • Installing telematics – Installing telematics – including cameras – could also reduce costs. That’s because these devices can show who is at fault in the event of a claim, speeding up the process for insurance companies.
  • Annual policies shorter policies are usually more expensive, so consider taking out an annual policy.

Why choose ChoiceQuote? 

At ChoiceQuote, we’ve helped taxi drivers find insurance for over 25 years. We do this by working with a panel of reputable insurance providers to help find private hire insurance suitable to your needs.

Repayment plans are also available, so you can spread the cost of insurance if you can’t afford to pay in one go.

Give us a call, and speak to our friendly UK-based customer service team for further help. We’re on hand to answer your questions and can get you insured in minutes. Get a quote now.

Get your quick quote and start saving now

quotation mark

"Fair prices, Brilliant customer service, I’ve used choice quote for 6 years now!"

ChoiceQuote customer, Feefo

4.7/5

our average rating on review site Feefo

Check out our reviews online at Feefo.

Read all reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How many taxis are required for fleet insurance?

    If you have 3 or more taxis, then fleet insurance is the best cover for you. This will cover your company’s vehicles without taking out multiple policies. If you rent your taxi vehicles to your drivers, they can also be covered as part of the taxi fleet policy, but they must be 25 years or older.
  2. Do I need public hire taxi cover or private hire taxi cover?

    Private hire taxis are pre-booked and public hire taxis do not require a pre-booking.
  3. Can I insure my taxi for personal use?

    If you’re a registered taxi driver, you can still use your vehicle for personal use. Rules can differ depending on your local council, so make sure you check in advance.
  4. What types of vehicles will your taxi insurance cover?

    Our insurance covers a wide range of vehicles from saloons to executive cars.
  5. Can I get cover today?

    Yes, if you need insurance today, you can buy immediate cover. You can make a payment by credit or debit card or if you choose to pay by Direct Debit, you can pay an initial deposit and then pay the remaining amount over monthly instalments.
  6. How many drivers can I have on my policy?

    When you purchase single vehicle taxi insurance, you can insure up to 4 drivers on a ‘named drivers’ policy. Dependent on your insurer, you can cover any authorised driver, rather than all named drivers on your fleet.
  7. What other policies do you offer?

    We know that you rely on your vehicle to make a living. In an unfortunate case of a breakdown, you will want to get back on the road as soon as possible. We offer breakdown cover in addition to your existing policy or as a new policy. Legal expenses cover is also available.

Get your quick quote and start saving now

Latest News