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A better way to insure your private hire vehicle
Private hire insurance is a type of taxi insurance, a specialised form of cover designed for drivers who only take pre-booked passengers. It provides financial protection against risks associated with carrying paying passengers, ensuring both the driver and passengers are safeguarded in the event of accidents or unforeseen incidents.
Whether you do a bit of food delivery on the side or want some of the lowest monthly rates on the market, let us quote you for private hire cover today.
What’s more, we don’t insist on installing telematics devices, black boxes, or dashcams. We prefer to get to know you, ensure we can deliver what you need, and find you the lowest price.
24/7 claims service
We’re here for you round the clock when you need us most.
Fairer prices for all
We’ve been around for over 50 years, so you know you’ll get a better deal.
World-class support
You’ll get your own UK-based human to look after you for the duration of your policy.
At insurd, we have over 50 years of experience and are backed by some of the largest, most trusted insurers, so you know you can trust the protection of your policy.
We use a combination of technology and private hire insurance knowledge to give you incredible cover at affordable prices.
What does private hire insurance cover?
Accidental damage to your vehicle
Covered for the costs of repairs
if your vehicle is damaged in an accident*.
Other bad things that could happen
Damage by fire, storm or vandalism
are all covered as standard*.
Broken glass and windscreens
All the glass in your vehicle is covered.
You won’t lose your No Claims Discount*.
If you injure someone
Your cover will pay for any damage to
property or injuries caused by you.
Theft
If your vehicle is stolen, it’ll either be
replaced or you’ll be paid the market value.
* Subject to your chosen level of policy cover and the prevailing policy excess.
Power up your cover with a host of optional extras
Additional cover options that you can
tailor to your own needs, ensuring
complete peace of mind and keeping you
on the road whatever happens.
- Up to £10 million public liability cover
- Guaranteed plated replacement vehicle
- RAC breakdown, rescue and recovery
- £100,000 legal expenses cover
- Up to £1,500 excess protection
- SmartFob key cover
What is private hire insurance?
Any individual or business operating a vehicle to transport pre-booked passengers in exchange for payment is legally required to have private hire insurance. This includes drivers for Uber or other ride-hailing apps, as well as minicab offices, whether local or national. This is different to public hire insurance for traditional black cabs or hackney carriages that can be hailed on the street.
Types of cover
Private hire insurance policies typically offer various levels of cover:
- Third Party: This is the minimum legal requirement, covering liability for injuries to others and damage to third-party property.
- Third Party, Fire and Theft: In addition to third-party cover, this includes protection against fire damage and theft of the insured vehicle.
- Comprehensive: Offers the highest level of cover, encompassing all the benefits of Third Party, Fire and Theft along with cover for accidental or malicious damage to the driver’s own vehicle.
Insurance typically include “hire and reward” cover, allowing drivers to legally transport passengers in exchange for payment.
Taxi operators must obtain the appropriate insurance for their specific services to ensure compliance with legal requirements and to protect against potential liabilities.
Looking to insure your minibus? We also offer minibus insurance policies specifically.
Own or run more than two taxi vehicles? Take a look at our taxi fleet insurance policies.
What you’ll need to compare the best private hire insurance prices
Our mission is to give you the best private hire insurance deal in the shortest possible time. But we’ll need some information from you to make sure we’re giving you an accurate price.
Your personal information (which is 100% secure)
Apart from the obvious reasons, we’ll need your name, address and date of birth to make sure you are who you say you are. Insurance application fraud is at its highest ever level and our background checks ensure everybody pays a fair price.
Your vehicle registration number and details
We’ll search DVLA and SMMT data to ensure we’ve got accurate information about your vehicle.
Your driving licence number and details of your driving history
Providing your driving licence number (“DLN”) allows for validation of your entitlement to drive certain types of vehicles and your driving history. Some of our insurer partners will offer a discount for confirming your DLN.
Details of any No Claims Bonus you’ve earned
If you’ve been insured as a private hire driver previously and are accident-free, the chances are you’ve got a No Claims Bonus (“NCB”). Your NCB will usually reduce your premium by 30-70%, so it’s important you know exactly how many years’ entitlement you have.
Full details of any additional drivers you want to drive your vehicle
You’ll need to provide the same information about any other drivers, and you should have their permission to do so before you get a quote.
How much does private hire insurance cost?
Private hire insurance typically costs more than standard motor insurance due to additional risks involved with taxi driving. Several factors can influence the cost of a private hire taxi insurance policy:
Usage and mileage
Higher mileage and frequent usage can raise the risk of accidents, which may increase premiums. Providing precise mileage estimates and details about typical usage allows insurers to tailor coverage to your requirements.
Value of the vehicle
More valuable private hire vehicles tend to attract higher premiums because repair or replacement costs are greater. Insurers consider the vehicle’s market value and any customisations when calculating rates.
Location
Operating in areas with high crime or frequent accidents usually leads to increased premiums. Insurers evaluate local traffic patterns, crime statistics, and accident history to determine risk and set premiums accordingly.
Type of private hire vehicle
The type of vehicle, for example a 7-seater or wheelchair-accessible vehicle, impacts premiums. Insurers consider passenger capacity, vehicle dimensions, and how the vehicle is used when calculating costs.
Driving record
A spotless driving record often results in lower premiums, while a history of accidents or traffic offences can increase them. Insurers use past driving behaviour to estimate the risk of future claims.
Storage and security
Where the vehicle is kept and the security measures in place affect premiums. Parking in a secure area or fitting anti-theft devices can reduce costs, with potential discounts for alarms, trackers, or immobilisers.
Additionally, a higher excess lowers premiums but increases out-of-pocket costs during a claim, while a lower excess does the opposite. Additional cover options raise costs but provide extra protection, so assess your risk and financial situation to make the right choice.
Private hire insurance frequently asked questions
Can I use my private hire vehicle for social use?
Yes, you can. All of our policies include social, domestic and pleasure use as standard.
Am I covered for food delivery?
If you’re delivering food, as long as you let us know, we can arrange for it to be included in your cover.
Can I pay for my private hire insurance monthly?
Yes. We offer some of the lowest monthly rates on the market and can set up your monthly instalment plan in minutes.
Can I insure my private hire vehicle for a month?
Yes you can. As long as you’re licensed for private hire and subject to our usual acceptability criteria, you can insure your taxi or minicab for 30 days.
Why do I need public liability cover?
Your private hire insurance policy automatically covers you for damage to other people’s property or if you injure someone while driving your taxi. However, especially for local authority or school contracts, you’re still responsible for your fare until they actually reach their destination and public liability insurance will cover you if you’re sued for damages.
What is PCO insurance?
In London, the term “PCO insurance” commonly refers to the coverage required by the Public Carriage Office (PCO), which is part of Transport for London. This cover is essentially private hire insurance, ensuring that drivers in London are legally protected when carrying passengers.
Can I trust you?
We’ve been around for over 50 years so we know a thing or two about private hire insurance. We’re also authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
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