Cheap, simple public hire insurance for all cab drivers
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A better way to insure your public hire vehicle or black cab
Public hire insurance is a type of taxi insurance, a specialised form of cover designed for drivers who transport passengers that have hailed them down. 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 public 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 public hire insurance knowledge to give you incredible cover at affordable prices.
What does public hire insurance cover?
Accidental damage to your cab
Covered for the costs of repairs
if your cab 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 cab 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 cab 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 public hire insurance?
Any individual or business operating a vehicle to transport passengers who have hailed them down is legally required to have public hire insurance. This includes black cabs or hackney carriages, whether based in London or other cities and regions. This is different to private hire insurance where passengers per book through ride-hailing apps like Uber or minicab offices.
Types of cover
Public 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 public hire insurance prices
Our mission is to give you the best public 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 public 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 public hire and cab insurance cost?
Public hire insurance typically costs more than standard motor insurance due to additional risks involved with cab driving. Several factors can influence the cost of a public hire taxi insurance policy:
Usage and mileage
The more a cab is used and the higher the mileage, the greater the accident risk, which can raise premiums. Accurate reporting of mileage and daily usage helps insurers provide coverage that matches your needs.
Value of the vehicle
Higher-value black cabs or hackney carriages carry higher premiums due to more expensive repairs or replacements. Premiums are determined based on the vehicle’s market worth and any modifications.
Location
Cabs operating in high-risk or accident-prone areas often face higher premiums. Insurers assess local traffic conditions, crime rates, and past accident records to gauge risk.
Type of public hire vehicle
The cab type, such as traditional black cabs or wheelchair-accessible vehicles influence premiums. Factors like passenger capacity, vehicle size, and usage patterns are considered when setting rates.
Driving record
Drivers with a clean record usually pay lower premiums, whereas those with previous accidents or traffic violations may face higher costs. Insurers rely on driving history to predict the likelihood of future claims.
Storage and security
The location and security of your taxi can affect insurance costs. If you keep your vehicle in a secure spot or install anti-theft measures it may reduce premiums, with 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.
Public hire insurance frequently asked questions
Can I use my public 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 public 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 public hire vehicle for a month?
Yes you can. As long as you’re licensed for public 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 public 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 public hire insurance, ensuring that cab 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 public hire insurance. We’re also authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
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