Public Hire or Private Hire Insurance for Your Taxi: Understanding the Coverage
As a taxi driver, having the right insurance coverage is crucial to protect yourself, your passengers, and your business. Different types of insurance are available depending on whether you operate as a public hire or private hire driver. This article will go into the details of public and private hire insurance, highlighting their coverage and requirements.
Public Hire Insurance
Public hire insurance is specifically designed for taxis that pick up passengers from various public locations such as train stations, airports, taxi ranks, or by being flagged down on the road. This type of insurance can cover vehicles like traditional black cabs, commonly used for public hire services. However, it can also extend to other metered vehicles with seating capacities of up to 8 passengers. In London, for example, public hire vehicles must meet emissions standards and be under ten years old.
To obtain public hire insurance, you must go through an application process, which may include an initial application, a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, an appointment, a skills and knowledge test, and a license review. Premiums for public hire insurance tend to be higher than private hire insurance due to the increased risk of picking up unbooked customers. However, this coverage also protects pre-booked fares, offering the potential for higher earnings.
Private Hire Insurance
Private hire insurance, or PHV (Private Hire Vehicle) insurance, is tailored for taxi drivers who provide pre-booked transportation services. This type of insurance covers minicab, minibuses, chauffeur-driven cars, and limousine services. To comply with the law, private hire vehicles cannot be hailed on the road or use taxi ranks. Instead, customers must pre-book their journeys through a licensed operator, booking app, or other approved methods.
Private hire vehicle insurance covers the driver, the taxi, and the passengers in case of accidents or damage. It is a legal requirement for drivers to offer pre-booked transportation services for passengers. This coverage ensures that you and your clients are protected during your journeys.
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PCO Insurance
Public hire insurance is also called PCO (Public Carriage Office) in London. The PCO license is issued by Transport for London (TfL), allowing drivers to operate black taxis and minicabs. PCO insurance is specifically designed for licensed taxi drivers operating in London. It provides coverage for public and private hire work, depending on the vehicle type.
To meet PCO requirements, taxi drivers must have PCO insurance before legally operating in London. PCO insurance policies usually include features such as breakdown cover and legal protection. It’s essential to check with your local council to ensure you meet the specific PCO requirements in your area.
Uber Taxi Insurance
For Uber drivers, having the right insurance coverage is essential. Uber does not provide insurance directly in the UK, so drivers need to find companies that offer Uber-approved insurance. These companies have been selected to provide insurance coverage for Uber minicabs.
Whether you drive for Uber or another taxi app, contact with Private hire insurance quoteradar or leading insurance companies to provide affordable and comprehensive coverage. Their insurance policies include Uber-approved cover and additional options like Uber Eats insurance for drivers involved in food delivery.
In Conclusion,
Whether you operate as a public or private taxi driver, having the appropriate insurance coverage is crucial. Public hire insurance is for picking up passengers from public places, while private hire insurance is for pre-booked journeys. PCO insurance is specific to licensed taxi drivers in London, and Uber drivers require specialized insurance. To ensure you have the right coverage, contact trusted insurance providers who can guide you through the process and offer competitive quotes.
