What is Newcastle taxi insurance?

 

Newcastle Taxi Insurance is a specialised form of motor insurance designed specifically for taxi drivers operating within Newcastle upon Tyne and the surrounding areas. This insurance covers the unique risks and legal requirements associated with providing taxi services, whether as a private hire driver or a public hire taxi operator.

 

Cover your Newcastle upon Tyne taxi today

 

We much prefer to speak to our customers so call us for a quote on 01926 454929, our phone lines are open Monday to Friday 9AM to 5:30PM. Alternatively you can request a callback on our form.

 

After obtaining your taxi insurance quotes, you can discuss your cover needs and the different ways to pay—such as monthly or annual payments—with a member of our team to help you find the best option for you.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Some of the key areas where you can get a taxi insurance quote include major cities and towns such as Birmingham, Liverpool, Sheffield, Manchester, and of course, Newcastle upon Tyne.

You may be able to get taxi insurance cover providing you meet the following criteria* (make sure to review whether taxi insurance covers food delivery in the UK before proceeding):

  • Are aged between 21-75

  • Hold a public hire taxi badge, or

  • Hold a private hire taxi badge

  • Have only recently got your taxi badge

  • Have claims or motoring convictions

  • Discounts for taxi drivers with taxi NCB

  • Private no claims bonus used if no taxi NCB

*Even if you meet the criteria list, it is possible that you will not be eligible to receive insurance coverage due to another reason that is not listed.

Taxi insurance in Newcastle upon Tyne tends to be more expensive than standard car insurance due to several key factors unique to the taxi industry:

  • Taxi drivers typically spend more time on the road compared to regular motorists, often driving during peak traffic hours and in congested urban areas. This increased exposure raises the likelihood of accidents and claims, which insurers factor into premium costs.

  • Taxis often cover significantly higher mileage than private vehicles, increasing wear and tear and the risk of mechanical issues or accidents. The nature of taxi work also involves carrying passengers frequently, which adds liability risks that standard car insurance policies do not cover.

  • Taxis are usually larger vehicles or modified cars designed for passenger comfort and safety, placing them in higher insurance groups. The need for specialised coverage, such as public liability and passenger protection, also contributes to higher premiums.

  • Regulatory requirements for licensing and insurance in Newcastle upon Tyne mean that insurers must provide policies that comply with strict local authority rules, which can add to the overall cost.

Taxi insurance is meticulously crafted to address the unique requirements and risks associated with operating a taxi service. Both public hire and private hire vehicles must be properly licensed and insured according to the requirements of the local licensing authority.

Unlike conventional car insurance, which primarily covers personal use, taxi insurance encompasses both public hire (such as black cabs) and private hire vehicles (like minicabs). This distinction ensures that drivers are adequately protected while transporting passengers for a fee.

In Newcastle, taxi insurance policies typically offer three main levels of cover to suit different needs and budgets. The minimum level of cover required by law is third party cover, which protects you against claims from other people for injury or damage to their property. However, it does not cover any damage to your own taxi.

The next level is third party, fire and theft cover. This includes all the benefits of third party cover but also protects your taxi if it is stolen or damaged by fire. This option provides additional security for drivers concerned about these risks.

The highest level of cover is comprehensive cover. With this level of policy, you are covered for a wide range of risks, including damage to your taxi regardless of fault, as well as third party claims, fire, and theft. The benefit of choosing comprehensive cover is the peace of mind it offers, knowing you and your vehicle are protected. It often includes extras such as windscreen cover, legal expenses, and sometimes courtesy car provision while your vehicle is being repaired.

Yes, you can apply for a quote on our callback form.

In Newcastle, taxi insurance is broadly categorised into two main types based on the nature of the taxi service: private hire insurance and public hire insurance. Each type caters to different operational needs and licensing requirements, ensuring that drivers have the appropriate protection for their specific service.

Private hire insurance covers vehicles that are pre-booked through a private hire operator or app-based service. These vehicles cannot pick up passengers without a prior booking and are often used for minicabs or chauffeur services. Private hire insurance policies are tailored to the unique risks associated with pre-arranged journeys, including passenger liability and coverage for the vehicle during business use.

Public hire insurance, on the other hand, is designed for taxis that can be hailed on the street or hired at taxi ranks. This insurance type covers the higher risks associated with spontaneous passenger pickups and typically includes protection for both the driver and passengers, as well as public liability.

The average cost of taxi insurance in Newcastle, as well as taxi fares per mile in the UK, can vary widely depending on several factors:

  • The type of taxi insurance policy you choose

  • Whether you are a private hire driver or a public hire taxi operator

  • The type and age of the vehicle

  • Your driving history

  • The level of coverage selected

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