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The ins and outs of public and private hire insurance

 

When it comes to operating a taxi business, understanding the distinction between public hire and private hire taxi insurance is important. Public hire taxi insurance, often referred to as black cab insurance policy, covers vehicles like hackney carriages that can be flagged down on the street or picked up at a taxi rank without pre-booking. This type of insurance ensures that taxi drivers are protected while transporting passengers commercially in public hire vehicles.

 

Why use Taxi Insurer's public hire insurance?

 

Taxi Insurer's public hire insurance is designed specifically to meet the unique needs of taxi drivers operating public hire vehicles such as hackney carriages. This specialist insurance provides comprehensive protection that covers you, your taxi, and your passengers while you are transporting people commercially.

 

Unlike standard car insurance, public hire taxi insurance offers the right cover to comply with legal requirements and licensing authorities, ensuring you can operate your taxi business with peace of mind.

 

Cover your public hire taxi today

 

You can 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 a taxi insurance quote, 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 find the best option for you.

Frequently asked questions

Taxi insurance comes in several forms to suit different types of taxi operations and vehicle uses. The main categories include:

  • Private hire insurance: This covers private hire vehicles (PHVs) which must be pre-booked through an operator or an app and cannot pick up passengers from the street or taxi ranks. It protects drivers and vehicles during pre-arranged journeys.

  • Public hire insurance: Also known as hackney carriage or black cab insurance, this covers taxis that can be hailed on the street or picked up at taxi ranks without pre-booking. It is important for public hire vehicles to ensure legal compliance and passenger safety.

The primary difference between private hire and public hire taxi insurance lies in how the vehicles are allowed to pick up passengers and the coverage required to operate legally. Private hire insurance is designed for vehicles that can only carry passengers who have pre-booked their rides through a licensed operator or app. These vehicles cannot legally pick up passengers from the street or taxi ranks. This insurance covers the driver and vehicle specifically during these pre-arranged journeys.

On the other hand, public hire taxi insurance is tailored for taxis that can be hailed directly by passengers on the street or picked up from taxi ranks without prior booking. These taxis, often known as hackney carriages or black cabs, require a more comprehensive insurance policy that covers the increased risks associated with street hailing and more frequent passenger turnover.

Public Carriage Office, also known as PCO insurance, covers London taxis under TfL rules. Taxi insurance applies UK-wide for public and private hire. All PCO insurance is taxi insurance, but not vice versa.

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