What Is Public Hire Taxi Insurance?
Public hire insurance is specialist taxi insurance cover designed for taxis that can pick up passengers directly from the street or at taxi ranks, without pre-booking. This includes London black cabs, hackney carriages, and licensed street taxis working across the UK. Public hire policies help you stay legal, protect your vehicle against damage or theft, and cover your liability to passengers and the public. It’s flexible cover that helps keep your business moving – and your income protected – on every shift.
What’s Covered by Public Hire Insurance?
Public hire insurance is designed to protect you from all the risks that come with picking up passengers on the street or at taxi ranks. Here’s what many policies include, but actual cover, terms and conditions will vary by insurer and policy:
- Public hire use – Legal cover for street and rank pickups by licensed hackney carriage or black cab drivers.
- Third party liability – Covers injuries or damage you cause to others while working as a public hire taxi driver.
- Comprehensive, third party fire and theft, or third party only – Choose how much protection you want for your own cab, from full cover to the legal minimum.
- Passenger liability – Protection against claims made by passengers for injury or loss in your cab.
- Windscreen and glass – Repairs or replacement for your taxi’s glass, so you’re not off the road after a chip or crack.
- Plated replacement vehicle – Some insurers provide a licensed taxi if yours is out of action after a non-fault claim, subject to availability and policy terms.
The most suitable level of cover keeps you driving, earning, and meeting your local licensing rules – choose what fits your cab and your work.
What the Writer Says…
"Driving a public hire taxi means being ready for anything. Specialist insurance is what keeps you, your passengers, and your cab safe on every job."– Ian Beevis, Insurance Expert & Co-founder of Clean Green Cars
Add-Ons for Public Hire Taxi Insurance
Optional add-ons allow you to tailor your public hire taxi insurance policy to the way you work. Always check what’s included as standard (as policy features and benefits can vary) and consider adding only the features that are relevant to your day-to-day needs.
Note: Claim limits, exclusions and eligibility criteria will apply.
Optional cover for legal help after an accident or dispute, so you’re not left out of pocket.
Roadside assistance and recovery to keep you moving, even if your cab won’t start or breaks down.
Pays out if your taxi keys are lost or stolen, so you don’t lose work.
Extra protection if someone is injured or property is damaged around your cab.
Provides income support if you’re unable to work after an injury.
May be available with some policies – check if you can protect your discount after a claim.
Exclusions – What’s Not Covered?
Every public hire policy has some limits. Make sure you know where your cover stops before you hit the road.
- Private hire work – Public hire insurance won’t cover pre-booked jobs (use private hire insurance for those).
- Unlicensed driving – No cover if you’re not fully licensed or up to date with council requirements.
- Unlisted drivers – Only drivers named on the policy are covered – don’t share your cab unless you update your insurer.
- Personal use – Not all public hire taxi policies cover private journeys – ask your insurer if you want both.
- Non-disclosure – Not declaring claims, accidents, or convictions could void your policy.
- Wear and tear – General wear, breakdowns, and faults aren’t usually covered unless you add breakdown protection.
Always check your policy wording for full details, and speak to a specialist if you have unique requirements or need further clarification.
Who Needs Public Hire Taxi Insurance?
If you want to pick up passengers without pre-booking, you need public hire insurance before you start earning.
Public hire insurance is a legal must-have for anyone driving a hackney carriage, black cab, or street taxi in the UK. If you can pick up passengers without a booking, typically this cover is required.
How to Get a Public Hire Taxi Insurance Quote
Getting a public hire insurance quote is typically fast and straightforward. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.
How Much Does Public Hire Insurance Cost?
Knowing what affects the price of your insurance can help you plan ahead. Public hire insurance costs depend on a range of factors, including but not limited to the following:
- Your experience and claims record – More years behind the wheel and a clean record can mean lower premiums.
- Your age – Younger or less experienced drivers usually pay more.
- Your cab’s type and value – Newer, specialist, or high-value taxis are often more expensive to insure.
- Where you work – Operating in busy cities or higher-risk areas can increase your premium.
- Your annual mileage – More miles typically mean more risk, so higher mileage may increase your public hire cab insurance costs.
- Your cover and add-ons – Comprehensive policies and extras like breakdown cover or legal protection add to the price.
Every driver is different, so it can be worth comparing taxi insurance quotes that reflect your vehicle and the way you work to understand the options available to you.
Ways to Save on Public Hire Taxi Insurance
You may be able to manage the cost of your public hire taxi insurance by reviewing your options and tailoring your policy to your needs. Taking the time to compare cover and features can help you understand how different choices may affect what you pay.
A little effort comparing and tailoring your policy could make a big difference to your annual cost.
Public Hire Taxi Insurance FAQ
What Does Public Hire Insurance Cover?
Public hire insurance typically covers street and rank pickups, passenger liability and third-party risks, with cover for damage to your taxi depending on the policy level selected.
Can I Use Public Hire Insurance for Private Work?
No, public hire insurance does not cover pre-booked jobs – those need private hire insurance.
Is Public Liability Included With Public Hire Insurance?
Public liability is often included or can be added, protecting you against claims from passengers or the public.
Can I Use Public Hire Insurance for Personal Driving?
Some policies allow private use but many do not – always check your cover details before driving off-duty.
Do I Need Special Qualifications for Public Hire Insurance?
Yes, you need a valid hackney carriage or black cab licence, and may need to meet extra local requirements.
Search & compare quotes from UK Public Hire Taxi Insurance Providers
Useful Links for Public Hire Taxi Drivers
Here are some official resources and industry sites for public hire taxi drivers – find up-to-date licensing rules, insurance advice, and support.
- GOV.UK – Taxi & Private Hire Licensing ↗ – Official government licensing info for hackney carriage and black cab drivers.
- Transport for London – Taxi & Private Hire ↗ – The latest rules and advice for London public hire drivers.
