Taxi Insurance image

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For every taxi driver out there, your taxicab is your job. Making sure that your taxi insurance is tailored to your needs is essential – your income depends on it!.

And if you’re busy out on the road, earning money, you don’t want to be spending hours on the phone looking for cab insurance whether it be for your black cab, Uber or electric taxi.

With just a few clicks, the price comparison service can provide you with competitive private hire taxi insurance quotes from a panel of specialist insurance providers. Each one will aim to offer you a fully tailored quote that’s suitable for you.

You can obtain minicab insurance quotes for a wide array of cover types, which include:

And by using this service you’ll get some extra benefits too, such as:

  • Flexible Payment Options
  • Breakdown Assistance
  • Instant Policy Documentation
  • Comparable Quote

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A guide to taxi insurance

If you’re new to obtaining taxi insurance, we can help you to understand it better. In this useful guide, we’ll break down the different types of cover that’s available for taxi insurance; the things you need to know when getting a taxi cab insurance quote; and how you could potentially save money on the cost of your cover

Firstly though, let’s cover the basics:

What is taxi insurance?

Taxi Insurance imageTaxi insurance is a specialised type of commercial vehicle insurance designed for drivers and operators of taxis, including black cabs, private hire vehicles, and minicabs. This insurance provides cover tailored to the specific risks and requirements of operating a taxi service, ensuring that both the driver and passengers are protected.

Taxi insurance differs from standard car insurance in that it covers the specific risks associated with carrying passengers for hire and reward. Standard car insurance policies typically do not cover the commercial use of a vehicle, making taxi insurance essential for those operating in this capacity.

Do you need taxi insurance?

Put simply, if you drive your vehicle for profit (usually a fare), then you need minicab taxi insurance! Having business use on your private motor insurance policy won’t be enough to cover you. For taxis, minicabs and Ubers, you need to take out specialist cover.

Not all insurance providers out there will offer specialist taxi insurance policies, so finding private hire vehicle insurance quotes can take time if you’re phoning around. Using comparison sites can be a quick and easy way to find insurers who can offer you a quote.

Once you’ve worked out that you need taxi insurance, it’s time to understand what type of cover offers the most cost-effective and suitable insurance solution for you.

Did you know?

Not all insurers offer cover for both public and private hire. Always check the cover types before you take out a quote, depending on the cover you need. Don’t take out cover that is unnecessary for your set of circumstances.

What are the different types of taxi insurance?

Public and private hire are the most common forms of cover in taxi insurance, but how do they differ? And what about the other types of taxi cover that’s also available?

Types of taxi insurance

  • Public Hire –This is the taxi insurance you’ll need if, for example, you drive a black cab or a Hackney carriage. These taxis display a ‘taxi’ sign and they can be hailed by people on the street or at taxi ranks. Public hire insurance can work out cheaper than private hire, due to newer vehicles and more experienced drivers.
  • Private Hire – In contrast to public hire, private hire taxis cannot be hailed by people on the street. These taxis require pre-booking from customers, so minicabs would be a prime example of a vehicle that would need private hire taxi insurance.
  • Public Liability – All taxis, whether they’re public or private hire, will likely need public liability insurance too; the risks of not taking it out are far too great. Taxi insurance policies may come with public liability cover included, but not always. You should check if your quote has this cover extension before you take out a policy.
  • Legal Expenses – You can also take out legal cover for a little extra peace of mind. If you have to fight a liability claim in court, legal expenses cover could help cover the associated costs.
  • Taxi Fleet Insurance – Fleet insurance is common in business insurance cover. And if you’re in charge of a taxi firm, then taking out taxi fleet insurance could be more beneficial than insuring your vehicles individually.
  • Road Risks – As with any other motor insurance policy, you need to have your taxi insured for road risks. And just like your standard motor insurance, you can choose from: third party only; third party, fire and theft; or fully comprehensive cover for your taxi insurance.
  • Breakdown Assistance – Taxi insurance can come with breakdown cover too. Taxi breakdown cover can be different, and more specialist, compared to the type of breakdown cover you might have for your own private car.

Did you know?

As well as taking out single driver policies, you can also get multi-driver policies for your taxi insurance. For taxi firm owners looking at taxi fleet insurance, this kind of cover can be very useful!

What you need to know when getting a taxi insurance quote

Before you get an insurance quote, a provider may ask for certain information from you. We’ve covered some key points you’ll need to know:Taxi Insurance image

  • Region – In taxi insurance, the region of where the vehicle is being used is essential. Insurance providers tend to quote regionally and can exclude certain areas and/or cities from a quote. But remember: a region where one provider might not quote for, could be quoted by another insurer. Always shop around for minicab insurance and compare quotes!
  • Mileage – Taxis tend to cover more miles than regular vehicles, so it’s important to know your mileage. If you regularly cover long distances, an unlimited mileage option on your taxi insurance might be worth considering (if the insurer provides this).
  • Modifications If your taxi comes fitted with disabled access, you need to inform your insurer (along with details of any other modifications) before getting a quote. Failure to do so could invalidate your insurance in the event of a claim.
  • DVSA Qualification – Have you passed your DVSA driving test? For some councils, this qualification is a requirement to drive a taxi. Insurance providers can ask the question too.

Did you know?

Northern Ireland is sometimes an example of an area that might be excluded by insurers.

Money saving tips for your taxi insurance

  • Comparing taxi insurance quotes – Shopping around is a great way to compare quotes and potentially save money. When your taxi insurance comes up for renewal, take a look at other providers by using the online comparison minicab insurance website. You might be able to get a more attractive price elsewhere or may be more useful policy features and benefits.
  • No Claims Bonus – Just like your regular car insurance, you can build up your NCB on your taxi insurance policy too. Less claims means potential discounts on your insurance premium!
  • Security A secure taxi, is a safe taxi. And with certain security features, some insurers could offer you a discounted premium.
  • Pay annually instead of monthly If you can afford to do so, try paying up-front for the full cost of your insurance. Monthly premiums are likely to have extra charges applied to them.

Helpful Links

National Private Hire & Taxi Association – The NPHTA is an organisation that provides useful support and help for cabbies everywhere.

Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association – A membership group for taxi drivers, the LTDA is also a support group for those that work in the trade.

In summary: Buying cabbie insurance

If you are a taxi, minicab or Uber driver, then getting the correct commercial motor insurance is key to protecting your business.

Get your taxi insurance quotes

Now that you’re a clued-up cabbie on taxi insurance, why not get yourself a tailored quote? There’s a panel of expert providers who can offer you taxi insurance quotes in just a few clicks.

All you need to do is just click the button below…

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Taxi Insurance FAQs

How can I reduce the cost of my taxi insurance premium?

Building up a good no claims bonus can be a way to save money on taxi insurance, so drive safely to avoid claims. In addition to this, you can also increase the excess on your policy as well as comparing minicab insurance quotes from several insurance providers.

Can I insure my electric taxi?

Yes, cover is available with the panel of expert insurance providers for electric taxis, including the LEVC Electric TX and the Nissan Dynamo.

Is it possible to insure multiple taxis under one policy?

If you run a taxi firm and want to insure your taxis under one policy, then you can get a taxi fleet insurance policy.

Can I insure my taxi for personal use?

Yes, but you’ll need to state this when taking out your policy.

Can I get breakdown assistance added to my taxi insurance policy?

Yes, most minicab insurance providers will give you the option of having taxi breakdown assistance included in your policy for an additional cost.

Does it matter what type of vehicle I have for taxi insurance?

You can get insurance for pretty much any type of vehicle as a taxi driver, but the type of car you have will have an impact on how much you pay.

Will I be covered immediately under a taxi insurance policy?

Yes, as soon as you’ve made the first payment on your policy, you’ll be covered. Most insurance providers will send your documents to you immediately via email as well as the post.

Which sort of taxi insurance policy is most suitable for me?

All taxi insurance policies include road risks cover as standard but you can choose exactly what level of cover you want (third party, comprehensive etc.) as well as any additional types of cover you might need.

Is minicab insurance necessary?

Yes. You are required by law to be properly insured when driving a taxi in the UK. Failure to get taxi insurance could easily result in a driving ban and having your taxi driver’s licence revoked.

How much does taxi insurance cost?

The cost of a taxi insurance policy will depend on a few important factors, the main ones being the value of your vehicle, your age, your driving history and the level of cover you take out.