What is Private Hire Insurance for Uber Drivers?
Private hire insurance for Uber drivers is specialist taxi insurance cover for anyone carrying pre-booked passengers through the Uber app or similar ride-hailing platforms. Unlike ordinary car insurance, it’s built for commercial use, higher mileage, and the specific legal requirements of working as an app-based driver.
You might see it called Uber taxi insurance, app driver insurance, or ride-hailing cover—it all means tailored protection for private hire work booked in advance. If your journeys include street pickups or taxi ranks, you’ll need public hire insurance for full compliance.
Protecting yourself, your passengers, and your income is essential if you want to drive for Uber or any app-based platform.
What the experts say…
"As an Uber driver, you are classified as an independent contractor, which means you are responsible for arranging the right level of commercial private hire taxi insurance. Uber does not usually provide its own private hire insurance, so it's up to you to ensure that you have the appropriate coverage."
– Ian Beevis, Founder of Clean Green Compare
What’s Covered by Uber Private Hire Insurance?
Your Uber private hire insurance gives you the essentials to drive legally and keep working with confidence. Most policies include core protections every app driver needs, so you can focus on earning without worrying about the unexpected.
- Private hire use – Cover for all pre-booked rides on Uber, Bolt, Ola, and other ride-hailing apps.
- Third party liability – Protection if you injure someone or damage their property while working.
- Comprehensive, third party fire and theft, or third party only – Choose how much protection you want for your own car, from full cover to the legal minimum.
- Passenger liability – Cover for claims made by passengers for injury or loss while in your vehicle.
- Windscreen and glass – Repairs or replacement for chips and cracks, when included as standard.
- Plated replacement vehicle – Some insurers provide a licensed taxi if yours is off the road after a non-fault claim.
With the essentials covered, you can work on your terms and stay protected on every app shift. Choosing the right level of cover gives you peace of mind every time you start your engine.
Add-ons for Uber Private Hire Insurance
Add-ons give you the freedom to shape your Uber policy around your work, with the flexibility to add legal support, roadside rescue, or extra income protection.
Optional cover for legal support and claims after an accident or dispute.
Roadside assistance and recovery to keep you earning if your car won’t start or breaks down mid-shift.
Pays out for lost or stolen keys, so a small mishap doesn’t put you out of work.
Extra protection if someone is injured or property is damaged near your car, especially helpful for busy pick-up points.
Offers income support if you’re unable to work due to injury from an accident.
May be available with some policies, letting you protect your discount after a claim, but check availability first.
Not all add-ons are available with every insurer, and some may be included as standard on certain policies. Always review your options carefully to make your Uber insurance work for you.
What’s Not Covered?
It’s vital to know where your policy stops. Understanding the main exclusions helps you avoid surprises if you ever need to claim.
- No street pickups – Not covered for hailing passengers on the street or using taxi ranks (see public hire insurance).
- Unlicensed driving – No protection if you work without a valid private hire licence or Uber activation.
- Unlisted drivers – Only drivers named on the policy are covered—don’t share your car without updating your insurer.
- Non-disclosure – Failing to declare accidents or convictions can void your policy completely.
- Personal use – Not all Uber policies include personal journeys—always check if you need both.
- Wear and tear – No cover for breakdowns or normal wear unless you buy breakdown cover as an add-on.
Who Needs Uber Private Hire Insurance?
If you’re taking passengers for hire or reward using the Uber app (or any similar platform), private hire insurance is a legal must-have—not an optional extra.
- Uber drivers – Every Uber driver, whether you’re full-time, part-time, or just starting out.
- Multi-app drivers – If you drive for Bolt, Ola, or other ride-hailing platforms, you’ll still need private hire cover.
- Part-time and flexible workers – Even if Uber is a side hustle, insurance is required every time you log on.
- Fleet owners or managers – Cover available for multiple vehicles—see taxi fleet insurance for more details.
- Minicab/private hire drivers – Broader cover for all pre-booked work is available on our private hire insurance page.
If you’re unsure which policy is right for you, private hire insurance explains all the details for Uber and similar drivers.
Get Taxi Insurance for Uber Drivers Quotes Today
Don’t have your registration number? No problem, click here.
Popular Taxi and Ride-Hailing Apps for Drivers
There’s more to private hire than just Uber. Here are some of the main apps and dispatch platforms available to UK drivers – each offers unique opportunities and requirements.
- Bolt ↗ – Fast-growing ride-hailing app with competitive commission rates and regular driver incentives in major UK cities.
- ComCab ↗ – Trusted black cab and private hire platform, available in London, Liverpool, and Aberdeen, with app, web, and phone bookings.
- Gett ↗ – App specialising in black cab bookings, connecting passengers with licensed London taxi drivers and corporate accounts.
- Haxi ↗ – Peer-to-peer ridesharing app active in select UK cities, connecting local drivers with passengers for ad-hoc trips.
- Kabbee ↗ – Minicab price comparison and booking app, focused on London and partnering with licensed cab fleets.
- Ola ↗ – Global ride-hailing brand with operations in several UK cities, welcoming both private hire and black cab drivers.
- FREE NOW ↗ – Formerly mytaxi, this app books black cabs and private hire vehicles in cities throughout the UK.
- Radio Taxis ↗ – One of London’s oldest taxi networks, offering app, phone, and web bookings for black cabs.
Working with multiple apps can mean more fares and flexibility – just make sure your private hire insurance covers every platform you drive for.
Where Can You Drive with Uber in the UK?
Uber offers driving opportunities in cities throughout the UK. If you’re considering private hire work, check where Uber is currently available below.
- England – London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool, Nottingham, Sheffield, Bristol, Cambridge, Brighton
- Scotland – Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee
- Wales – Cardiff, Swansea, Newport
- Northern Ireland – Belfast
See the full list of towns & cities on Uber’s official page ↗
Uber is always expanding – if you don’t see your area listed, visit the official site to check for new cities and opportunities near you.
How to Get an Uber Private Hire Insurance Quote
Comparing quotes is straightforward and only takes a few minutes. Here’s what you’ll need to get started with Uber private hire cover.
How Much Does Uber Private Hire Insurance Cost?
Several factors influence what you pay for Uber insurance, from your driving history to your car’s value. Knowing what affects your premium puts you in control.
- Experience and claims – More experience and a clean claims record usually means lower costs.
- Driver age/location – Younger drivers and high-risk postcodes can increase your price.
- Car type/value – Newer or more valuable cars often mean higher insurance.
- Mileage/hours – Driving long shifts, weekends, or nights puts you in a higher risk group.
- Cover level – Fully comprehensive costs more, but gives wider protection.
- Add-ons and drivers – More extras and extra drivers will add to your premium.
For a detailed look at pricing, private hire insurance gives clear examples and comparisons.
Ways to Save on Uber Private Hire Insurance
Private hire insurance doesn’t have to break the bank. These practical steps can help keep your Uber cover affordable.
For more ways to save, see private hire insurance for Uber drivers.
Uber Private Hire Insurance FAQs
What is private hire insurance for Uber drivers?
Private hire insurance for Uber drivers is specialist cover that lets you legally carry passengers who book through the Uber app or similar ride-hailing platforms. It’s a legal requirement if you want to work as an app-based driver.
Can I get private hire insurance that covers Uber and Bolt together?
Yes. Most private hire taxi insurance policies are valid for multiple apps, including Uber, Bolt, Ola, and others. Just let your insurer know which platforms you use.
Does Uber’s own insurance cover me fully?
No. Uber’s policy only offers limited cover while a ride is in progress. You need your own private hire insurance at all times to stay legal and protected.
Can I use Uber private hire insurance for personal driving too?
Some policies allow personal use, but not all. Always check your documents or ask your insurer if you want to use your car outside of app work.
What documents do I need to get an Uber insurance quote?
You’ll need your vehicle registration, private hire licence, details of all named drivers, your driving and claims history, and the names of any apps you work with.
Can younger drivers get Uber insurance?
Some insurers cover Uber drivers under 25, but the options and prices can be more limited. You may need to check with multiple providers to find cover if you’re a younger driver.
Who can apply to be an Uber driver?
In order to apply to be an Uber partner driver, you must own your own vehicle that meets the standards set by Uber, and of course a private hire licence for taxi drivers. You will need the Uber app and must also attend an onboarding process in order to show that you have the necessary skills and training to work as an Uber driver.
Get Taxi Insurance for Uber Drivers Quotes Today
Don’t have your registration number? No problem, click here.
