What Is Private Hire Insurance for Uber Drivers?
If you take passengers for hire or reward using the Uber app, you typically may need taxi insurance cover that covers private hire use, as standard car insurance does not normally apply. Uber driver insurance is designed for commercial use, higher milage, and the regulatory and licensing requirements associated with app-based private hire work.
Private hire insurance for Uber drivers is sometimes also called Uber taxi insurance, app driver insurance, or ride-hailing cover. In essence, it all typically 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.
If you want to drive for Uber or any app-based platform, having suitable cover in place can help protect you and your passengers, and may help reduce disruption to your work if something goes wrong.
It is also important to note that, as with all insurance policies, Uber insurance cover is subject to policy terms, conditions and exclusions. Policy features and benefits may typically vary depending on the policy and provider.
What’s Covered by Uber Private Hire Insurance?
Your Uber private hire insurance is designed to provide cover for private hire use. Depending on the insurer and policy, cover may include core protections commonly required by app-based drivers. Please note that as with all insurance policies, cover is subject to policy terms, conditions and exclusions.
- 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 comprehensive cover through to third party only.
- Passenger liability – Cover for claims made by passengers for injury or loss while in your vehicle. Claim limits apply.
- Windscreen and glass – May cover repairs or replacement for chips and cracks, where included as standard.
- Plated replacement vehicle – Some insurers may offer access to a plated replacement vehicle following an accident, depending on the claim circumstances, availability, and policy terms.
Choosing the most appropriate level of cover for your own unique circumstances can help you feel more confident that you have suitable protection in place.
What the Writer Says…
"Most Uber drivers are responsible for arranging their own suitable private hire insurance. While Uber may provide limited cover in certain circumstances, this can vary depending on the stage of a trip and the arrangements in place. To avoid gaps in protection, drivers should always make sure they have insurance that specifically covers private hire use, in line with their licensing requirements and the insurer’s policy terms and exclusions."– Ian Beevis, Insurance Expert & Co-founder of Clean Green Cars
Add-Ons for Uber Private Hire Insurance
Add-ons (which are subject to underwriting/eligibility) give you the freedom to tailor your Uber policy around your needs, often with the flexibility to add legal support, roadside rescue, or income protection.
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 sure your Uber insurance works for you. Add-ons are optional and usually increase your premium.
Optional cover for legal support and claims after an accident or dispute.
Roadside assistance and recovery to get you back on the road 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, subject to policy terms and limits.
May be available with some Uber insurance policies, letting you protect your discount after a claim, but check availability first.
What’s Not Covered?
It’s important to understand where your policy stops. Understanding the main exclusions (which may vary depending on your policy) 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 unsure which policy is suitable for you, private hire insurance explains all the details for Uber and similar drivers.
If you’re taking passengers for hire or reward using the Uber app (or any similar platform), you may typically need insurance that covers private hire use, as standard motor insurance does not apply.
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.
- 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 may offer added flexibility and help you access a wider range of
bookings – 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 designed to be 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. Understanding what can affect your premium may help you make more informed choices when comparing quotes.
- Experience and claims – More experience and a clean claims record may often mean lower costs.
- Driver age/location – Younger drivers and driving in high-risk postcodes may increase your premium.
- 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 Uber insurance typically costs more than third-party fire and theft insurance, but generally gives wider protection.
- Add-ons and drivers – More add-ons and extra drivers will add to your premium. Check to see what is already included in your cover as standard.
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 can represent a significant cost, but these practical steps may help you manage it.
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 designed for carrying passengers on pre-booked journeys arranged through the Uber app or similar ride hailing platforms. If you work as an app-based driver, you will need insurance that covers private hire use, as standard motor insurance does not usually apply.
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?
Uber may provide limited cover in certain circumstances, but it can depend on the stage of a trip and the arrangements in place. Drivers are generally responsible for arranging their own suitable private hire insurance to ensure they are properly covered while working, subject to policy terms and exclusions.
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?
To apply to be an Uber partner driver, you must own your vehicle and ensure that it meets the standards set by Uber, and of course, have a private hire licence for taxi drivers. You will need the Uber app and must also attend an onboarding process to show that you have the necessary skills and training to work as an Uber driver.
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