Private hire insurance

Private Hire Insurance Buying Guide

Taxi insurance

Taxi insurance
Black cab insurance
Minicab insurance
Chauffeur insurance
Limousine insurance

Just for a laugh

Why taxi drivers are stressed
Why taxi insurers are stressed
How taxi passengers get stressed
Why women are better drivers

Distinguishing the difference between public hire and private hire services may be difficult to do in the UK. Obtaining a Private Hire driving license may be even more difficult to do. However, the most difficult of all to do is obtaining Private Hire Insurance in the UK.
Distinguishing the difference between public and private hire taxi services is difficult because the two are both forms of public transport. Many people, especially foreigners, simply think of both forms as being “taxis” or “cabs.” However, there’s a difference in the way they are permitted to operate, and which vehicles may be used.
Obtaining a Private Hire Drivers License is difficult because there are several requirements that must be met. A person has to prove they are eligible to work in the UK. He or she must also pass an enhanced criminal background check and a medical examination. The person must be at least 21 years of age, have a full driver’s license, and have a clean driving record. Moreover, the individual usually must pass a Driving Standards Agency (DSA) Private Hire/Hackney Carriage Assessment Test and a Drivers Awareness Test.

Why Private Hire Insurance can be difficult to obtain

Obtaining Private Hire Insurance may be difficult to do because there are many special requirements that must be met. First, you must meet the vehicle licensing requirements. Since the vehicles have to be fairly new models, and can only be certain makes, the motor cover may be very expensive.

Another reason for the difficulty is that private hire insurance has to be designed for a commercially used vehicle. Since it will be used for public transportation, the insurance cover has to contain Public Liability coverage as well as motor insurance coverage. Moreover, many other factors have to be taken into consideration. For instance, the ages and driving histories of the drivers listed on the cover. Additionally, the higher security risk is a big issue for most insurers.

How to obtain Private Hire Insurance with less difficulty

Fortunately, there are ways to make obtaining Private Hire Insurance less difficult to do. The best way is to utilise the internet to conduct some research and do some comparison shopping. The steps to follow are:
1. Evaluate your risks and insurance requirements
2. Estimate what your budget will permit you to comfortably spend on insurance
3. Go online and visit several insurance comparison sites, as well as the web sites of reputable insurance companies specialising in Private Hire Insurance. Accurately fill out the forms, and then submit them to the sites. The insurers will then contact you with their offers. You should visit at least five sites to obtain a wider selection of offers.
4. Compare the offers and cover to see which one offers the right coverage at the most reasonable price. Remember that the lowest offer price-wise may not be the best deal in the long run. Look out for hidden fees and other restrictions that may be included in the policy’s fine print.
5. Be sure you ask the insurers about any possible discounts and what criteria they’re basing your premiums on. Also ask what services are standard and which are optional. Ask if you can include or exclude any services you may or may not need.
6. After carefully comparing offers and policies, purchase the one that best fits your requirements. Many insurers offer a discount for purchasing cover online, so be sure to check if the company you decided to use offers an online purchasing discount.

Although it may be difficult to obtain the proper Private Hire Driver and Vehicle Licensing, it is best to comply completely with the regulations. Not doing so may be heavily penalised and may void your insurance cover. Moreover, although obtaining Private Hire Insurance may be difficult to do, it is essential to your occupation. However, if you follow the above steps, obtaining Private Hire Insurance at a competitive price should not be that hard to do.

Prefer to discuss your taxi insurance with a real live person?
Speak to Insurance Choice on 0844 55 77 926
Insurance Choice are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.