How much public liability cover do taxi drivers need?

It depends on your council and any operator or account contracts you work under. Check whether your licensing authority or operator sets a minimum level before you choose.

Does public liability cover damage to the passenger's belongings?

It can cover third-party property claims, depending on the policy wording. Confirm the details before relying on it.

Is public liability included automatically in taxi insurance?

Not always. It is often an optional add-on, so check whether your quote includes it.

Taxi

Do I need public liability insurance as a taxi driver?

Public liability is not always a legal must for taxi drivers, but many councils and operators expect it. Learn what it covers and when you may need it.

Public liability insurance is not always a legal requirement for taxi drivers, but many councils expect it and it protects you against injury or damage claims from passengers and the public. Many drivers add it to their taxi policy.

Why public liability matters

Your motor insurance covers injury and damage arising from an accident on the road. Public liability covers claims that fall outside driving. Examples include a passenger slipping as they get in or out of the vehicle, or tripping over luggage you have handled.

Is it compulsory?

Whether it is mandatory depends on your local council's licensing conditions, so check your licensing authority's rules. Some operators and account contracts, such as school runs or corporate work, may also ask for it.

Even where it is optional, drivers often choose it because:

Injury claims can be costly to defend
Some operators and account contracts require it
It can often be added to your taxi policy, so your cover sits in one place

What to check

When you look at a policy, check the limit of cover, whether it includes damage to third-party property, and any exclusions. Policy wordings differ, so confirm what is covered before relying on it.

Getting a quote

If you want public liability included with your taxi cover, mention it when you fill in the short form on our taxi insurance page. A specialist FCA-authorised broker from our panel will contact you about quotes. You can read more about how we work.