Is hire and reward the same as taxi insurance?

It is the core element of taxi insurance. A full taxi policy combines hire and reward cover with the other protections drivers need, and you choose the level of cover around it.

Do delivery drivers need hire and reward too?

Carrying goods for payment needs hire and reward cover for goods, which is a separate product from taxi passenger cover. See our courier insurance page for more on that.

Can I get comprehensive hire and reward cover?

Yes. Hire and reward can be arranged at third party only, third party fire and theft, or comprehensive level.

Taxi

What is hire and reward insurance for taxis?

Hire and reward insurance covers you to carry passengers for payment. Learn why every taxi and private hire driver needs it and how it fits a policy.

Hire and reward insurance covers you to carry passengers or goods in exchange for payment. If you drive a taxi or a private hire vehicle, you need it to carry fare-paying passengers.

Why taxi drivers need it

Hire and reward is the part of a taxi policy that allows you to carry fare-paying passengers. Ordinary car insurance specifically excludes this, so without it, any claim made while you were carrying passengers for payment would likely be refused.

It applies whether you drive a hackney carriage (public hire) or a private hire vehicle. Public hire lets you pick up from ranks and take street hails where you are licensed; private hire work must be booked in advance through a licensed operator. Your policy needs to match the licence you hold.

Levels of cover

Hire and reward sits alongside your usual choice of cover level:

Third party only
Third party, fire and theft
Comprehensive

Third party only covers injury or damage you cause to other people and their property. Third party, fire and theft adds cover if your vehicle is stolen or damaged by fire. Comprehensive also covers damage to your own vehicle, subject to the policy terms.

Optional extras

Many taxi policies also let you add extras such as public liability cover, which can help with claims that fall outside driving, and loss of earnings cover, which can help if your vehicle is off the road after an insured incident. What is available varies between insurers, so check the policy wording.

Getting a quote

Prices and terms vary between specialist insurers, so it can help to talk to a broker who knows the taxi market. Fill in a short form on our taxi insurance page and a specialist FCA-authorised broker from our panel will contact you about quotes. If you carry goods rather than passengers, see courier insurance.