How do I know if I need minicab insurance?

If you use your car to carry paying passengers who have booked in advance, you need private hire insurance. Minicabs can't legally pick up passengers who hail them in the street, and a private hire policy won't cover that.

I'm under 25. Can I get minicab insurance?

Some insurers will consider younger drivers, but many set a minimum age for taxi cover. Where a policy is available, younger drivers can usually expect to pay more.

Does minicab insurance include public liability cover?

Many standard minicab policies don't include public liability. You can ask whether it can be added, or take out a separate public liability policy.

What will my minicab insurance cover?

It depends on the level of cover you choose. A comprehensive policy usually covers fire, theft and accidental damage to your vehicle. Extras such as public liability, windscreen cover and driving in Europe may be available as add-ons.

Taxi

Mini cabs insurance

Minicab insurance explained: why it differs from car insurance, the details you'll need for a quote and the three levels of cover for private hire.

Your minicab is a commercial vehicle used to carry paying passengers, and as the driver you need a specific type of insurance. Minicab insurance is not the same as ordinary car insurance, and a standard policy won't cover you while you're working.

It helps to think of minicab insurance as a type of business insurance. It's there to protect your passengers, your vehicle and you if you're involved in an accident. You also drive far more miles than the average motorist, which increases the chance of an accident.

Whether you want to review your current policy or you're starting out, Kompare can help. You fill in a short form and a specialist FCA-authorised broker from our panel contacts you to talk through your cover and quotes. See our taxi insurance page or read how we work.

What details do I need to provide?

When you ask for a quote, you'll usually be asked for the following.

Details of the vehicle

You don't need to know the exact model of your minicab. Your registration number is normally enough to look up the details.

No claims bonus (NCB)

You'll be asked how many years of no claims bonus you have. Your current insurer can give you proof if you need it.

Named drivers

If anyone else will drive the vehicle, you'll need their personal and licence details so they can be added to the policy.

Licence details

You'll be asked what type of licence you hold and how long you've held it.

Previous claims

You'll need to say whether you've been involved in any accidents or made any claims in the last five years.

Driving convictions

If you have any penalty points or disqualifications on your licence, you'll need to give the full details.

What are the different levels of cover?

When you take out minicab insurance, you'll choose one of three levels of cover.

Fully comprehensive

This is the highest level of cover. It includes everything in third party, fire and theft, and also covers damage to your own minicab, even if an accident was your fault. Check the policy wording for extras such as medical expenses.

Third party, fire and theft

This covers you if you're responsible for injury to other people, including passengers, or damage to their property. It also covers your minicab if it's stolen or damaged by fire. It won't pay for repairs to your own vehicle if you cause an accident.

Third party only

This is the most basic level of cover and the minimum required by law. It pays for injury to others and damage you cause to other vehicles and property, but there is no cover for you or your minicab.

Not sure which cover you need?

If you're unsure which level of cover suits you, get in touch and we can help with any questions. The broker who contacts you can also explain the options.

Does this not sound like you?

Many roles in the taxi trade overlap. If you drive a black cab, a hackney carriage or a public hire vehicle, or you run several taxis, our taxi insurance page covers all of these. If your drivers run a mix of vehicles, fleet insurance may also be worth a look.