How do I know if I need public hire insurance?

If you work from a taxi rank or pick up passengers in the street who haven't booked their journey in advance, you'll need public hire insurance.

I'm under 25. Can I get public hire insurance?

Some insurers will consider younger drivers, but many set a minimum age for taxi cover, often 25. Where a policy is available, younger drivers can usually expect to pay more.

What will my public hire insurance cover?

It depends on the level of cover you choose. A fully comprehensive policy will usually cover fire, theft and accidental damage to your vehicle. You may be able to add extras such as public liability, windscreen cover or cover for driving abroad. The broker can explain what's available.

Why does public hire insurance usually cost more than private hire?

Your taxi can be hailed at any time, often late at night, and you may deal with a wide range of passengers. Insurers generally see this as a higher risk than pre-booked private hire work.

Taxi

Public hire insurance

Public hire insurance for taxi drivers who work from ranks or pick up passengers in the street: the details you'll need and the three levels of cover.

As a public hire driver, you need specialist insurance that lets you pick up passengers in the street or from a taxi rank. You're also likely to work long hours at unsociable times, so you'll want a policy that fits the way you work.

Dealing with traffic and lively passengers every day can be challenging. Add the fact that you drive far more miles than the average motorist, and it's easy to see why the risk of an accident is higher. There's a lot to think about as a public hire driver.

Whether you're reviewing your current policy or 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. You can read more on our taxi insurance page or see 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 your vehicle

You don't need to know the exact model of your taxi. 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. If you're not sure, you can ask your current insurer for proof.

Named drivers

If anyone else will drive your taxi, 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 public hire 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 taxi, even if an accident was your fault. Policies vary, so check what is included, such as cover for 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 taxi if it's stolen or damaged by fire. It won't pay for repairs to your own taxi 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 taxi.

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 before you decide.

If you only take pre-booked fares, private hire cover may be what you need instead. Our taxi insurance page covers private hire, public hire, black cabs and taxi fleets. Taxi licensing is handled by your local council, or by TfL in London.