Black Cab Insurance
Compare Black Cab Insurance Quotes
- Complete one short form
- Quickly compare quotes
- Find a great deal today
Compare insurance quotes from top black cab insurers including:
Why Compare Black Cab Insurance Quotes With SimplyQuote?
SimplyQuote understands the stress and hassle of comparing multiple taxi insurance quotes for your black cab. Luckily, the 100% free, online comparison tool simplifies the process with the click of a button.
Whether you’re a black cab driver in London or drive a black cab elsewhere in the country, SimplyQuote promises the best insurance deal for you!
Compare numerous black cab insurance quotes from top UK insurance providers within minutes. Sit back and relax while you benefit from cost savings on your monthly premiums.
What Do You Need To Get A Quote?
A few things you’ll need for a black cab insurance quote include:
- Vehicle registration number
- Name in which the vehicle is registered in
- Vehicle size (i.e. how many seats/doors)
- Vehicle make and model (including any modifications made)
- No-claims bonus history
Why Do You Need Black Cab Insurance?
Motor insurance is a legal requirement to drive on UK roads and if you operate a black cab pickup service, you’ll definitely need insurance cover.
Black cab insurance is essential for any taxi driver most commonly driving a traditional London or Hackney carriage vehicle. These drivers pick up “hailed” passengers, meaning they do not have pre-booked passengers like Uber.
Black cab insurance is also known as:
Note: You’ll need private hire insurance cover (PCO insurance) should you use your black cab for pre-booked services.
Who can get black taxi insurance?
Any cab driver transporting hailed passengers for a fee (i.e. hire and reward) can get black cab insurance, barring the following criteria:
- Aged between 21 and 75 (some insurers require a minimum age of 25)
- Hold a public hire taxi badge
- Have a valid UK driver’s license
Looking for the cheapest Black Cab Insurance? Get your quote today!
Get QuotesWhat Are The Types Of Black Cab Insurance Policies?
There are three main types of black car insurance available in the UK namely, sole driver, named driver and ‘any driver’ policies:
Sole driver
Only the owner can drive the taxi (i.e. one driver)
Named driver
Persons named on the policy can drive the vehicle
‘Any driver’ policy
Any employed taxi driver can drive the vehicle, commonly used for PCO or private hire companies
What Levels Of Black Cab Insurance Cover Can You Get?
The levels of black cab insurance cover available include:
Third-party only (TPO)
TPO cover is the minimum level of cover required to drive legally on UK roads. It’s also the cheapest taxi vehicle insurance as it only covers damage or injury costs to third-party persons or vehicles.
It does not cover medical or repair expenses to you (i.e. the cab driver) or your vehicle.
Third-party, fire and theft (TPFT)
TPFT covers a bit more than standard TPO and will compensate you if your black cab vehicle is stolen or damaged by fire. It won’t, however, cover any repair costs should your vehicle be in an accident.
Fully comprehensive
Fully comprehensive cover is the most expensive level of black cab insurance.
It includes both TPO and TPFT cover with extra benefits:
- Vehicle repair costs
- Repair or replacement of broken/damaged windscreens
- Personal injury cover for the vehicle driver
- Medical expenses
- Personal belongings cover
- Incorrect fuel usage cover
- Key replacement
What Does Black Cab Insurance Cover
Standard black cab insurance covers two legal requirements:
- Public liability insurance
- Employer liability cover (if you employ cab drivers)
Public liability insurance
This protects you against claims made by third parties for injuries or property damage. It covers any legal expenses you may incur should third-party persons take you to court or file a claim.
Employer liability insurance
If you run a black cab business, meaning you hire cab drivers to drive your vehicles, you will need employer liability cover. This covers any claims or legal expenses should staff sustain injury or illness whilst on duty.
What kind of vehicles does black cab insurance cover?
- Traditional London cab vehicle
- Hackney carriage
- Mercedes Vito
- LEVCs
- Some insurers may also cover hybrid and electric vehicles.
What is not covered?
- If you’ve caused an accident when driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- General taxi vehicle wear and tear
- Deliberate acts of theft, burglary, or vandalism – to own vehicle or third parties
Looking for the cheapest Black Cab Insurance? Get your quote today!
Get QuotesWhat Optional Black Cab Insurance Add-Ons Are Available?
There are several bolt-ons you can add to your black cab insurance policy:
Breakdown and roadside recovery
The life of a cabbie can be stressful, especially if any unexpected breakdown should occur. Breakdown insurance covers the cost of roadside assistance and/or towing services in these events.
Vehicle replacement
If your cab has broken down, or if it’s in for repairs following a collision, your insurer will arrange a replacement vehicle to ensure business continuity.
Home start recovery
Home start recovery covers you if your taxi won’t start and you’re unable to work. You will need to provide sufficient evidence of this – such as a mechanic report – to your chosen insurer.
Windscreen cover
Additional windscreen cover options are available for TPO and TPFT black cab insurance plans. It covers the costs to repair or replace damaged/broken windscreens.
Generally, cover for windscreens is included in a fully comprehensive taxi insurance policy.
How Much Does Black Cab Insurance Cost?
The price of black cab insurance can start from as little as £13.25 per week but depends on factors such as cab drivers’ age, vehicle make and model and UK location.
Cabbies tend to rack up higher mileage and operate at unfavourable times (e.g. early mornings/late nights) when compared to personal vehicles. This puts you/your drivers at a higher risk of accidents, driving up your insurance premiums.
What impacts black cab insurance prices?
- Taxi driver age
- Vehicle make and model
- Mileage
- Claims history
- Licence points
- The area where you drive and park overnight
Related read: How much does taxi insurance cost?
How Can You Get Cheaper Black Cab Insurance ?
There are many ways to lower your taxi insurance premium, such as:
- Keeping a clean driving record
- Limit your no-claims bonus
- Upgrade to a newer vehicle model (if applicable)
- Securely park your black cab when off-duty
- Keep up-to-date with annual vehicle services
- Opt for annual payments instead of monthly instalments
- Opt for “black box” tracking devices that monitor how you/your taxi drivers drive
- Compare black cab taxi insurance from various UK insurers
How To Compare Black Cab Insurance with SimplyQuote?
Compare black cab taxi insurance services with SimplyQuote in four easy steps:
- Fill in the short form: Tell us about yourself, your vehicle, and your location.
- Choose policy add-ons: Choose which additional cover add-ons you want.
- Compare quotes: Find a quote to suit your budget and taxi insurance needs.
- Save money: Get the best deal to start saving today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Black cab insurance is specifically designed to cover black cab drivers who operate “hailing” taxi services. If you pick up passengers who have flagged you down – without pre-booked bookings like Uber – you will need black cab insurance. Black cab insurance also goes by public hire taxi insurance.
A fully comprehensive cab insurance policy is best to go for as it covers damage, repair and legal expenses regardless if it was your fault or not.
Black cabs are metered taxis hailed by passengers on the street. For these, you need to take out public hire taxi insurance (i.e. black cab insurance). On the flip side, if you use a black cab for private, pre-scheduled pickups you’ll need private hire insurance.
“Black cab drivers often face unique insurance challenges due to the nature of their work, including high mileage and operating in busy city centres. At Simply Quote, we help you find competitive rates by connecting you with specialist insurers. Just complete a quick form, and insurers will reach out to discuss the specifics of your cover, ensuring it’s tailored to your needs and offers the right level of protection.”
Chris Richards, Founder of Simplyquote.co.uk
Written by Chris Richards
Page last reviewed on 23rd October 2024 by Chris Richards