Private Hire Taxi Insurance
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Why Compare Private Hire Insurance at SimplyQuote.co.uk?
Private hire insurance is legally required for drivers who accept pre-booked fares. Comparing policies helps you stay compliant while finding the right level of cover at a competitive price.
SimplyQuote works in partnership with Quotezone to help you compare private hire insurance quotes from a wide range of FCA-regulated UK insurers. The process is fast, free to use, and tailored specifically for taxi drivers — letting you avoid the hassle of contacting individual providers. You’ll be able to view real quotes online in just a few steps, making it easier to find affordable cover that meets your licensing authority’s requirements.
Thousands of private hire drivers across the UK rely on comparison platforms like ours to avoid overpaying for their taxi insurance. With secure data handling, no-obligation quotes, and access to trusted insurers, SimplyQuote simplifies the entire process — so you can focus on the road ahead.
What Do You Need To Get A Quote?
To get a private hire insurance quote, you’ll need to provide key details about your vehicle, your driving history, and how you operate. Supplying accurate information ensures your quotes are valid and tailored to your specific circumstances.
This information is typically required by most FCA-regulated taxi insurance providers:
- Vehicle details – Make, model, year of registration, engine size, and taxi usage (private hire only).
- Driver details – Your name, date of birth, licence type, how long you’ve held it, and any motoring convictions or claims history.
- Address and parking location – Where the vehicle is registered and where it will be parked overnight (e.g. driveway, street, locked compound).
- Estimated annual mileage – Specifically for private hire use.
- Level of cover required – Third-party, third-party fire and theft, or fully comprehensive.
- Operator details – Whether you’re affiliated with a company or work via a ride-hailing app like Uber, Bolt, Ola, or similar.
- Additional drivers (if applicable) – Their details, licence status, and experience.
Having these details to hand will speed up the process and improve the accuracy of your quotes — helping you get on the road faster.
Who Needs Private Hire Insurance?
Private hire insurance is legally required in the UK for any driver transporting pre-booked passengers in a licensed private vehicle. If your work involves scheduled or app-based fares — and not street pickups — you’ll need this specialist cover.
This includes:
- Minicab drivers – Whether operating for a local firm or as an independent, you must have private hire cover to legally transport passengers who book in advance.
- Chauffeurs and airport transfer drivers – Providing contract or executive journeys for businesses, hotels, or individuals, where trips are arranged ahead of time.
- App-based drivers – Using platforms like Uber, Bolt, or Ola? You’ll need insurance that complies with both app requirements and your licensing authority (e.g. TfL).
- School contract and council-run drivers – If you’re paid to provide regular scheduled journeys for councils, care homes, or schools, each journey being pre-arranged.
What Does Private Hire Insurance Cover?
What is covered will depend on your insurance provider, policy and level of cover.
The following are typically covered under a private hire insurance policy:
- Personal use: Most private hire policies cover personal use as well, however, it might be limited or have a higher excess if personal use claims are made.
- Third-party liability: Covers costs of injuries or property damage to third parties when you’re at fault for the accident.
- Passengers’ liability: Covers the cost of medical bills if passengers sustained injuries during the drive.
- Damage to own vehicle: Covers any repairs to the car in the case of an accident or vandalism.
- Legal expenses: Covers the cost of legal disputes.
- Loss of earnings: Provides financial compensation if you’re unable to drive your private hire taxi due to an accident or if the vehicle is in for repairs.
What is not covered?
The following are typically not covered by private hire taxi insurance:
- Accidents caused when driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Wear and tear.
- Personal belongings stolen from the car.
- Any deliberate acts by the policyholder causing damage to the vehicle or third parties.
Looking for private hire taxi insurance? Get your quote today!
Get QuotesWhat Levels Of Private Hire Insurance Cover Can You Get?
There are three different levels of private hire taxi insurance, namely third-party, third-party, fire and theft, and comprehensive cover.
Third-party only
This is the most basic level of cover and also the minimum legal requirement to drive in the UK.
This policy will cover third parties involved in an accident caused by you. It covers the cost of damage to their property, vehicle, or any injuries they sustained.
Note that it does not cover any costs incurred by you, such as medical bills or damage to your own car.
Third-party, fire and theft
This level covers everything included in a third-party-only policy, as well as financial protection should your car be damaged by a fire or stolen.
The insurer would not compensate for car accidents deemed to be your fault, so you’ll have to pay for any damages you suffered in the accident.
Comprehensive
This level of cover offers you the most financial protection. It provides the same benefits as third-party, fire and theft policies, as well as covering medical expenses and legal fees in case of a dispute.
Fully comprehensive cover is a popular option for private hire taxi drivers as it ensures you’re covered for every scenario on the road.
What Add-Ons Are Available For Your Private Hire Insurance Policy?
There are various policy add-ons that private taxi drivers need to consider to ensure they’re covered in all eventualities.
- Breakdown cover: Covers the cost of roadside assistance or towing your car to a mechanic if you break down.
- Replacement vehicle: Temporarily provides a vehicle so you can continue working while your personal car is being repaired.
- Windscreen cover: Windscreens are expensive to replace and not usually included in private hire insurance policies.
- No-claims bonus protection: Should you make a claim, you won’t lose your no-claims bonus.
- Lost keys: Covers the cost of replacing lost or stolen keys.
- European cover: So you can drive throughout the EU while being covered.
- Public liability cover: To protect you if anyone – including your passengers – is injured or suffers damages due to your fault.
- Celebrity carriage cover
- Uninsured driver cover
Looking for private hire taxi insurance? Get your quote today!
Get QuotesHow Much Does Private Hire Insurance Cost?
Costs vary between different insurance providers, but you can expect to pay between £1,600 and £1,800 per year.
Which factors impact the cost of my insurance premiums?
- Your age
- Your driving experience
- Your claims history
- The type and value of your car
- Your annual mileage (for private hire purposes only)
- Your location and where the car is parked
- The level of cover
- Policy add-ons
- When you drive (e.g. peak traffic or outside of peak hours)
Related read: How much does taxi insurance cost?
How To Reduce Your Private Hire Taxi Insurance Premiums
If you think you’re paying too much for your taxi insurance, here are some ways in which you can reduce your premiums:
Pay annually
Paying your insurance premium annually saves you from having to pay interest on monthly instalments.
Shop around
Let SimplyQuote, in partnership with Quotezone, help you find insurance policies that meet your needs and budget.
Don’t modify your vehicle
Modifications can either increase the value of the car or make it riskier to drive, which will leave you with higher premiums.
Install security measures
Dash cams, central locking and CCTV will make you a lower risk to insurance companies.
Get secure parking
Make sure you park your car in a secure place while not on duty to enjoy lower premiums.
Don’t over-insure
Only insure for what you need. Although some of the add-ons may seem like a good idea, make sure you only have cover for what you need.
Telematics insurance
By installing a telematics device in your car (also called a black box), your insurer will receive data on your driving behaviour. They can then lower your premiums if they consider you a safe driver and a lower risk to insure.
How To Compare Insurance Quotes At SimplyQuote.co.uk
To provide you with a quick quote, all you need to do is:
- Complete a form: Provide information about yourself, your car, your taxi company, & where you drive.
- Select insurance policy add-ons: Choose which additional cover you want.
- Compare private hire taxi insurance costs: Compare quotes easily with SimplyQuote.
- Save money: Find an insurance policy that won’t break the bank but still provide cover that you need.
“Private hire drivers need to ensure they have the right cover for pre-booked jobs, and at SimplyQuote, through our partnership with Quotezone, we make that process simple. By completing a quick form, you can compare quotes from specialist insurers who understand the specific needs of private hire drivers, helping you get the right protection at a competitive price.”
Chris Richards , Founder of Simplyquote.co.uk
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s a type of insurance that covers drivers who transport pre-booked passengers using a private vehicle. It’s legally required in the UK and protects both the driver and passengers during commercial journeys.
Private hire drivers must only take pre-booked jobs. They can’t be hailed from the street or wait at taxi ranks — doing so without public hire cover can void their insurance.
Public hire insurance is for drivers like black cab operators who can accept street hails and rank work.
It depends on how you operate. If you only accept pre-booked fares or drive for an app like Uber or Bolt, you need private hire insurance.
Other policy types include:
The wrong insurance could invalidate your claim — always match your policy to your taxi licence type.
It’s a legal document proving you’re insured to carry passengers for hire and reward. Licensing authorities will require it before allowing you to operate a private hire vehicle.
Yes. If you’re transporting pre-booked passengers for payment, it’s a legal requirement in the UK. Standard car insurance doesn’t cover commercial hire and reward use.
Road risk cover is essential to drive legally.
Other key policy types include:
- Public liability insurance
- Loss of licence cover
- Personal injury cover
- Breakdown assistance
- Legal expenses protection
Not by default — it’s often sold as an add-on. It covers claims made by passengers who suffer injury or damage due to your actions. Many drivers also add employers’ liability if they manage staff.
Usually, yes. Because private hire drivers operate on pre-booked trips, they’re seen as lower risk than public hire drivers, leading to more affordable premiums.
Yes — your licensing area can influence your premium. Insurers assess location-based risk. Cities with heavy traffic, higher crime, or stricter licensing often result in higher insurance quotes.
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