How does the Coronavirus affect my policy?

At Patons we’re trying our best to help each and every one of our customers during this time. We’ve received lots of calls and emails with questions about what we can do as a company for our customers. We’re working as hard as we can in order to answer every call and reply to every email but in the meantime, we thought it would be a good idea to try to answer some of the most common questions that we’re being asked.

We’ve listed some FAQ’s below:


Q. Can I take a payment holiday from my finance agreement?

Each finance company we work with are trying hard to accommodate each customer’s request. Please give them a call directly in order to see what options are available to you. If you’re unsure of the number to call, give us a ring and we will provide you with it.

Q. There’s not much work out there, is there anything else I can do to earn money?

A number of our insurers have extended cover free of charge and are now allowing you to deliver goods. This can range from fast food to medicines. Please check with us first before taking on the work as we will need to confirm whether your insurer is allowing this extension.

Q. Can I put my cover on hold whilst I am not working?

As insurance agreements last for 12 months, unfortunately our insurers cannot put cover on hold. Most insurers though, are allowing customers to reduce the level of cover. For example;

  • Reducing your cover to Laid-up. In doing this, your vehicle would have to be registered as SORN with the DVLA.
  • Reducing your insurance to Social, Domestic & Pleasure meaning you will no longer be insured to work as a taxi driver but you are still insured to use your vehicle for personal use. Cover can be increased back once the pandemic lock-down is over.

Reducing your cover could lower the cost of your insurance.

Q. I’m due for renewal soon, what do I do?

Please give us a call. We’re happy speak to our customers and give them the individual advice that they need. We’re available Monday to Friday, 9am until 5pm.

Q. I’m required to have a set number of vehicles on my policy as I am a Taxi Fleet, but I can’t keep all of my vehicles on the road, is there anything I can do?

Our fleet insurers are working to accommodate each individual customers needs and so they’re being lenient with this condition. Please give us a call and we will advise as to whether your insurance will allow you to fall below this number or not.

Q. What are Patons doing to help their customers?

We’re working closely with our insurers and finance partners to find solutions that will benefit our customers. Each update we get from our panel, we will do our very best to ensure that those customers affected by the change, are made aware of it.

Q. I can’t get through to you on the phone, is there any other way I can contact you?

Our offices are closed at the moment, but our staff are working from home. If you find that you can’t get through to us on the phone, please feel free to email us on [email protected]. We aim to respond to your email as quickly as possible.

Q. I’m looking for a new Taxi Insurance policy, can I still take out a policy with you?

Yes, we are still happy to provide you with a Taxi Insurance policy if you require one. You can give us a call or visit us online and one of our team will provide you with a policy that suits your requirements.

Q. I’m self-employed, do you know how I can get income support during the pandemic?

We have written a blog post that includes the information that you need to know in regard to applying for income support.


We understand that this is a difficult time for everyone and want you, our customers, to know we’re doing all we can to help. If you have a question for us that we haven’t answered above or would like to speak to one of our advisors about something else, please give us a call. Our staff are available Monday to Friday, 9am until 5pm.

Take care. Stay safe.

Information correct at time of publication. Information provided within this article may have changed over time. No responsibility for its accuracy or correctness is assumed by John Patons Insurance Services or any of its employees.