Taxi and private hire drivers spend considerably more time on the road than the average motorist. And with long working hours and time spent searching for fares, it’s no surprise that their annual mileage is significantly higher.
But just how many miles do taxi drivers cover each year, why is their mileage so high, and what does this mean when it comes to insurance?
How many miles does a taxi driver do per year?
On average, taxi and private hire drivers in the UK travel around 34,000 miles each year, according to Taxi Plus’s 2024 National Taxi and Private Hire Survey. This is significantly higher than the average private motorist, who covers approximately 7,100 miles annually, based on figures from the Department for Transport.
Why do taxi drivers cover so many miles?
There are several factors that contribute to the high annual mileage of taxi and private hire drivers, including:
- Flexible working hours: Many taxi drivers are self-employed and have the flexibility to choose when they work. However, to maximise their earnings, some work long hours, often completing 10–12-hour shifts several days a week.
- Searching for fares: Driving around busy areas in search of potential passengers can add considerably to a driver’s mileage, even when these journeys don’t directly generate income.
- Travelling to bookings: Taxi and private hire drivers may also need to cover significant distances to collect passengers from pre-booked journeys, including long-distance trips to and from airports.
Do taxi drivers need specialist insurance?
Yes. All taxi and private hire drivers must have specialist taxi insurance to legally carry out their work.
Taxi drivers typically cover considerably more miles than the average motorist and carry passengers in exchange for payment. Both factors introduce additional risks that aren’t typically associated with standard private car use.
Specialist taxi insurance is designed to provide cover for the specific risks associated with carrying passengers for hire and reward. Driving a taxi without the appropriate insurance is illegal and could also put your taxi licence or badge at risk.
Bottom line
Taxi and private hire drivers cover significantly more miles than the average motorist. And with higher annual mileage and the added responsibility of carrying paying passengers, having the right insurance in place is essential. Specialist taxi insurance provides cover tailored to the unique risks of the job, helping drivers stay protected while keeping their business on the road.
Looking for taxi insurance?
Join the thousands of taxi and private hire drivers across the UK who have already put their trust in us to find them the right cover.
Getting a quote from us is fast, free and competitive. Get started by calling us on 0333 015 6886 or start your quote online.
