FAQs

As drivers gear up to make the switch to electric vehicles, many are focusing on the cost, range and charging points of the green motors.

But there are also some key differences in the way an EV and a petrol and diesel car are driven, and it makes sense for people to consider taking lessons to get used to the new technology.

Switching from trusted diesel black cabs to an electric vehicle causes a dilemma for taxi drivers – when do they swap something that is reliable and has plenty of life left in it and shell out for an electric taxi?

With the ban on the sale of new diesel and petrol taxis from 2030, drivers have difficult decisions to make.

Whether you are new to taxi driving or are an experienced driver who wants to take the next step, there are some key points to setting up a private-hire taxi business.

It can seem complicated at first, but the most important thing to remember is that it is a business in a regulated industry and it has to be run properly.

The range of electric vehicles has been one of the biggest factors putting people off buying them, especially those who rely on them for a living, like taxi drivers.

While even the least-economical petrol and diesel cars can deliver 400-500 miles per tank, many suitable electric vehicles have been delivering ranges of below 200 miles.

Taxi drivers often go out of their way to help passengers, such as carrying shopping to the front door for someone who is elderly or vulnerable.

Some are even happy to allow passengers to bring their dogs with them, especially if they are regulars.

When private hire taxi drivers are looking for their next vehicle, there are several key factors they have to take into account.

As well as taking out private hire taxi insurance, wherever they operate, drivers need to consider that the future of private hire is going to be green. They need to choose something that will help reduce running costs and is better for the environment.

We all look to make savings where we can and there are things you can do to reduce your taxi insurance.

But it is worth remembering that cheap taxi insurance doesn’t mean it’s the best policy for you.

We love reading feedback from customers because it helps us continue our drive for excellence.

That’s one of the reasons we are on Feefo because it isn’t about showing off good reviews – it’s honest feedback from you, our customers, telling us what we are doing right and where we need to improve.

As the government continues its drive to improve air quality across towns and cities, the brakes have been put on plans for Greater Manchester’s Clean Air Zone after a backlash from road users, including taxi drivers, saying the May 30 deadline was unachievable.

Patons Insurance has again strengthened its team as it looks to the future of taxi insurance.

The taxi insurance broker has appointed Chris Pracy in the newly created role of Head of Marketing, and Mike Atkinson as Finance Manager as part of its aggressive growth plans.

Fitting dashcams could help taxi drivers run their business successfully, the last thing they need is to divert time and effort into dealing with an insurance claim, especially if they were not at fault.

Having dashcams in a taxi provides real-time video evidence of what happened and will help speed up even a straightforward taxi insurance claim.

For those who drive for a living, soaring fuel costs are a real concern for their business.

In the past 12 months, the price of diesel has gone up by an average 48p a litre and as it continues to rise, taxi drivers who are feeling the pinch are looking to electric vehicles to avoid being priced off the roads.