From dealing with passengers to keeping on top of running costs, self-employed taxi and private-hire drivers have a lot to juggle. So whether you’re working full-time or picking up a few shifts a week, having the right apps can make a huge difference in streamlining some aspects of your day-to-day work.
In this guide, we’ll break down some of the most useful apps for taxi and private hire drivers in the UK.
Useful apps for taxi and private-hire drivers
1. Navigation
Many experienced taxi drivers will already be familiar with the areas they work in. But if you’re taking a passenger to somewhere new or need to pinpoint an exact location, a navigation app can help you get there without any hassle.
Some navigation apps also offer live traffic and roadwork updates, which can help you plan your routes more effectively.
Examples:
- Google Maps
- Waze
2. Fuel price tracker
With fuel and overall business costs rising, finding ways to cut expenses is more important than ever.
The UK government launched its Fuel Finder scheme to help drivers find the cheapest fuel near them, which means many third-party apps and websites now let you compare prices in your area.
Examples:
- PetrolPrices.com (website and app)
- RAC Fuel Watch (website and app)
- Fuel Finder UK (website)
3. Flight tracker
If you regularly work airport drop-offs and pick-ups, don’t overlook flight tracking apps. They provide real-time updates on arrivals, departures, and delays, which could help you plan your shifts more effectively.
Examples:
- Flightradar24
- FlightAware
- Flighty
4. Parking apps
Save time searching for parking and cut down on fuel wasted driving around aimlessly by using parking apps. There are plenty that highlight free or cheaper options nearby, and some even let you pay directly through the app for a quicker, hassle-free experience.
Examples:
- JustPark
- PayByPhone
- AppyParking
5. Local amenities
Passengers may ask to stop at a cashpoint in an unfamiliar area or ask about nearby local amenities. There are apps available that offer a quick way to discover what’s around you in real-time.
Examples:
- AroundMe
- AllInMap
Simplifying taxi insurance with the Patons app
Did you know that when you’re a taxi insurance customer with Patons Insurance, you get exclusive access to our app?
Available on Android and iOS, the Patons app puts all your taxi insurance policy information at your fingertips, making it simple to view and share important documents whenever you need to.
Through the app, you can:
- View and upload documents
- See details about your policy, including your insurer, policy details and reference numbers
- Get a quote
- Report a claim.
Final thoughts
How you use technology can play a big role in how smoothly your workday runs. Many successful drivers don’t rely on just one platform – they select a handful of apps to help them with navigation, cutting costs and staying organised.
If you’re also looking for ways to simplify your taxi insurance, consider getting a quote from Patons Insurance. We compare quotes for you from our panel of leading UK insurers to find you a suitable policy at a competitive price.
Even better, when you insure through us, you get exclusive access to our Patons app, where you can access all your essential insurance documents whenever you need to.
Get a quote from us today by visiting our website or calling 0333 015 6886.
