When drivers come to taxi insurance brokers such as Patons, they benefit from our years of experience working with a range of taxi insurers to find them the right cover at the best price we have available, whether they are individual drivers, part of a fleet, or a larger taxi operation with multiple vehicle policies.
Our aim is to work with them to make sure drivers have the cover they need, whether they take out public hire insurance or private hire insurance, and opt for comprehensive cover, third-party, fire and theft, or third party only.
Right cover
We work with drivers to make sure that they have the right cover for their business, whatever their budget or needs, so they are back on the road as soon as possible in the event of a claim.
We recommend comprehensive insurance for all taxi drivers because it covers their own vehicle as well as the third parties. This gives them peace of mind in the event of a claim.
Other drivers may choose to take out third-party cover, either because of their budget, or because of the age and value of their vehicle. This is the minimum level of cover required by law which means they are covered if another driver makes a claim against them. But they are responsible for repairing damage to their own vehicle.
By adding fire and theft protection, they are covered for the value of the vehicle if it is stolen or damaged by fire. This level of cover does not provide accidental damage cover for the driver’s vehicle.
Support
By using Patons, drivers receive expert advice and support, not only to help find the right cover, but with 24-hour assistance to help them with the claims process.
Drivers can choose to buy an excess protection policy which, should a claim be made, would reimburse them against whatever amount has been agreed in their taxi policy so they aren’t out of pocket when the claim is settled.
For total peace of mind, we can also offer additional cover, such as public liability and breakdown cover. This means that in the event of a breakdown, their vehicle will either be repaired at home or at the roadside, or taken to an approved garage for repairs.
Public liability protects them against damage claims resulting from their taxi business, such as someone sustaining injuries after tripping over a bag being unloaded from the taxi.
Personal touch
Claims manager Cheryl Doran said: “No two claims are the same and there can be so many variables, even when it appears to be a straightforward accident.
“Once a claim has been made, drivers can often be contacted by a variety of different departments or even companies on behalf of their own insurers for recovery, liability, repairs, replacement vehicles or personal injury claims.
“They may also get independent firms contacting them to see if they need representation and the third-party’s insurers may also try to get in touch. It can be quite confusing and drivers can feel pressured, so we provide a 24-hour helpline to give them assistance in the event of a crash.
“Wherever they are up to with their claim, we can support them and explain who they need to talk to and what information they need to pass on.
“We also have access to two sources of replacement hire vehicles for non-fault claims so drivers can be back on the road earning a living while their car is being assessed or repaired.”
Patons Insurance was established by taxi drivers who knew first-hand what the trade needed and it is the personal touch and extra service which we still strive to deliver today.
