Having taxi insurance is a legal requirement for anyone who operates as a taxi driver or private-hire driver. Just like your taxi badge, you cannot legally perform your job without it.
As well as being a mandatory part of the profession, it also protects you and your business in the event of a claim. It is important to make sure you have the right type of cover in place for the work you are doing, whether it is public hire insurance, which allows you to be hailed in the street or at a taxi rank, or private hire insurance, for which trips must be booked in advance by phone, app, or at a taxi base.
Not worth the risk
Operating a taxi or PHV without the correct insurance in place not only means you will be uninsured in the event of a claim, but it also puts your livelihood at risk, as well as leaving you open to prosecution.
Modern technology allows police cameras to instantly determine whether a vehicle is taxed, insured and has a current MOT, and the chances of anyone being able to spend much time on the roads before getting stopped are thin.
The consequences for anyone driving without insurance are severe, whether it is for domestic use or commercial. Courts can also take offences by professional drivers more seriously than they do private motorists.
As well as a driving ban and fine, taxi drivers convicted of driving without insurance are also likely to be sanctioned by their licensing authority, which can be anything from a suspension to having their taxi badge revoked.
Paying the price
Two recent cases highlight the importance of having the correct taxi insurance in place.
The Kildare Nationalist reported on the case of a taxi driver who went on holiday and forgot to renew his taxi insurance.
The District Court in Portlaoise heard that the self-employed driver was stopped by police after their systems showed his vehicle as having no insurance.
Facing a driving ban and a threat to his livelihood, the 36-year-old driver’s solicitor told the court: “It was an oversight. He realises he has to face the music and take the consequences.”
Accepting that it was a mistake and that the driver needed his licence in order to earn a living, the court decided not to impose a driving ban.
Instead, he was fined €500.
Off the road
A taxi driver in Bolton was less fortunate when his vehicle, which was not being used, was found to be uninsured.
The Bolton News reports that the driver was suspended after being convicted for keeping a vehicle without insurance, in addition to a £200 fine.
After the driver’s court appearance, Bolton Council’s licensing committee said failing to have insurance was a breach of the conditions of his private-hire licence and there was reasonable cause to suspend him.
He was suspended from operating as a private-hire driver for eight weeks. His taxi badge was not endorsed.
The council reminded drivers that they can be convicted and fined for keeping an uninsured or untaxed car if they do not make a Statutory Off-Road Notification, even if it is stored on private land.
Protecting your livelihood
Your vehicle is the biggest investment you have in your taxi business, which is why it is vital to ensure that you have the right cover in place.
The legal minimum required is third-party cover, but you also have the option to take out third-party, fire & theft, or comprehensive.
Other add-ons such as public liability insurance and breakdown cover can also give you additional peace of mind that your business is covered in the event of a claim being made against you while operating as a taxi driver, as well as getting your vehicle back on the road if something goes wrong.
Looking for taxi insurance? We can help. Start your quote with us online or call our friendly team on 0333 015 6886 to see what you could save.
