Private hire taxis are becoming increasingly common in the UK, with more and more people choosing the convenience of advance booking over the sometimes hit-and-miss practice of flagging down a black cab in the street. But, as with any other type of taxi, having specific private hire taxi insurance is vital if you want to work safely and legally.

Suitable private hire taxi insurance should always be sought for anyone wanting to work in this business. Not only is it a legal requirement to do so (the penalties of not complying can include a revoked licence, a fine, a loss of income and even a jail sentence), but if you don’t have adequate insurance in place you stand no chance of getting a taxi licence or being able to work in a regulated fleet.

There are a number of things you’ll need to look for when searching for this specific type of insurance, the first of which being instant cover. Most insurance companies should be able to insure you straight away if you’re paying by credit or debit card, and this can be invaluable in this business. Time is money, and if you don’t want to waste either of them you want to be on the road as quickly as possible.

You also need to be looking for policies that offer things like replacement taxi cover, because if your vehicle was involved in an accident you don’t want to be out of work for too long. Having a replacement cab can be a lifesaver as it means you can still work while your original one is getting fixed, and you’re not losing out on any much-needed cash.

It goes without saying that your insurance policy needs to be as comprehensive as possible, protecting not only yourself but also your passengers and other road users. Public liability cover should always be included, and always look for any added extras such as cover for legal or medical expenses in the case of an accident.

But, price will also be a major consideration. That’s why it’s so important to compare several options before you make your final decision, because it’s only by comparing private hire taxi insurance quotes that you can be sure you’re getting the most for your money. You want to get the best cover you can at a price you can afford, and if you’ve crossed everything off the list you can work in complete confidence.

Get a phone or online quote and see if you could save.