London PCO Insurance

Drivers with a TfL private hire licence, drivers waiting for theirs, and operators running licensed cars. Newer drivers and those with convictions may find fewer insurers willing to quote, which is where specialist brokers help.

Injury to passengers and other road users, and the vehicle at the level you choose. Personal use, a replacement licensed car and public liability are included or added on many policies.

There is no typical price. The licence, the car, the postcode where it is kept, your hours, who drives and your claims record all shape it. We do not print average premiums.

Private hire licensing in London used to be handled by the Public Carriage Office. Transport for London now issues the licences, but drivers and insurers still call them PCO licences and the cover PCO insurance.

You need cover in place before the vehicle can be licensed and before you take a booking. Some insurers will quote while your driver licence application is in progress, so it is worth asking early.

No. The apps ask to see your hire and reward certificate, but they do not supply your motor policy. See our Uber insurance page for how app work is insured.

Often, but not always. Many rental firms include cover in the weekly rate, with their own excess and driving terms. If it is not included, you will need your own hire and reward policy for that car.

It depends on whose policy covers the car. On the rental firm’s policy, a claim-free year may not count in your name. Ask the firm for written proof of your claims history when you leave.

Usually yes. Many private hire policies include social, domestic and pleasure use, so the same car covers the school run and the weekend. Check the certificate shows it before relying on it.

No. They are running costs, and no motor policy pays a charge or penalty. A zero emission capable car keeps those costs down, and the car you choose shapes the premium.

No. Picking up passengers who have not booked is plying for hire, which only licensed black cabs may do. A private hire policy will not cover it, and it puts the licence at risk.

Yes, if both are named on the policy and both hold TfL private hire licences. Sharing a car across day and night shifts is common in London, and the second driver is rated as well.

It covers a passenger hurt outside the vehicle, such as when getting out at the kerb. Operators commonly hold it and many drivers add it. See our public liability insurance page.

Yes. A London black cab is insured on public hire terms, with rank work and street hails covered as well as bookings. See our black cab insurance page.

Two or more licensed vehicles can go on one policy. See our private hire fleet insurance page, or for a small mix our mini fleet insurance page.

Often, on a business fleet policy, with each vehicle rated on its own use. See our business fleet insurance, car fleet and van fleet pages.

A small business fleet policy can put cars, vans and private hire vehicles on one schedule with one renewal date, each rated on its own use. See our small business fleet insurance page.

Goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes are rated on their own terms, usually under an operator licence, and can sit on a fleet policy. See our HGV fleet insurance page.

Look beyond the price to passenger cover, whether the replacement car is plated, the driving terms, personal use, camera discounts and the total excess. Make sure every quote covers the work you actually do.