Public Hire Fleet Insurance

Anyone running two or more licensed hackney carriages, from a family with a couple of plates to a larger operator. Each insurer sets its own minimum, and a new fleet can still be quoted.

Third-party injury and damage, passenger liability and, at higher levels, fire, theft and damage to your own cabs. Replacement vehicles, public liability and breakdown can be added.

There is no typical price. The number and value of cabs, the drivers, how many shifts each plate runs, where the cabs are kept and the claims history all play a part. We do not print average premiums.

It depends on the insurer. Some start a fleet policy at two vehicles, others at three or more. Below that, single policies for each cab are usually the route.

A public hire vehicle, or hackney carriage, can be hailed in the street and use ranks. A private hire vehicle must be pre-booked through a licensed operator. See our private hire insurance page.

Often, yes. Some insurers write mixed taxi fleets on one schedule, as long as each vehicle’s licence is declared. See our mixed fleet insurance page.

Yes. Fleet policies are built for shift working, either with named drivers or any driver who meets the age, badge and record terms. Every driver must hold the right badge.

Yes. Anyone driving a hackney carriage for hire needs a driver licence from the council, and an insurer will only cover drivers who hold one and meet its terms.

Sometimes. Each conviction is declared and the insurer decides, often with an extra excess or by naming the driver individually. Serious convictions can rule a driver out.

Yes. A fleet builds its own claims experience as a whole rather than each driver carrying a bonus. See our fleet no claims bonus guide.

Usually, yes. A new vehicle is added to the schedule from the date you tell the insurer, with an adjusted premium for the rest of the term. Tell them before the cab goes to work.

Not always. Passenger liability is part of the motor cover, but injury away from the vehicle, such as at a rank, is a separate public liability section. See our public liability insurance page.

Without replacement vehicle cover, the plate stops earning. Many operators add it so a hire vehicle keeps the work going while repairs are done. Check the hire limits.

If you employ drivers or office staff, usually yes. If drivers are genuinely self-employed and rent the cab, the position differs, so confirm which arrangement you have. See our employers’ liability insurance page.

Yes. Electric black cabs and plated electric saloons are insured like any other cab, though repair costs and vehicle values can be higher, which the premium reflects.

Often. It shows how each cab is driven across shifts, which supports claims and can help at renewal. Some insurers offer better terms for fleets that use it.

Business fleet insurance covers vehicles a company uses for its own work. A public hire fleet carries fare-paying passengers, so it needs hire and reward cover. See our business fleet insurance page.

A few cabs can still go on a fleet policy, or on a mini fleet arrangement with some insurers. See our small business fleet insurance and mini fleet insurance pages.

Look past the price to the driving terms, the excess on each claim, replacement vehicle cover, how mid-term changes are charged and whether claims experience letters are provided.