Black Cab Insurance

Black Cab Insurance Made Easy!

Driving a black cab around the streets of London is a great way to earn a living. Having the right insurance is vital, as driving a Hackney Carriage is not without risk. Black cab drivers pick up passengers from the street, which can be riskier for drivers than pre-booked taxi fares.

There’s a lot to consider when comparing black cab insurance to make sure you get the best price and the right type of cover.

Types

As black cabs drive on the road like other vehicles, drivers need to have basic road cover in place. This falls into three main categories:

• Third-party only
• Third-party fire and theft
• Comprehensive

Comprehensive insurance offers the highest level of coverage, meaning you’re fully protected in the event of a claim.

• Public liability cover

This type of insurance covers black cab drivers if a claim is brought by a passenger or third party. Dealing with members of the public can leave taxi drivers open to claims. If someone is injured whilst in your cab, public liability cover protects you.

• Breakdown cover

When your livelihood depends on your taxi, any time off the road for breakdowns can mean a loss of earnings. Breakdown cover may be included as standard on some black cab policies and can mean you get back on the road quicker.

• Legal cover

Some specialist black cab policies may include cover for any legal fees. If a claim is brought against you, you will not be left out of pocket defending it.

How can I get cheaper black cab insurance?

The best way to find the cheapest black taxi insurance is to compare a range of quotes from different providers. But there are a few other factors which could reduce your premium costs:

Park off the road – when you’re not driving your cab, parking it safely off the road or in a secure garage will reduce the risk of theft and can mean cheaper insurance premiums.

Use a black box – many cabbies now opt for black box technology in their taxi. A tracking device monitors your driving, and (assuming you drive safely!) can demonstrate to insurers that you are a lower-risk driver and bring your insurance cost down.

Pay annually – if you can manage to pay a lump sum for your insurance coverage upfront, this can save you money. Paying monthly tends to work out as more expensive in the long run.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a private hire cover for my black cab?

No. Private hire taxi insurance only covers pre-booked taxi drivers. Black cab taxi drivers can be hailed on the street by anyone. While private hire cover may seem cheaper than black cab insurance, you would not be properly covered in the event of a claim.

I drive an electric black cab. Do I need specialist cover?

If you have invested in an electric cab like the LEVC Electric TX, you might need to check with your insurer that you are still fully covered. Some providers are wary of electric vehicles. The relatively new technology can mean higher repair bills than standard taxi models.

Do I need a windscreen cover?

A windscreen cover is not a requirement for black cab drivers. However, it can be a good idea. Replacing your windscreen if it is damaged can be expensive and mean more time off the road.

Related insurance