Chauffeur insurance

Standard chauffeur insurance’s cost is never fixed. The value of your vehicle, experience, location, and working hours are all influences on the premium. Chauffeur insurance tends to be higher than regular car insurance. The car model and make are some of the largest cost factors, as luxury cars are costly to fix.

You need a specialist chauffeur policy, rather than a normal taxi or commercial van policy. It includes work in the private hire and often includes passenger liability, loss of earnings coverage, and like-for-like vehicle replacement if your prestige car is taken in for repair.

The recommended coverage level is comprehensive. Only third-party cover will not pay a penny for replacement of a high-value vehicle.

Wedding hire and funeral hire can be insured under most chauffeur insurance policies, but the terms vary across insurers. Others even have a reduced mileage policy when used only during weddings, which lowers the premiums significantly. Wedding hire should always be mentioned on the list. Never assume that it is included.

Most chauffeur policies have no restriction on annual mileage. Nevertheless, at the quote level, you will be requested to provide an estimation. The more miles you travel, the greater your premium. Unless you work full time, say doing weddings or the occasional event, a limited mileage plan can save you some money.

Always get in touch with your insurer prior to travelling; do not think that your policy in the UK applies overseas. Others provide European cover, which could be limited to personal use rather than‌ private hire, i.e., you would not have insurance as an employed chauffeur. Probably, they will require a special extension to legally transport paying passengers abroad.

Chauffeur insurance is designed to suit pre-booked executive jobs and incorporates additional benefits such as public liability and prestige car cover. A standard private hire insurance does not reflect the high-value of the vehicles or high-quality of service that a chauffeur is expected to offer. When you drive luxury cars on corporate assignments, then a standard private hire policy will probably undervalue you.

It is a specialist hire and reward policy that includes the risks associated with carrying pre-booked executive passengers in high-value luxury cars. These cars are worth thousands of pounds over standard cars. The services include transfers to and from the airport, business contracts, and VIP functions. Consider it as a private hire insurance tailor-made to the high-end of the market.

Stretch limos, yes, but party buses no. Insurers can cover stretch limos with up to 16 passengers, but only with experienced operators. Stretch buses and party limos are ‌often excluded from regular chauffeur insurance policies. You would need another specialist policy on such vehicles.

Yes, but there are fewer options and higher premiums. Drivers aged 25 to 70 have policies available, including start-up chauffeurs and established fleets. Other insurers demand a certain amount of licensed driving experience before they declare cover. Never lie about your experience. Exaggerating this to reduce your premium may cancel the policy altogether.

Yes, there are insurance companies that provide multi-car insurance, and the cars used in business can be included in the coverage. Certain niche providers offer coverage for up to 5 vehicles under single arrangement.

Yes, your core policy covers your passengers and the vehicle, but there are some gaps.

1. Public liability: To protect yourself from any third-party claims that arise because of your service.
2. Employer’s liability: If you have staff working for you.
3. Breakdown cover: In case your vehicle breaks down mid-service.
4. Loss of earning cover: If you get into an accident which stops you from continuing your operations.