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Uber insurance – What you need to know

Uber has completely changed how people use private hire taxis throughout the UK. By connecting passengers with willing private hire Uber taxi drivers in cities like London, Leeds, and Birmingham, the Uber app makes booking a taxi easy.

However, as Uber is not classed as a private hire taxi company, anyone considering driving for Uber must have their own Uber PHV insurance in place.

Navigating Uber driver insurance requirements can be confusing, as drivers are considered independent contractors. While Uber does not claim to be a taxi firm, anyone carrying fare-paying passengers must have cleared this with their insurance company first.

If you are involved in an accident, or your vehicle is damaged whilst driving for Uber, a regular insurance policy for private use would not cover costs.

What should be included in the private hire insurance Uber cover?

Uber insurance cover is not the same as personal use vehicle insurance cover. Your policy will need to specifically cover using your car for hire or reward, as Uber considers itself to be a Transportation Network Company and not a taxi firm. When insuring your car to drive for Uber, you can still choose from three main levels of insurance coverage. These include:

  1. Third-party – This covers you for damage or costs for third-party vehicles only
  2. Third-party, fire and theft – As above, this policy covers you for any third-party damage, as well as costs if your vehicle is damaged in a fire, or is stolen.
  3. Fully comprehensive – this is the most comprehensive insurance policy on offer for Uber drivers.

Because of the risks involved in driving members of the public, Uber drivers also need to take out public liability cover. Public liability insurance covers Uber drivers if a passenger or other member of the public is hurt, or their property damaged whilst using your Uber cab.

For example, if your Uber passengers hurt themselves whilst closing the car door, or their luggage is damaged whilst, in the boot, public liability insurance would protect you in the event of a claim.

What type of coverage do Uber drivers need?

UberUber driver sitting in a car. This is different from black cab cover, or public hire insurance, which covers taxis that can be hailed anywhere. Uber drivers cannot pick up passengers off the street – passengers use the Uber app to request a journey. Drivers then accept the booking, using their vehicle.

Uber takes no responsibility for organizing insurance coverage for drivers. It is up to each Uber driver to make their insurance arrangements, sourcing the right taxi cover for their vehicle.

This involves cover for commercial private hire, which covers using a vehicle for hire or reward.

Does Uber insure their drivers?

Uber does not offer private hire insurance directly to their drivers. Recognising the need for Uber drivers to be covered, Uber partners with various insurance firms, that understand the requirements of driving for Uber.

It is always worth shopping around and comparing quotes for private hire coverage from a range of different insurance providers. When comparing quotes, always be sure that you are comparing the same level of coverage from each provider.

Will I be covered to drive my Uber car privately as well as when using the app?

Everyone driving a car on the road must have insurance in place. If you only use your car for personal use, then a standard insurance policy will cover you. However, many private hire insurance policies – which are required for Uber drivers – will only cover your vehicle while you are carrying fare-paying passengers.

It is important to check the details, as mistakes can be costly. If your private hire insurance does not cover your car for personal use, you will likely be able to add this to your policy for a small extra charge.

Are the rules for Uber taxi insurance the same everywhere?

Uber is a global company, operating in countries all around the world. The exact details and requirements for Uber drivers do vary depending on what country you are in.

If you are considering driving for Uber, you should make sure you are fully aware of the obligations of the country you are in, and make sure to upload the relevant documentation.

What are the vehicle requirements for Uber drivers?

As Uber drivers use their vehicles to transport passengers, there are a few basic requirements that Uber drivers must meet to ensure passengers have a safe and comfortable ride when using the app.

For most places in the UK, your car must be no older than 2006 to drive for Uber. This is 2008 for Uber drivers in London.

Cars must have 4 doors, and be able to carry at least four passengers. Overall, your car will need to be in good condition, clean and tidy, with no commercial branding or cosmetic damage.

How can I find cheap Uber taxi insurance?

Insuring your car to drive for Uber can feel like yet another outlay. However, the risks involved with carrying passengers, not to mention the legal requirements for valid Uber private hire insurance mean that insurance is a must-have for Uber taxi drivers.

The best way to save money when shopping for an Uber car insurance policy is to research thoroughly, and compare policies from different providers like Zego, Covermycab, O&S, and others.

Also, you can find taxi insurance for Uber challengers including Lyft, Sidecar, Ola Cabs, Haxi, Mytaxi, Gett, Kabbee, Radio Taxi, Com Cab, and Bolt.

Tips to save money on Uber insurance cover

  • Make sure that you are only paying for the cover you need. Uber driver insurance policy is essential to driving for Uber, but there may be optional extras that could save you a few pounds by removing them. For example, by excluding options like a windscreen cover for your taxi, or going without a breakdown cover, you may be able to save money on the overall cost of your policy.
  • Pay for your Uber insurance annually. While most providers will allow you to split the cost of your policy over several monthly payments, there are often reductions available for those able to pay the policy costs in one lump sum.
  • Consider where you park your car when you are not driving for Uber. Because the risk of theft is lower for vehicles stored securely, you may be able to secure a discounted rate on your insurance if you can show your car will be parked off the road, or in a locked garage when not in use.
  • Consider where you will drive your car when working for Uber. Uber is most popular in larger cities like Manchester or Liverpool. However, driving in built-up areas can put you at higher risk, which is often reflected in the cost of your premium.
    • Consider investing in extra security measures. Many insurers offer discounts to drivers who are willing to fit black box technology in their cars. This can demonstrate to an insurer that you are a safe driver, and reduce the cost of your policy
  • Additional security measures to prevent claims arising from theft can also be a sound investment. By fitting additional security locks, tracking devices, or CCTV cameras, you may find the cost of your private hire premium reduced.

Who can drive for Uber?

The requirements from Uber to become a registered driver vary from country to country. In the UK, Uber drivers must be over 21 years old. As well as having the right to live and work in the UK, Uber drivers must also hold a valid UK driving licence.

Becoming an Uber driver involves having an enhanced DBS check, along with a medical evaluation from a GP certifying that you are fit to drive. Drivers must also take a local map test.

You will need to upload your documents to Uber, including your licence, photo, and Uber car insurance policy details. Uber will also need to see details of a bank account (which must be in your name, or that of a business registered to you) for you to receive payments.

Taxi insurance for Uber drivers

Always compare Uber-recommended insurance quotes from as many providers as possible to make sure you’re not paying over the odds for your coverage.

Moreover, Private hire fleet insurance is the perfect and cheapest option for private hire firms that have their fleet of vehicles, and certainly much easier to manage.

Where does Uber operate?

Uber operates all over the UK, with new locations always springing up as the company’s success grows. You might find that in major cities, the cost of your Uber taxi insurance premium is higher than in more rural areas.

This is because there is a higher risk associated with built-up areas. However, due to the flexible nature of Uber’s ‘supply and demand pricing, it can still be a great way to make money by driving for the company.

You can drive for Uber in areas like:

  • Aylesbury
  • Belfast
  • Bath
  • Birmingham
  • Bradford
  • Brighton
  • Bristol
  • Bournemouth
  • Cambridge
  • Cardiff
  • Carlisle
  • Chester
  • Colchester
  • Coventry
  • Derby
  • Edinburgh
  • Glasgow
  • Guildford
  • High Wycombe
  • Kingston
  • Leeds
  • Leicester
  • Lincoln
  • Liverpool
  • London
  • Luton
  • Manchester
  • Middlesbrough
  • Milton Keynes
  • Newcastle
  • Norwich
  • Nottingham
  • Oxford
  • Peterborough
  • Plymouth
  • Portsmouth
  • Reading
  • Sheffield
  • Southampton
  • St Albans
  • Stoke
  • Sunderland
  • Swansea
  • Watford
  • York

 

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