Private Car Hire Insurance

Axel

Hi,

I have recently bought a 7 seater SUV and would like to do occasional private hires such as delivering and collecting parties of six people for nights out etc. What kind of insurance do I need to do this and do I need any special licences in addition to the insurance?

This is not a full time occupation simply an option to generate some extra retirement income.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Axel

dmbaxt

I'd suggest looking at your Local Council's website as from what I've read on ours (Dudley) you would need to be licensed with your Local Authority as a Private Hire Driver, which involves a medical and CRB check and a driving test, and have the vehicle licensed as a private hire vehicle. You may also require an operators licence for taking the bookings.

Local Councils vary in the way they do some things so I think this would be the best place for you to start.

They should also be able to help you with regard to what is required for insurance, but from what I've read you would need insurance tailored for private hire use.

Hope this helps

passatrider

You will need to get the vehicle licensed with your local Council and purchase public liability insurance - be warned it's not cheap!

You will also have to apply for a Private Hire drivers badge through your local council who deal with licensing. This includes a police check and CRB check. You may have to do a knowlege test for your local area but it depends on where you are.

Personally if you are not going to do it full time then I'd think long and hard about whether it'll be viable financially as it's a very tough business to be in.

TheBloke

You will need Private Hire insurance as what you’re proposing to do is classed as Hire & Reward, just like a taxi. In addition to the insurance requirements, your local Council will need to approve both you and your vehicle to operate on this basis. You’ll need a ‘taxi badge’ from them which confirms you are an approved taxi driver (this is subject to a CRB check amongst other things), your vehicle will have to undergo a series of stringent checks to confirm it’s fit to carry passengers and if you’re taking the fare bookings directly, you’ll also need an Operators licence from your Council.

jyotiagrawal

A private car is important to all and without it their income would be affected, you would be overcome if it was stolen or damaged. Getting a decent replacement would not be cheap and as such you need to ensure that car hire insurance cover gives you all the protection you need.[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]