Does Riviera Offer Taxi Insurance in the UK?

Written by Michael Foote, Insurance Expert

Does Riviera Offer Taxi Insurance in the UK?

Riviera Insurance is a specialist UK broker providing commercial motor policies, including taxi insurance. Operating primarily through brokers and intermediaries, Riviera offers cover for private hire, hackney carriage, and Uber drivers across the UK. The company specializes in insuring drivers who struggle to find cover elsewhere, including those with convictions, claims history, or multiple years of NCB to protect.

Who Riviera Taxi Insurance Suits

Riviera taxi insurance is designed for:

• Private hire and minicab drivers seeking comprehensive or third party cover
• Hackney carriage operators requiring public hire policies
• Drivers with motoring convictions, including DR10, SP30, or IN10 endorsements
• Those with previous claims or gaps in insurance history
• Uber drivers needing compliant hire and reward cover
• Drivers aged 21 and over (some policies may accept younger drivers depending on risk)
• Multi-vehicle taxi fleet operators seeking competitive group rates

Riviera works with a panel of insurers, enabling quotes when direct insurers decline.

Who Riviera Taxi Insurance May Not Suit

This product may not suit:

• Drivers under 21 with limited taxi driving experience
• Those with serious criminal convictions unrelated to motoring (fraud, violence)
• Drivers with multiple unspent DD or DR endorsements in the past two years
• Those seeking cover for vehicles modified beyond insurer guidelines
• Drivers without a valid UK driving licence or private hire licence
• Operators using vehicles over 15 years old (depending on insurer panel)

Common Reasons Drivers Are Declined or Pay More

Several factors increase premiums or result in declined applications:

• Motoring convictions: DR10, SP30, and CD10 codes add significant premiums, especially if within three years
• Claims history: Multiple fault claims in the past five years raise costs and may trigger referral or decline
• Age and experience: Drivers under 25 or with less than two years of taxi experience face higher premiums
• Vehicle type: High-performance or modified vehicles are often excluded or rated higher
• Postcode risk: Operating in high-crime or accident-prone areas (parts of London, Birmingham, Manchester) increases premiums
• Licence gaps: Breaks in insurance history or lapses in taxi licensing trigger referrals or declines
• Incorrect disclosure: Failing to declare convictions, claims, or modifications can void policies

Riviera may still offer terms in many scenarios, but expect higher premiums or excess levels.

What to Check Before Buying Riviera Taxi Insurance

Before committing to a Riviera policy, review:

• Policy type: Confirm you need hire and reward, public hire, or private hire cover, and ensure the policy matches your licence and operating requirements
• Excess levels: Riviera policies may carry higher excesses, particularly for younger or higher-risk drivers. Check both compulsory and voluntary excess amounts
• Convictions and claims disclosure: Declare all motoring and criminal convictions accurately. Riviera may accept these, but non-disclosure voids cover
• No claims bonus protection: Check whether your NCB can be protected and how claims affect future renewals
• Vehicle modifications: Declare any changes (cosmetic, performance, safety). Undeclared modifications invalidate claims
• Mileage limits: Confirm annual mileage limits match actual usage. Underestimating mileage leads to declined claims
• Territorial limits: Standard policies cover the UK; check if you need extended European cover for cross-channel work
• Breakdown and legal cover: Often optional extras. Consider value based on your operating area and vehicle age
• Cancellation terms: Review cancellation policy, especially if switching providers mid-term. Some policies carry high cancellation fees
• Payment options: Riviera offers monthly payment plans; check APR and total cost versus paying annually

Our Expert, Michael Foote, Says:

“Riviera is a solid option for taxi drivers turned down elsewhere, particularly with convictions or claims history. However, always compare their quote against other specialist brokers and check excess levels carefully. Some drivers find competitive premiums but face high excesses when claiming. If you operate in a high-risk postcode or have multiple endorsements, expect referral terms and be honest from the outset to avoid issues later.”

Alternatives if Riviera Taxi Insurance Isn’t Suitable

If Riviera doesn’t meet your needs or declines your application, consider:

• Aviva Taxi Insurance: Major insurer offering taxi cover through brokers, with competitive rates for cleaner driving records
• DCL Taxi Insurance: Specialist in high-risk taxi drivers, including those with convictions and complex claims histories
• Freeway Taxi Insurance: Known for flexible underwriting and competitive premiums for private hire and Uber drivers
• Specialist brokers: Use a comparison service to access multiple insurers simultaneously, particularly with convictions or in high-risk areas
• Zego or other short-term cover: For part-time drivers or flexible cover, Zego offers pay-as-you-go taxi insurance for Uber and private hire work
• Fleet policies: If operating multiple vehicles, some insurers offer better rates when insuring two or more cars under one policy

Always compare at least three quotes before committing, and ensure each policy meets your licensing and operational requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Riviera offer monthly payment plans for taxi insurance?

Yes, Riviera provides monthly payment options through finance agreements. These typically include interest, so total cost will be higher than paying annually. Check the APR and compare the total paid over 12 months versus a single upfront payment.

Can I get Riviera taxi insurance with a DR10 conviction?

Riviera regularly insures taxi drivers with DR10 (driving without insurance) convictions, though premiums will be significantly higher, especially if the conviction is recent. Expect additional referral questions and possibly higher excess levels.

Does Riviera cover Uber drivers?

Yes, Riviera offers hire and reward policies covering Uber drivers, provided you hold a valid private hire licence. Ensure your policy explicitly includes Uber work, as some insurers exclude app-based platforms.

What excess can I expect with Riviera taxi insurance?

Excess levels vary based on age, experience, convictions, and claims history. Younger drivers or those with endorsements may face compulsory excesses of £500 to £1,500 or more. Always check the policy schedule before buying.

Can I insure a taxi over 10 years old with Riviera?

Riviera works with multiple insurers, some accepting older vehicles. However, vehicles over 15 years old or not meeting local licensing standards may be declined or face higher premiums. Check with the broker before proceeding.

Does Riviera taxi insurance include breakdown cover?

Breakdown cover is typically offered as an optional extra. Given your reliance on your vehicle for income, this can be worthwhile, especially if operating in rural areas or covering high mileage.

Will Riviera insure me if I have multiple convictions?

Riviera may still offer terms with multiple convictions, but expect higher premiums, increased excesses, and possible policy restrictions. Each case is assessed individually, so full disclosure is essential.

Can I add a second driver to my Riviera taxi insurance?

Yes, you can usually add named drivers, though this affects your premium. The additional driver’s age, experience, and claims history will all factor into the price. Some policies restrict named drivers to those with their own taxi licence.

How quickly can I get cover with Riviera taxi insurance?

Riviera can often provide same-day cover if your application is straightforward. However, cases requiring referral due to convictions or claims may take 24 to 48 hours for underwriting approval.

Does Riviera offer no claims bonus protection for taxi drivers?

Yes, NCB protection is available on many Riviera policies, though it may cost extra. This allows you to make a certain number of claims without losing your no claims discount, though premiums may still increase at renewal.

Get a Taxi Insurance Quote Today

Whether you’re a private hire driver, hackney carriage operator, or working for Uber, finding the right taxi insurance is essential to protect your livelihood. Use the quote button at the bottom of the screen to compare competitive rates from specialist insurers and secure cover that meets your licensing and operational needs today.