Save time and money
Written by Michael Foote, Insurance Expert
What is Cover My Cab?
Cover My Cab is a UK taxi insurance broker that connects drivers with specialist insurers offering cover for private hire, hackney carriage, and minicab operations. Rather than providing insurance directly, they search across multiple underwriters to find policies matching your specific requirements and risk profile.
The broker works with drivers holding valid taxi licences who need comprehensive, third party fire and theft, or third party only cover. They handle standard taxi operations and more complex cases, including drivers with claims history, convictions, or those operating in higher-risk postcodes.
Who Cover My Cab Suits
This broker typically works well for:
- Newly licensed taxi drivers seeking their first policy
- Drivers with 1-3 years of claims-free taxi driving experience
- Those operating both hackney and private hire vehicles
- Multi-vehicle fleet operators requiring several policies
- Drivers who need flexible payment arrangements
- Those working in areas where direct insurers decline cover
Who Should Look Elsewhere
Cover My Cab may not be the best fit if:
- You have multiple recent taxi claims (3+ in two years)
- You hold more than 9 penalty points for serious motoring offences
- Your licence has been revoked or suspended in the past 12 months
- You require same-day cover with instant documentation
- You prefer dealing directly with an insurer rather than through a broker
- You need specialist cover for executive chauffeur services with high-value vehicles
Common Reasons Drivers Are Declined or Pay More
Several factors can result in higher premiums or outright declinations:
- Recent fault claims, particularly those involving injuries or significant property damage
- Convictions for drink or drug driving within the past five years
- Operating in postcodes with high theft or accident rates
- Gaps in continuous taxi insurance cover exceeding 30 days
- Modifications to your vehicle not declared to your previous insurer
- Working for multiple operators or platforms without proper disclosure
- Age and experience (newly qualified drivers under 25 typically face higher costs)
- Vehicle age, especially models over 10 years old with higher mileage
What to Check Before Buying
Before committing to any policy through Cover My Cab, verify these details:
Policy Limits and Excesses
Confirm the compulsory excess, voluntary excess, and any additional young driver or inexperienced driver excess that applies to your circumstances. Check public liability limits meet your local licensing authority requirements (typically £1 million minimum, though some areas require £5 million).
Cover Scope
Ensure the policy covers your specific operation type. If you work for Uber or other ride-hailing platforms, confirm the policy explicitly includes app-based work. Verify whether private use is included or if you need a separate policy for non-taxi driving.
Territorial Limits
Most policies cover England, Scotland, and Wales by default, but European cover may cost extra or be excluded entirely. Check if your policy includes breakdown cover or if you need to arrange this separately.
Payment Terms
Understand the total cost, including interest if paying monthly. Clarify cancellation terms and any fees for mid-term adjustments like adding drivers or changing vehicles.
Claims Process
Ask how claims are handled, whether you deal with the broker or directly with the insurer, and what the typical settlement timeframe looks like.
Our Expert, Michael Foote, Says:
“Brokers like Cover My Cab can save you significant time by searching multiple insurers at once, but always read the policy document yourself before committing. I’ve seen drivers assume their cover includes certain protections, only to discover exclusions when they need to claim. Take ten minutes to review the wording, especially around geographic limits and driver restrictions.”
Alternatives if Cover My Cab Isn’t Suitable
If Cover My Cab cannot provide competitive cover or declines your application, consider these options:
Direct Specialist Insurers
Several insurers offer taxi insurance directly without broker involvement. Aviva provides taxi cover for drivers with clean records, while specialist providers focus on higher-risk profiles.
Other Brokers
Competing brokers may have access to different insurer panels or negotiate better terms for your specific situation. Obtain at least three quotes before deciding.
Schemes for Declined Drivers
If standard insurers decline cover, specialist schemes exist for drivers with complex histories, though premiums will be higher. Your licensing authority may have a list of insurers willing to cover difficult cases.
Minicab Insurance Specialists
If you operate exclusively as a private hire driver rather than hackney carriage, some insurers specialise in this narrower market and may offer better rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I insure a taxi if I’ve only just passed my test?
Most insurers require at least 12 months of driving experience before providing taxi cover, though some brokers can find policies for newly qualified drivers at higher premiums.
Does Cover My Cab offer temporary taxi insurance?
Temporary taxi cover is rare in the UK market. Most policies run for 12 months, though some insurers offer monthly rolling contracts with notice periods.
Will my premium decrease after a year without claims?
Typically yes, provided you’ve maintained continuous cover. Each claims-free year builds your no-claims discount, usually up to a maximum of five years.
Can I add another driver to my policy mid-term?
Most policies allow this, though you’ll pay an additional premium and possibly an administration fee. The added driver must meet the insurer’s acceptance criteria.
What happens if I don’t declare a conviction?
Failing to disclose convictions can void your policy entirely. If you claim and the insurer discovers undisclosed convictions, they can refuse payment and cancel your cover.
Do I need different insurance for airport work?
Not usually, provided your standard taxi policy covers your licensed area. However, some airports require additional permits or licensing that may affect your insurance.
Can I switch insurers mid-policy?
Yes, but you’ll typically face cancellation fees from your current insurer. Calculate whether the saving with a new insurer outweighs these fees before switching.
What’s the difference between a broker and comparison site?
Brokers like Cover My Cab negotiate with insurers on your behalf and can handle complex cases. Comparison sites show prices but don’t negotiate or provide advice.
Will modifications affect my premium?
Yes. Any modifications must be declared, including wheelchair access ramps, security features, or cosmetic changes. Some modifications increase premiums; others may reduce them.
How quickly can I get cover?
Most brokers can arrange cover within 24-48 hours once you’ve provided all required documentation. Same-day cover is possible but less common for new customers.
Get Your Taxi Insurance Quote Today
Finding the right taxi insurance requires comparing multiple options to ensure you get appropriate cover at a competitive price. Use the quote button below to compare policies from specialist insurers and brokers who understand the unique demands of taxi work. The process takes minutes, and you’ll receive quotes tailored to your specific operation and driving history.