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Written by Michael Foote, Insurance Expert
A Plan Insurance is an established UK broker offering commercial vehicle policies, including taxi insurance. The company works with multiple underwriters to arrange cover for hackney carriage drivers, private hire operators, and chauffeur services. A Plan provides policies for part-time and full-time drivers across England, Scotland, and Wales, with comprehensive and third-party fire and theft options.
Drivers obtain quotes through A Plan’s broker network or comparison platforms. The company specialises in arranging policies for taxi drivers who struggle to find affordable cover elsewhere, including those with claims history, driving convictions, or operating in high-risk postcodes.
Who A Plan Taxi Insurance Suits
A Plan taxi insurance suits:
- Licensed hackney carriage and private hire drivers operating full-time or part-time
- Drivers with previous claims or convictions seeking competitive premiums
- Operators requiring flexible payment options, including monthly instalments
- Multi-vehicle fleet operators needing combined policies
- Chauffeur drivers transporting business clients or wedding parties
- Drivers in high-risk areas where mainstream insurers decline cover
- Those who prefer working with an experienced broker rather than direct insurers
Who It May Not Suit
A Plan taxi insurance may not suit:
- Drivers seeking the cheapest premium without broker assistance
- Those who prefer managing policies entirely online without telephone contact
- Operators with severe claims history where even specialist brokers struggle to place cover
- Drivers requiring instant cover outside normal business hours
- Those preferring policies from a single direct insurer rather than broker-arranged cover
Common Reasons Drivers Are Declined or Pay More
Several factors lead to declined applications or higher premiums:
- Multiple fault claims within the past three to five years, particularly those involving injury
- Serious driving convictions including drink-driving, dangerous driving, or driving without insurance
- Operating in postcodes with elevated theft or accident rates, particularly major city centres
- Limited taxi driving experience, especially for newly licensed drivers under 25
- Gaps in previous insurance history or undisclosed claims
- Vehicle modifications not declared to the insurer or licensing authority
- Operating outside the geographical areas specified in your licence
- Poor credit history affecting insurers’ risk assessments
- Previous insurers refusing to renew cover
Our Expert, Michael Foote, Says:
“A Plan has built a strong reputation arranging taxi insurance for drivers who find it difficult to secure cover through mainstream channels. Their broker model means they can approach multiple underwriters on your behalf, often finding a policy when direct insurers have declined. However, always compare quotes from several sources, as broker-arranged policies can carry higher premiums than direct alternatives for lower-risk drivers.”
What to Check Before Buying A Plan Taxi Insurance
Before committing to a policy through A Plan, verify:
- Licence compatibility: Confirm the policy covers your specific licence type, whether hackney carriage, private hire, or chauffeur
- Geographical limits: Check the policy covers all areas where you intend to operate
- Business use restrictions: Understand any limits on working hours, booking types, or platforms like Uber
- Excess amounts: Review both compulsory and voluntary excess levels, which significantly affect claim costs
- Courtesy car provision: Determine whether a replacement vehicle is included during repairs
- Protected no claims discount: Establish if your no claims bonus is safeguarded after a claim
- Payment terms: Understand the total cost when paying monthly versus annually
- Policy exclusions: Read the exclusions section carefully, particularly regarding passenger liability and uninsured losses
- Underwriter details: Know which insurance company ultimately provides the cover
- Cancellation terms: Check any fees or restrictions if you need to cancel mid-term
Alternatives if A Plan Isn’t Suitable
If A Plan cannot offer competitive cover or declines your application, consider:
- Aviva taxi insurance, a direct insurer with established taxi products
- Specialist taxi insurance brokers who work with different underwriter panels
- DCL taxi insurance, known for covering higher-risk drivers
- Regional brokers with local market knowledge who may access different insurers
- Comparison services that search multiple providers simultaneously
- Pay-per-hour insurance platforms for occasional taxi work rather than annual policies
- Trade associations offering group schemes with negotiated rates
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get A Plan taxi insurance with driving convictions?
Yes, A Plan arranges cover for drivers with various convictions. However, serious offences like drink-driving or driving without insurance will significantly increase premiums and may limit available underwriters. Convictions remain relevant for three to five years depending on severity.
Does A Plan offer temporary taxi insurance?
A Plan primarily arranges annual policies rather than short-term or temporary cover. For occasional taxi work, consider hourly insurance platforms or short-term specialist policies designed for irregular use.
Can I add multiple vehicles to an A Plan taxi policy?
Yes, A Plan arranges multi-vehicle fleet policies for operators running several taxis. Combining vehicles under one policy often provides better rates than insuring each separately, though this depends on driver experience and claims history.
What excess will I pay on an A Plan taxi policy?
Excess amounts vary based on your age, experience, claims history, and the underwriter providing cover. Typical compulsory excess ranges from £250 to £1,000, with additional voluntary excess options available to reduce premiums.
Does A Plan taxi insurance include breakdown cover?
Breakdown cover is not automatically included but can often be added for an additional premium. Given the commercial nature of taxi work, comprehensive breakdown cover with priority response is worth considering.
Can I insure a wheelchair-accessible vehicle through A Plan?
Yes, A Plan arranges cover for wheelchair-accessible vehicles and adapted taxis. These vehicles may attract higher premiums due to increased values and specialist repair requirements.
Will A Plan insure me if I drive for Uber?
A Plan can arrange policies covering private hire work including app-based platforms. You must declare all booking methods when applying, as failure to disclose platform work can invalidate claims.
How quickly can A Plan arrange taxi insurance?
Once your application is accepted and payment processed, cover can typically start the same day or next day. However, processing times vary depending on underwriter requirements and whether additional documentation is needed.
Does A Plan offer legal expenses cover?
Legal expenses cover is often available as an optional extra. This covers legal costs for claims including licence disputes, passenger injury claims, and employment issues, which can be valuable for professional drivers.
Can I pay monthly for A Plan taxi insurance?
Yes, monthly payment plans are available through finance agreements. Be aware that paying monthly costs more overall than paying annually due to interest charges, typically adding 15-20% to the total premium.
Get Your Taxi Insurance Quote Today
Finding the right taxi insurance requires comparing multiple providers to secure comprehensive cover at a competitive price. Whether A Plan suits your circumstances or you need alternatives, obtaining quotes from several sources helps you make an informed decision. Use the quote button below to compare taxi insurance rates from leading UK providers tailored to your specific requirements.