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Written by Michael Foote, Insurance Expert
What is Freeway taxi insurance?
Freeway is a UK insurance broker specialising in taxi insurance for hackney carriage and private hire drivers. They arrange policies through a panel of underwriters that meet local authority licensing requirements and the Road Traffic Act.
They cover taxi drivers needing public hire or private hire insurance, including those working with ride-hailing platforms. Policies are available for various vehicle types, from saloon cars to minibuses.
Types of cover available
Freeway arranges three main levels of taxi insurance:
- Third party only: Covers damage or injury you cause to others, but not your own vehicle
- Third party, fire and theft: Adds protection if your taxi is stolen or damaged by fire
- Comprehensive: Includes all the above plus damage to your own vehicle, even if you are at fault
Most licensing authorities and ride-hailing platforms require comprehensive cover as a minimum. Check your local council’s conditions before purchasing.
Who can get a quote?
Freeway arranges cover for:
- Hackney carriage (black cab) drivers
- Private hire and minicab drivers
- Chauffeurs and executive hire drivers
- Uber drivers and other app-based operators
- Fleet operators with multiple vehicles
You need a valid private hire or hackney licence from your local authority. Policies are available for drivers with clean records or those with convictions or claims, though premiums vary considerably.
Standard policy features
Most Freeway-arranged policies include:
- Cover for fare-paying passengers
- Public liability insurance
- Employers’ liability (if you employ other drivers)
- Breakdown assistance options
- Legal expenses cover
- Hire car after accident (subject to terms)
Policy wording varies between underwriters, so read the full terms before committing. Some features may be optional extras rather than standard inclusions.
Our Expert, Michael Foote, Says:
“Always compare the actual underwriter behind your Freeway quote with other brokers’ offerings. The same insurer may quote different premiums through different brokers, and comparing both the price and the policy wording can save you hundreds of pounds each year.”
What affects your premium?
Several factors influence your premium:
- Driving history: Convictions, claims and years of experience
- Vehicle type: Higher-value cars and larger vehicles cost more to insure
- Operating area: Urban areas with higher crime or accident rates increase premiums
- Annual mileage: More miles driven increases risk
- Security measures: Alarms, immobilisers and trackers can reduce costs
- Excess amount: Higher voluntary excess lowers premiums
- Payment method: Annual payment is usually cheaper than monthly instalments
Drivers under 25 or over 75 typically face higher premiums. Having a black box fitted may help younger or newly qualified drivers access better rates.
What to check before buying
Before purchasing a Freeway policy, verify:
- Underwriter identity: Check the actual insurance company providing the cover
- Excess levels: Understand how much you will pay when claiming
- Geographical limits: Confirm the policy covers all areas where you operate
- Platform compatibility: Ensure cover is valid for any ride-hailing apps you use
- Repair options: Check whether you can use your preferred repairer
- Breakdown cover terms: Understand what assistance is included and any call-out limits
- Cancellation fees: Know the cost if you need to cancel mid-term
- Automatic renewal terms: Check whether the policy auto-renews and how to opt out
Request a specimen policy document before buying if the Key Facts document lacks sufficient detail.
Common policy exclusions
Standard exclusions to be aware of:
- Driving outside your licensed area without permission
- Using the vehicle for courier work or food delivery unless specified
- Damage caused while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Wear and tear or mechanical breakdown
- Loss of earnings (unless purchased as an add-on)
- Unattended vehicle theft if keys were left in the car
Read the exclusions section carefully. Some policies exclude cover for specific circumstances that may apply to your working pattern.
How Freeway compares to direct insurers
As a broker, Freeway searches multiple underwriters rather than offering its own insurance product. This can provide access to more competitive rates, especially for drivers with complex histories.
Direct insurers write policies themselves and may offer:
- Faster claims handling with no intermediary
- Direct relationships with the claims team
- Potentially lower costs due to no broker commission
Compare quotes from both brokers like Freeway and direct taxi insurance providers. Prices and cover levels vary significantly across the market.
Making a claim
If you need to claim:
- Contact Freeway’s claims team immediately (usually 24/7 helpline)
- Do not admit liability at the scene
- Gather evidence: photos, witness details, police reference numbers
- Report the incident to your licensing authority within required timescales
- Keep all receipts for expenses you incur
Claims are typically handled by the underwriter, but Freeway may manage the initial notification. Check your policy documents for the correct claims phone number and save it in your phone.
Paying for your policy
Payment options usually include:
- Annual lump sum: Pay the full premium upfront, usually the cheapest method
- Monthly instalments: Spread the cost but expect to pay interest (often around 20-40% APR)
Monthly payments require a credit check. If you are declined credit, you will need to pay annually. Missing instalments can result in policy cancellation and difficulty obtaining cover elsewhere.
Alternative providers worth considering
While Freeway is an established broker, always compare multiple quotes:
- Specialist taxi insurance brokers may have access to different underwriter panels
- Direct insurers that write taxi policies can sometimes offer better rates
- Comparison sites that include taxi insurance can quickly show multiple options
Obtain at least three quotes before deciding. Check reviews of both the broker and the underwriter to understand claims service quality.
Get a quote today
Finding the right taxi insurance requires comparing multiple providers and policy features. Use the quote button below to see how much you could save on your taxi insurance. Our panel of specialist insurers can provide competitive rates whether you drive a hackney carriage, private hire vehicle, or work with ride-hailing platforms. Get your personalised quotes in minutes and choose the cover that best suits your needs and budget.