What happens if I'm caught picking up street fares on private hire insurance?
You'd be working outside your licence and your insurance, which can mean an invalid policy, prosecution, fines, licence points and putting your taxi badge at risk.
Why street fares need public hire
Private hire work must be pre-booked through a licensed operator. Only a hackney carriage (public hire) licence lets you accept fares hailed in the street or from a rank.
If you pick up a street fare on a private hire licence and policy, the consequences can be serious:
- Your insurance may not respond to a claim, leaving you liable
- You can be prosecuted for plying for hire without the right licence
- You risk fines, licence endorsements and council action against your badge
If you want to accept street hails, you need a hackney carriage licence and matching public hire insurance. Compare cover that suits the type of work you do so you stay both legal and properly insured.
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Can private hire drivers ever accept a flag-down fare?
No. Private hire must always be booked in advance through a licensed operator, even if a passenger approaches you directly.
Will my insurer pay out if I had a street fare on board?
If you were working outside your licence, the insurer could refuse the claim, leaving you to cover the costs yourself.
How do I legally pick up street fares?
You need a hackney carriage (public hire) licence and public hire insurance, which allows ranks and street hails.