PCO Car Insurance

PCO insurance is the everyday name for private hire (hire and reward) insurance held by drivers licensed by Transport for London's Public Carriage Office — now TfL Taxi and Private Hire. It is the insurance you legally need to carry paying passengers in a PCO-licensed vehicle in London. Standard car insurance does not cover this work.

Essentially yes. "PCO insurance" is the London term for private hire insurance, because London drivers are licensed through TfL (historically the Public Carriage Office). The policy itself is a hire and reward private hire policy — the same class of insurance used by minicab drivers elsewhere in the UK.

London premiums are typically higher than the UK average because of traffic density, theft rates, and claims costs in the capital. Your price depends on your age, driving history, vehicle, postcode, and experience. As a specialist broker we search multiple markets to find competitive options for London drivers. Call 01733 263311 for a tailored quote.

Yes. Uber requires every London driver to hold a TfL private hire driver licence, drive a PCO-licensed vehicle, and carry valid hire and reward insurance. Uber's own cover only supplements your policy while the app is on — your own private hire policy is a legal requirement.

Often yes, though first-year premiums are higher and insurer choice is narrower. Some markets recognise private car no claims bonus, and telematics options can help. Acceptance is subject to underwriting and each insurer's criteria — speak to our team about your circumstances.

Most private hire policies include social, domestic, and pleasure use alongside hire and reward, so you can use the car privately as well. Always check the certificate and policy wording for the exact classes of use.