Taxi breakdown cover: all you need to know

For taxi drivers, time is money. A breakdown can mean lost earnings, inconvenienced passengers, and potential damage to your reputation. That's why having comprehensive taxi breakdown cover is essential. It's a safety net designed to get you back on the road as quickly and efficiently as possible, minimising disruption to your business.

What is taxi breakdown cover?

Taxi breakdown cover is a specialised type of insurance that protects taxi and private hire vehicles in the event of a breakdown.

Unlike standard car breakdown cover, it takes into account the unique demands placed on taxis, which often cover higher mileage and operate for extended hours. This type of cover ensures that you, your vehicle, and your passengers are taken care of when the unexpected happens.

Why is taxi breakdown cover important?

Here are four reasons why taxi breakdown cover and worth adding to your wider taxi insurance policy is important:

• Minimising downtime: A breakdown can take your taxi off the road for hours, or even days. Taxi breakdown cover provides rapid assistance to diagnose and fix the problem, reducing the time you're unable to work.
• Protecting your income: Every hour your taxi is out of service is an hour of lost earnings. Breakdown cover helps you get back to work quickly, protecting your income stream.
• Passenger safety and comfort: If your taxi breaks down with passengers on board, breakdown cover ensures their safety and provides alternative transportation, maintaining your professional reputation.
• Peace of mind: Knowing you have reliable breakdown cover in place allows you to focus on your job without the constant worry of what might happen if your vehicle breaks down.

Key Features of taxi breakdown Cover

A comprehensive taxi breakdown cover policy typically includes the following features:

• Roadside Assistance: A mechanic will be dispatched to your location to attempt a roadside repair. This could include fixing a flat tyre, jump-starting a battery, or addressing minor mechanical issues.
• National Recovery: If your taxi cannot be repaired at the roadside, it will be recovered to a garage or your home address. Some policies offer nationwide recovery, meaning you can be recovered from anywhere in the UK.
• Home Start: This covers breakdowns that occur at or near your home address.
• Onward Travel: If your taxi cannot be repaired quickly, the policy may cover the cost of alternative transportation for you and your passengers to reach your destination.
• Overnight Accommodation: In some cases, if repairs take longer, the policy may provide overnight accommodation for you and your passengers.
• 24/7 Assistance: Taxi breakdown cover is typically available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, ensuring help is always at hand.
• Unlimited Callouts: Most policies offer unlimited callouts, so you can use the service as often as needed without incurring extra charges.

Levels of cover

Taxi breakdown cover is available at different levels, offering varying degrees of protection. Common levels include:

• Basic Cover: This usually includes roadside assistance and local recovery.
• Standard Cover: This typically includes roadside assistance, national recovery, and home start.
• Comprehensive Cover: This offers the most extensive protection, including all the features of standard cover, plus onward travel, overnight accommodation, and sometimes even cover for misfuelling or lost keys.

Key Considerations for Taxi Drivers

• Mileage: Taxis typically cover high mileage, so ensure the policy doesn't have any mileage restrictions.
• Operating Hours: Many taxis operate for extended hours, so 24/7 assistance is crucial.
• Passenger Safety: Consider cover that includes onward travel for passengers to minimise disruption and ensure their safety.
• Vehicle Type: Ensure the policy covers the specific type of taxi you operate (e.g., saloon, MPV, wheelchair-accessible vehicle).

Conclusion

Taxi breakdown cover is an essential investment for any taxi driver. It provides financial protection, minimises downtime, and ensures the safety and comfort of both the driver and passengers. By carefully considering your needs and choosing the right level of cover, you can drive with confidence, knowing you're protected against the unexpected.

To get a quote, you can either give us a call, submit a call-back request on our website, or visit us in your local Howden branch.

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