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Charlotte Simpson
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29, March 2024
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Time to read:
3 mins
What Insurance Do I Need To Be an Uber Taxi Driver?
With over 5 million (and counting) passengers and 100,000 drivers on the Uber app, it has emerged as a major player in the taxi industry.
Here, we’ll explore what you need to know about Uber and insurance.
Main Points:
- Uber drivers need private hire taxi insurance.
- ‘Uber-approved’ insurers use ‘Instadoc’ for easier document verification.
- Some drivers, depending on their area, may need ‘Uber-approved’ insurance.
- There are a limited amount of ‘Uber-approved’ insurers.
- Uber is a ‘ride-sharing app’ with a different business model than standard taxis.
Do I need specialist taxi insurance to work as an Uber taxi driver?
As an Uber taxi driver, you will need specialist private hire taxi insurance as your work involves collecting passengers for pre-booked journeys.
Standard private car insurance or van insurance is not enough to cover the risks associated with carrying passengers for hire and reward.
What type of insurance do I need to be an Uber taxi driver?
Depending on where your business will operate, Uber can have specific insurance requirements for drivers.
Originally, drivers just needed standard private hire insurance. However, Uber released a list of ‘Uber approved’ insurers in December 2021 for their London-based drivers.
The list contained just eight insurance companies.
The introduction of Uber’s Instadoc system was the reason behind these changes. This new system makes it simpler for Uber to approve a driver’s documents by allowing them to get insurance documents straight from a driver’s insurer.
Which Uber-approved insurers do you work with?
Our insurance experts can cover you with policies from Kinetiq and INSHUR, which are both ‘Uber-approved’ insurance providers.
If you’re looking for Uber taxi insurance, call our team on 08000815113 to get things moving so we can get you on the road with the policy you need.
What do I need to be an Uber taxi driver?
To drive for Uber, you’ll need to meet their requirements and go through a registration process.
You’ll need:
- To be at least 21 years old.
- Hold a valid UK driver’s licence.
- Have at least one year of driving experience.
- An ‘Uber accepted’ vehicle.
- A private hire licence from your local council.
- Private hire taxi insurance from an ‘Uber-approved’ insurer.
- An account on the Uber app.
- To complete their driver application form.
- Submit proof of your driver’s licence, insurance, and proof of vehicle ownership.
What is the difference between an Uber and a taxi?
Uber is classed as a ‘ride-sharing’ service. While it is basically a private hire taxi service where customers pre-book a trip with their driver, the company’s business model is slightly different.
Local authorities regulate standard taxi companies with private and public hire drivers. The rates are usually set at a baseline standard unless the driver works for public hire and uses a meter.
However, Uber doesn’t operate the same way behind the scenes since it’s an app. It allows independent private-hire taxi drivers to operate their businesses and gain customers via the app. The fare will depend on the demand in an area, the distance, and even the time of day.
Taxi insurance at One Sure
If you’re looking for taxi insurance or Uber-approved insurance, you’re in the right place. Our insurance experts will handle all your policy needs so you can focus on your next trip and lot of passengers. Call us on 08000815113 to get a quote on your private hire insurance for Uber drivers.
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