Motor Excess Insurance for Taxi & Private Hire Drivers

 

Protect your profits from big excess bills.

 

Running a taxi, minicab, or black cab is not cheap. Insurance premiums can be high, especially for private hire or black cab use. Whether you are a sole operator, work for a local company, Uber or Bolt, having the correct insurance is a legal requirement. 

 

If you're involved in a claim, your insurer may charge a large excess, often hundreds of pounds, before they pay a penny. This is the amount you will have to pay first, to any claim you make on your insurance policy. 

 

Motor Excess Insurance can refund that cost, so you're not out of pocket.    

 

Whether you drive a black cab or minicab or work for an app-based private hire platform, it can be a smart way to reduce financial risk.

 

Why taxi drivers may need Motor Excess Insurance

 

Any claim on your insurance could cost you a lot more than lost income.

 

Many taxi insurance policies have high excess levels, particularly for drivers with less experience or those based in busy urban areas.

 

It's not uncommon to see excess amounts of £500, £1,000 or even more.

 

If you make a claim and your insurer applies an excess, you may have to pay it upfront. That could be a significant financial blow, especially if you're self-employed.

 

Motor Excess Insurance steps in to refund the amount you've paid up to your selected policy limit. So you can focus on getting back on the road rather than worrying about how to cover the cost.

 

Who is this cover for?

 

This policy is designed for:

• UK-based taxi, black cab and private hire drivers
• Those with valid UK or internationally recognised driving licences
• Drivers named on a valid comprehensive motor insurance policy
• Drivers of black cabs, minicabs, MPVs or cars used for taxi or ride-hailing services

 

Use type matters – the policy must be declared for "Black Cab, Taxi, Public or Private Hire" use at the time of the motor excess policy purchase or renewal.

 

What does Motor Excess Insurance cover?

• The full combined excess (compulsory + voluntary) on your main motor insurance
• Accidents, fire, theft, vandalism
• Fault and non-fault claims
• Taxi/private hire use (if declared at purchase)
• EU and EEA trips (up to 90 days per year)

 

Non-fault claims: If your insurer hasn't recovered your excess from the at-fault party after 6 months, you can still claim under this policy.

 

What isn't covered

• Claims made during the 14-day waiting period (unless the policy is a renewal or purchased alongside a motor policy or another Total Loss GAP product)
• Any incident not covered by the main motor insurer
• Windscreen/glass-only claims
• Misfuelling or mechanical breakdowns
• Use for racing, rallying, or motor trade purposes
• Claims not submitted within 31 days of your motor insurance settlement
• Claims that exceed your annual limit

 

How it works – a simple process

1. Make a claim on your taxi insurance
2. Pay the excess required
3. Once your insurer settles, submit your claim to us
   • You'll need your excess receipt, settlement letter, and policy documents to the claims team (How to make a claim)
4. We refund the excess amount up to your policy limit

 

FAQs for Taxi Drivers & Motor Excess Cover

 

Can I get cover as a self-employed private hire driver?

Yes, as long as your use type is declared correctly as 'taxi' and you're named on the taxi motor insurance.

 

Will this cover all named drivers on the policy?

Yes, all named drivers aged 17 and above with valid licences are covered, provided the vehicle and use type match the policy terms.

 

What if I already have GAP Insurance?

GAP Insurance might include a small excess contribution (£250), but it only applies in total loss cases. Motor Excess cover fills the gap for other claims (e.g. repairs, vandalism).

 

What if it's not my fault? Do I still claim?

Yes, if your insurer has charged you the excess. If they don't recover it after 6 months, your excess policy allows you to claim it back.

 

How long is the cover valid for?

Policies last for 12 months or until the annual claim limit is reached. They do not auto-renew.

 

Why choose Total Loss GAP?

• Underwritten by Collinson Insurance (Astrenska Insurance Ltd) - a UK insurer
• Claims handled by Davies Group
• FCA-regulated and FSCS-protected
• Covers taxi and private hire use from day one (if declared)
• Transparent pricing with no hidden fees

 

Get started today

 

Prices start from £18.99 per year, including Insurance Premium Tax.   

 

Select a policy limit that aligns with your excess and usage, and protect yourself from unexpected bills.

 

Buy online in minutes and protect your earnings.