Are you a London local planning to drive in the city? Or a foreigner, looking for a legal way to drive in London? In this blog, you will find comprehensive information on the essential things to know about PCO car hire with insurance, including requirements, licences, vehicle essentials, and more.
What is PCO Car Hire with Insurance?
Did you know, according to taxipoint, as per the TfL’s latest report for 2024/25, there are 106,468 licensed private hire drivers in London. Therefore, the need for ready to drive, fully licenced vehicles is skyrocketing in demand. But buying your car can be expensive and time-consuming in London. This is when the PCO cars with insurance come in. A PCO car is a vehicle passed by the TfL, qualified for the pollution test and is ready to be driven on the roads of London.
Benefits of Hiring an Insured PCO Car:
Hiring a PCO car with insurance in London comes with a lot of benefits, specifically when you are planning to drive an Uber or blot in the city. The following are the benefits of getting a PCO insurance car in London:
- You don’t have to buy your car
- No struggle to get insurance separately
- Fully compliant with Uber and Bolt like ride-hailing apps.
- Save upfront costs
- Maintenance and MOT included
Let’s get into the details of these benefits:
No Need to Invest in a Personal Vehicle:
When you hire the PCO licenced and fully insured vehicles, it saves you from the hassle of buying your own car, which can be very expensive. This is how you can avoid a huge financial burden. And instead of buying your car, you can opt for the more reliable and affordable PCO car hire with insurance option.
No separate insurances required:
In the big city of London, getting a car insured can be very difficult. And without insurance, it is illegal to drive in London. Therefore, hiring an insured vehicle can save you from a lot of problems on the road.
The following are the situations you can avoid by getting the best PCO car hire with insurance in London:
Hire and reward insurance:
This is the most essential type of insurance you must have to drive for ride hailing apps like Uber or Bolt in London. Without it, you’re not legally allowed to pick up passengers, and driving without it can result in fines or a suspension of your PCO licence. It covers you when you’re driving passengers for payment, hence the name “hire and reward.” According to transport for london, TfL mandates this insurance at the point of vehicle licensing and throughout the vehicle’s licensed period
Public liability Insurance:
In a busy and unpredictable city like London, accidents can happen at any time, especially when dealing with passengers. Public liability insurance covers injuries or damage caused to passengers, pedestrians, or other third parties. It’s a critical layer of protection that ensures you’re not held personally liable for any accidental harm caused during your rides.
Fully Comprehensive Cover:
This type of insurance offers the highest level of protection. It covers your vehicle in case of accidents, fire, theft, and even vandalism. If you’re involved in a road accident, both your car and your passengers are covered under this plan. It gives you complete peace of mind, whether you’re parked or on the move.
Saves upfront cost:
When you are booking or hiring a fully insured vehicle, it is not just saving you from the later damages or concerns; in fact, it is helping you save the upfront costs you would be paying in getting the insurance separately as well.
Maintenance and MOT included:
Most of the companies providing PCO car hire with insurance in the UK ensure that the maintenance of vehicles and the MOTs are also taken care of. Therefore, you can just focus on driving, leaving everything far behind.
Types of Cars Available: From Ford Galaxy to Hyundai Ioniq
Where the selection of the correct PCO vehicle is concerned, drivers will seek comfort, fuel consumption, and extensive coverage. At Zoom PCO Hire, you will get a wide variety of vehicles to choose from, as per your needs and requirements. If you need more space for Uber XL or airport runs, PCO car hire Ford Galaxy with insurance is a solid option. Its 7-seater cabin design, large cupboard space, and automatic transmission also make it good for any individual who values comfort for passengers. On the other hand, if fuel economy and hybrid efficiency matter more to you, the PCO car hire Hyundai Ioniq with insurance makes a perfect match. The Ioniq uses electric power and a petrol backup, so you can keep running expenses down while remaining ULEZ-friendly. Hackney carriages and private hire cars are normally provided fully insured, which includes hire and reward, public liability and comprehensive damage to allow you to get started earning without any paperwork or concerns about risk.
Can You Get PCO Car Hire with No Deposit?
If you are on a budget and looking for something even cheaper, you can get the best PCO car hire with insurance and no deposit. Yes, you heard it right, some companies are offering the no deposit scheme. Especially when you qualify their eligibility criteria, their weekly payments or some of their special schemes like monthly car rental or rent to buy car schemes.
Where to Find Trusted Car Hire Deals Online?
If you’re new to London or just starting your driving journey, finding a reliable and budget-friendly rental platform can feel overwhelming. Websites like Gumtree and Trustpilot are great starting points to explore real user experiences and local deals. These platforms help you connect with verified car hire providers, compare prices, read honest reviews, and avoid scams. Hence, making your search for the right vehicle safer and smoother. According to the verified reviews on Trustpilot, established hire providers such as G&M Direct Hire and Virtual Car Hire consistently receive positive feedback on Trustpilot, praising their professionalism, transparency, and smooth user experience.
Checklist Before You Hire a PCO licenced vehicle
Based on all the information discussed above, the following are a few things you need to consider before getting into hiring a PCO car in London.
- Type of insurance included (Comprehensive or not)
- PHV licence status of the vehicle
- Weekly rental cost and hidden charges
- Deposit required (if any)
- Car condition (mileage, age, service history)
- MOT and maintenance coverage
- Uber/Bolt compliance
- Mileage limit or unlimited mileage
- Replacement policy in case of breakdown
- Contract terms & cancellation policy
Closing views: Your Easiest Route to Start Earning
PCO car hire with insurance in UK is your easiest way to start earning. Especially in the city of London, buying a vehicle based on the requirements can cost you so much, and the cheaper PCO car hire with insurance is the best alternative to that. Hence proving it to be the best alternative for that.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to arrange separate insurance when hiring a PCO car?
No, if you go for an insured PCO car, essential insurance types are already included in the rental.
Who is responsible for maintenance and MOT?
Most PCO rental providers, including Zoom PCO hire provide regular maintenance and MOT in their packages, so you don’t have to worry about it.
Are all PCO hire cars eligible for platforms like Uber and Bolt?
Only vehicles approved by TfL and holding a valid PHV licence are eligible for ride-hailing apps.
Is a deposit always required to hire a PCO car?
Not necessarily. Some companies offer no-deposit plans depending on your eligibility or rental terms.
What happens if the car breaks down while I’m working?
Many providers offer breakdown support or replacement vehicles to ensure minimal disruption to your work.
Are there any hidden charges in PCO car hire plans?
It depends on the company. Always read the rental agreement carefully and ask upfront about any additional costs.
Is there a mileage cap with rental cars?
Both capped and unlimited mileage plans are available. Check with your provider to see which option suits your needs.
