What is private hire insurance for Uber Drivers?

We should all be familiar with Uber by now. They created an app that enabled the general public to book a hire vehicle. It has caused a lot of disruption to traditional taxi firms. Uber driver partners need to take out PHV insurance. This is a requirement of the law in the UK. PHV stands for private hire vehicle. Uber in the UK does not provide Uber insurance.

What is the difference between a private hire Uber taxi and a regular taxi?

It is true both take passengers to their desired destinations for reward, but it is how the customers choose the taxi is where the difference lies. A taxi can be hailed by a customer on the street or curb. The private hire and Uber taxi drivers have to be contacted in advance by a customer via a dispatcher or app for them to be picked up.

How many seats for passengers can the vehicle have?

The standard private hire insurance Uber policy is designed for a vehicle that has 4 seats for passengers and 1 for the driver. For Uber drivers that operate minivans or another type of vehicle that has more than 4 open seats for passengers to occupy, special policies for that type of vehicle need to be taken out so the vehicle and passengers will be covered.

What is in the Private hire insurance Uber policy?

There are two types of cover the Uber driver will need to be legally operating on the roads in the UK. These types include road risk and public liability cover.

truck driving safety tips | MultiQuoteTIme

Truck Driving Safety Tips

Driving a truck can be a challenging job and comes with risks. These risks can be increased if working if severe climate conditions or working extra hours. The chances of being involved in any road accident can be minimised by taking the following steps. If these are followed and you make less claims you should also benefit from lower truck insurance costs.

Ensure your truck is safe to drive

You should be familiar with the truck assigned to you and ensure that you take care of it as though it were your own. You should also inspect your truck regularly. Before embarking on any trip, ensure that you inspect it, checking the brakes, oil, water, and lights, among other important parts to ensure that they are in the best working condition or level.

Carrying out quick and simple checks will reduce accidents that could have been prevented by a simple safety check.

Air Brake Check : Before embarking on a comprehensive brake test make sure your truck is on level ground with the park brake set. This is not an easy test, but worth taking time to learn the process for your ongoing safety.
Reduce Blind Spots: Driving a truck carrying huge containers compromises your vision of areas such as the back of the truck and immediately below the windshield. Statistics indicate that many truck-related accidents are caused by other vehicles approaching these blind spots.
Plan safety routes and secure cargo : Select the safest routes that have less pedestrians and vehicle traffic to use on your trip. It is also best to choose a route that is more familiar to you. To enhance safety, never overload your truck. You should also ensure that the load is properly secured. The outcome of not securing the cargo can be often be witnessed on the motorways. Proper loading and securing also helps to maintain balance when you turning at sharp corners and tight curves.
Drive at an appropriate speed to the prevailing conditions : Drive the truck at a safe speed especially in high traffic areas and when turning. The weight of the truck has an impact on its momentum so you should always slow down well in advance when braking and turning. You can also enhance your safety and that of other road users by not tailgating. Keep a safe distance from the car in front of you.
Make other drivers aware of your intentions : Use all the signals that you have at your disposal. This includes lights and hand signals to alert other drivers of your intentions. You can also use stickers or paint warnings on the sides and rear of the truck so that other drivers are informed to take necessary caution.

Please refer to the full drivers walkaround guide for recovery vehicle operations published by the Vehicle & Operators Service Agency

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