Temporary taxi insurance from 7 to 28 days
Temporary taxi insurance arranged by insurd, provided through
A better way to insure your taxi for the short term
Taxi drivers know that flexibility is part of the job. Whether you’re just starting out and want to see if the trade suits you, picking up extra shifts during a busy season, or you’re a part-time driver who only works weekends and specific events, an annual policy isn’t always the best fit.
At insurd, we’re an FCA-regulated specialist insurance broker with over 50 years of experience arranging taxi insurance. For short-term taxi cover, we work with GoShorty, specialist short-term vehicle insurance providers, to get you fully comprehensive cover in under 2 minutes.
Whether you’re a private hire driver or a hackney carriage driver, we make it straightforward to get legally covered for the work ahead.
Flexible durations — 7, 14, 21 or 28 days
Choose from different fixed policy durations, giving you the flexibility to match your cover precisely to the period you need it. Whether you’re covering a week of extra shifts or a full month of work, there’s a duration that fits.
Passengers and deliveries covered
The policy covers the carriage of passengers for hire and reward, and also includes food and parcel delivery — so you can switch between taxi work and courier work within the same policy without needing separate cover.
No black box or cameras required
Unlike some taxi insurance products, this policy does not require the installation of a black box or dashcam. Get covered and get on the road without the additional setup.
What does temporary taxi insurance cover?
All temporary taxi policies are fully comprehensive — accidental damage, theft, fire and third party liability are all included as standard.*
Accidental damage
If your taxi is damaged in an accident, comprehensive cover means the vehicle can be repaired or replaced — whether it was your fault or not.*
Private and public hire
The policy is valid for both private hire (pre-booked journeys) and public hire (hackney carriage drivers hailed on the street). Cover for vehicles with up to 7 passengers.*
Carriage of passengers for hire and reward
The policy covers the legal carriage of passengers in exchange for payment — the core requirement for all licensed taxi and private hire drivers.*
Food and parcel delivery
As well as passenger transport, the policy covers food and parcel delivery for hire and reward — you can switch to courier work during quieter periods without needing a separate policy.*
£5 million public liability
£5 million public liability cover is included as standard — providing protection in the event of injury to passengers or members of the public.*
No-claims bonus protected
Because this is a standalone policy, any claim made under your temporary taxi cover should not affect the no-claims bonus on your existing annual policy.*
* Subject to your chosen level of policy cover and GoShorty’s policy terms and conditions.
When do you need temporary taxi insurance?
Short-term taxi insurance is designed for the real-world situations licensed drivers face. Here are the most common reasons people get covered:
Starting out as a taxi driver
If you’ve recently passed your local knowledge test, completed your medical, or received your taxi badge for the first time, temporary cover is a cost-effective way to begin working without committing to a full annual policy. Test the trade, build experience, and take out annual cover once you’re established.
Seasonal peaks and busy periods
Christmas, school runs, summer holidays and major events see a surge in demand for taxis. Many experienced drivers use temporary taxi insurance specifically to cover these high-earning windows, keeping costs down during quieter months.
Part-time or weekend driving
If taxi or private hire work is a second income and you only drive a few days a week or on specific weekends, paying for year-round annual cover doesn’t make financial sense. Short-term policies let you pay for exactly the days you work.
Covering a gap between annual policies
If your annual taxi insurance has lapsed, is being renewed, or you’re switching provider, temporary cover ensures you remain legally insured to carry passengers throughout the transition.
Switching between passengers and deliveries
The policy covers both passenger transport and food or parcel delivery for hire and reward. If you want the flexibility to do both during the same period of cover, you don’t need two separate policies.
Driving a replacement or temporary vehicle
If your usual taxi is off the road for repairs, temporary insurance lets you cover a replacement vehicle for the exact period you need it.
What is temporary taxi insurance?
Temporary taxi insurance — also called short-term taxi insurance — is a fully comprehensive motor insurance policy covering a licensed taxi or private hire vehicle for a defined short period. Unlike an annual policy, you choose a fixed duration of 7, 14, 21 or 28 days and pay only for that period, with no long-term commitment.
It works as a standalone policy, entirely separate from any existing annual insurance you may hold. This means the no-claims bonus on your main annual policy is protected — even if you need to make a claim on your temporary cover.
Temporary taxi insurance is specifically underwritten for licensed taxi and private hire work, which means it includes the hire and reward cover that standard temporary car insurance does not. If you drive passengers or carry parcels and food in exchange for payment, you cannot use a standard short-term car policy — you need a product that explicitly covers that use, which is what this policy provides.
Please note: this product covers the majority of councils in England, Wales and Scotland. PCO (London) regions are not currently covered.
What is temporary private hire insurance?
Temporary private hire insurance is another term for short-term taxi insurance as it applies to pre-booked private hire vehicles — Uber-style or minicab services that cannot be hailed on the street. The same policy covers both private hire and hackney carriage (public hire) drivers. If you’re a private hire driver looking for short-term cover, this is the product for you.
What other types of temporary insurance does insurd offer?
Temporary taxi and private hire insurance is just one of the short-term policies we arrange. If you need short-term cover for a different vehicle type, insurd arranges the following:
- Temporary car insurance — fully comprehensive short-term cover for cars from 1 hour to 28 days.
- Temporary van insurance — fully comprehensive short-term cover for vans from 1 hour to 28 days, including business use.
- Temporary motorhome insurance — short-term cover for motorhomes, ideal for holidays, one-off trips or seasonal use.
- Temporary campervan insurance — flexible short-term cover for campervans from 1 to 28 days.
- Impounded vehicle insurance – specialist 30-day cover to release your vehicle from a police compound, for cars, vans and more.
If you need longer-term cover, we also arrange annual taxi insurance — speak to our specialist team to find the right policy for you.
Am I eligible for temporary taxi insurance?
The eligibility criteria for temporary taxi insurance are set by the underwriting provider. Please check these carefully — they differ from standard temporary car insurance.
Driver eligibility
- You must hold a full UK driving licence, held for a minimum of 2 years
- For 7, 14 and 21-day policies: drivers must be aged 30 to 74
- For 28-day policies: drivers aged 23 to 75 are accepted
- You must hold a valid taxi badge issued by a local authority
- Drivers with up to 9 penalty points in the last 3 years are considered
- Drivers with up to 2 claims in the last 3 years are considered
* The age range differs depending on the policy duration you choose. Drivers aged 23–29 are only eligible for the 28-day policy option.
Vehicle eligibility
- The vehicle must be plated by the same local authority that issued your taxi badge
- Maximum vehicle value £50,000
- Up to 8 seats including the driver’s seat (up to 7 passengers)
- You must own the vehicle outright or have an official leasing agreement in your own name
- PCO (London) regions are not currently covered
* This policy covers the majority of local authority licensing areas in England, Wales and Scotland. PCO (London) regions are not currently covered. If you are based in London or unsure whether your local authority is covered, contact our team on 0345 222 6318, we’ll help find the right option for you.
How much does temporary taxi insurance cost?
The cost of temporary taxi insurance varies depending on your personal details, driving history, location, and the vehicle you’re insuring. Taxi insurance is typically priced at a premium compared to standard car insurance, reflecting the higher time on the road and commercial nature of the work.
Factors that affect the price include:
- Your age and which policy duration you choose
- Your location — drivers in busy city centres typically pay more
- Your driving history and any penalty points or claims
- The make, model and value of your vehicle (maximum £50,000)
- Whether you need passenger transport, delivery work, or both
For part-time or seasonal drivers, short-term cover for the specific weeks you work can be significantly more cost-effective than maintaining year-round annual cover. The most accurate way to find your price is to complete a quote above — it takes under 2 minutes.
* Pricing is calculated dynamically at the time of quote. Enter your reg above for an accurate figure.
How to get temporary taxi insurance through insurd
Step 1 — Enter your reg and get a quote: Use the quote tool above. Enter the registration number of the taxi or private hire vehicle you want to insure. Complete the short online form with your personal details, taxi badge information and chosen duration — it takes under 2 minutes.
Step 2 — Choose your duration and pay: Select from 7, 14, 21 or 28 days of cover. Review your quote, pay securely online, and your policy documents are emailed to you immediately.
Step 3 — Get driving: Your cover starts at the time you selected. Keep your documents accessible while working. Cover ends automatically at the end of your chosen period — no renewals or cancellations needed.
Temporary taxi insurance frequently asked questions
What is temporary taxi insurance?
Temporary taxi insurance — also called short-term taxi insurance — is a fully comprehensive policy covering a licensed taxi or private hire vehicle for a fixed period of 7, 14, 21 or 28 days. It is a standalone policy separate from any existing annual cover, arranged through insurd and underwritten via GoShorty.
Can I get one-day taxi insurance?
No — specialist taxi insurance starts from a minimum of 7 days. This reflects the licensing requirements of local authorities. If you need cover for a single day, standard temporary car insurance is available from 1 hour, but this does not include hire and reward cover and cannot be used for taxi or private hire work.
Does the policy cover private hire and public hire?
Yes. The policy covers both private hire vehicles (pre-booked journeys, including Uber-style and minicab services) and public hire / hackney carriage vehicles that can be hailed on the street. Cover is provided for vehicles with up to 7 passengers (8 seats including the driver).
Can I use the policy for delivery work as well as passengers?
Yes. The policy covers both the carriage of passengers and the delivery of food and parcels for hire and reward. You can switch between taxi work and courier work within the same policy without needing separate cover. This makes it particularly flexible for drivers who want to maximise earning opportunities during their cover period.
Is PCO (London) covered?
No. PCO (Transport for London) regions are not currently covered by this policy. The policy covers the majority of local authority licensing areas in England, Wales and Scotland. If you are a London-based private hire or taxi driver, please contact insurd directly to discuss alternative options.
Do I need a valid taxi badge to apply?
Yes. You must hold a valid taxi badge issued by a local authority, and your vehicle must be plated by the same local authority that issued your badge. This is a core eligibility requirement for the policy.
What age do I need to be?
For 7, 14 and 21-day policies, drivers must be aged between 30 and 74. For 28-day policies, the age range is broader — drivers aged 23 to 75 are accepted. If you are aged 23–29, you are only eligible for the 28-day policy option.
How long do I need to have held my licence?
You must have held a full UK driving licence for a minimum of 2 years to be eligible for this policy.
Can I get temporary taxi insurance with penalty points?
Yes, in many cases. GoShorty considers drivers with up to 9 penalty points within the last 3 years. Drivers with up to 2 claims in the last 3 years are also considered. Your quote will reflect your driving history accurately.
Does a claim affect my no-claims bonus?
No. Because temporary taxi insurance is a standalone policy, any claim made under it should not affect the no-claims bonus on your existing annual policy. This is one of the key advantages of short-term cover for drivers who want to protect their long-term premium.
Is there a black box or camera requirement?
No. Unlike some taxi insurance products, this policy does not require the installation of a black box or dashcam. You can get covered and start working without any additional equipment setup.
How quickly can I get covered?
Immediately. Once your quote is completed and payment made, your policy documents are emailed to you straight away. The GoShorty quote journey takes under 2 minutes. Cover can start at the time you specify — as soon as payment is confirmed.
Can I extend my temporary taxi insurance?
If you need cover beyond your original policy period, you can take out a new policy for an additional duration. The available durations are 7, 14, 21 and 28 days. If you find you need year-round cover, insurd also arranges annual taxi insurance — visit our taxi insurance page for more details.
What is the difference between temporary taxi insurance and temporary car insurance?
Standard temporary car insurance covers private car use for social, domestic, commuting and Class 1 business purposes. It does not include hire and reward cover, which means it cannot be used for taxi or private hire work. Temporary taxi insurance is specifically underwritten for licensed taxi drivers and includes hire and reward cover for both passenger transport and deliveries. If you are a licensed taxi or private hire driver, you must use a policy that explicitly covers hire and reward use.
Ready to get on the road?
Get temporary taxi insurance for 7, 14, 21 or 28 days in under 2 minutes. Enter your reg above, get your quote, and your documents are in your inbox before your first fare.
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insurd arranges temporary taxi insurance through GoShorty — FCA regulated, fully comprehensive cover for licensed taxi and private hire drivers, documents delivered immediately after payment.
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