Having the right car is essential to make a substantial income as a PCO driver. By the right car, we mean a vehicle that meets TfL’s strict standards, keeps the passengers comfortable, and has low fuel costs.
Buying such a car is the ideal case scenario if you have enough money. However, not every PCO driver can afford to buy new cars outright. Even used cars cost thousands of pounds which makes them out of reach for many PCO drivers.
So, if you want to make money as a PCO driver but don’t have enough capital to buy a car outright, consider the option of PCO car hire. Here is everything you need to know about it.
What is PCO car hire?
PCO car hire is a quick and affordable way for PCO drivers to get a car and start earning money through ride-hailing platforms such as Uber, Bolt, and FreeNow. With this option, you can rent a road-ready PCO car for a fixed weekly fee. The option requires no massive upfront costs. You just have to pick a reliable car provider, choose a car that works for you, and you are good to go.
In addition to affordability, cheap PCO car hire offers flexibility as well, making this option ideal for drivers who want to switch cars regularly or are just looking to test the waters before making a long-term commitment in the PCO world.
Who can rent a PCO car?
To rent a PCO car, you must:
- Be at least 21 years old.
- Have a PCO licence.
- Hold a full UK driving licence for at least three years.
- Be able to make a small deposit and weekly payments.
- Have a clean background and driving record.
- Provide proof of address (utility bill or bank statement)
Are PCO cars insured?
PCO car insurance is different from standard car insurance. Standard car insurance is for personal use, while PCO car insurance is designed for drivers who carry paying customers.
Most car hire companies provide insured cars, meaning that you don’t have to visit insurance companies’ offices, compare plans, etc. Everything is already sorted for you.
However, it’s important that you understand which type of insurance you are getting. Some companies that offer PCO car hire with insurance include only comprehensive insurance, while others include third-party insurance.
In case you didn’t know, comprehensive insurance covers damage to your vehicle, third-party liability, and even personal injuries. On the other hand, third-party insurance doesn’t cover damage to your own vehicle. It only covers damage to other people and their property.
Ask your car provider which one you are getting and then make your decision accordingly.
What’s included in a PCO car hire package?
PHV License (so you can start driving immediately)
Time is money in the PCO world. Every minute you are not spending on the road carrying passengers is a minute you are not making money.
The goal of PCO car hire London is to make sure that you can start earning as soon as possible. This is why the cars you get through this option are PHV licensed, saving you a lot of trouble that comes with sourcing and licensing a private hire vehicle. Imagine if you had to go through the licensing process yourself: first, you would need to find a vehicle that meets all the TfL’s emission and safety standards. Then, you’d have to apply for a PHV licence, a process that can take months.
Vehicle Servicing & Maintenance
PCO cars travel a lot more than regular cars, so they receive more wear and tear as well, which means more servicing and maintenance.
However, as a PCO driver, you already have enough on your plate. Taking care of servicing and maintenance is the last thing you want. Plus, the more time you spend in the repair shop, the more passengers you will miss.
Most PCO car hire companies understand this. That’s why they include servicing and maintenance in the package so you can focus on driving and earning.
Breakdown Cover & Roadside Assistance
Every PCO driver dreads sudden breakdowns. This is because breakdowns can frustrate passengers and often strike in the middle of busy shifts. Even if you are just waiting to pick up passengers and your car refuses to start, you will be leaving money on the table for other drivers.
With the option of PCO car hire UK, you get breakdown cover and road assistance as well. This means every time your car faces an issue, you don’t have to find a repair shop or call friends for advice. You simply have to inform your car provider and help will be on the way.
What’s the difference between PCO car hire and rent to buy?
The difference between PCO car hire and rent to buy schemes is that with PCO car hire, you get a private hire vehicle on rent. You are allowed to use the vehicle for an agreed period in exchange for a fixed weekly fee. When the contract ends, you must return the car. However, with PCO rent to buy, you not only pay the weekly fee but get to own the car as well at the end of the contract. The contract length in this model is typically 3-5 years.
What’s the difference between PCO car hire and enterprise car hire?
PCO car hire plans are meant for drivers who work for ride-hailing companies such as Uber, Bolt, etc. These plans offer PHV-licensed vehicles designed for high-mileage use. On the other hand, enterprise car hire is for general use. It mostly serves people who need vehicles for leisure or business use. PCO drivers cannot use enterprise cars for ride-hailing purposes because these vehicles are not PHV licensed.
Final Thoughts
It requires a manageable deposit with fixed weekly payments. Plus, it gives you the freedom to get out of the contract whenever you want. You also get many perks such as insurance, regular servicing & maintenance, and most importantly, a PHV licensed vehicle. In short, it’s one of the best options for drivers who want to get behind the wheel of a PCO car quickly but don’t have the capital to buy a car outright.
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