Taxi Driver Online

Taxi insurance warning

A POLICE investigation is under way after spot checks by Sheffield Council discovered a large number of taxi drivers had been sold invalid insurance - the second time the problem has occurred this year. Around 50 private hire and black cab drivers based in the city had taken out substantially cheaper policies from a Rotherham firm - which did not provide the correct type of cover.

The discovery comes after the same problem was found to have affected a similar number of drivers earlier in the year. Coun Clive Skelton, chairman of Sheffield Council's licensing board, said: "The latest problem came to light when we checked documents whilst renewing and issuing licenses. It was noticed that insurance policies taken out by some drivers cost well below the normal level.

"When even the cheapest reputable insurance policies were being undercut by 50 per cent, it raised a few hackles among licensing officers." When checked, the policies were found not to provide the right type of cover. "After we made the discovery, we asked police to investigate," Coun Skelton said.

Having incorrect insurance means drivers are committing an offence and passengers are not covered if there is an accident. Coun Skelton warned cabbies: "You don't get something for nothing in this life. I can understand drivers are looking for the best value but they should ensure the products they buy are suitable and comply with the law."

Hafeas Rehman, chairman of Sheffield Taxi Trade Association, added: "I am aware of this problem. I would advise any taxi driver to check that they have an appropriate insurance policy and to beware of cheap deals."

The previous occurrence of taxis found with invalid insurance was revealed in June - coming to light when police stopped a taxi in Rotherham for a routine check.

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IDFIMH

Oh come on....these drivers who took out 50% cheaper insurance didn't realise there was something a miss?? Hafeas Rehman needs to teach his members to read English.

What was the problem with the policies? My certificates have written on them that they cover hire and reward work and are comprehensive. Should there be something else?

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Grandad,

Your certificates aren't being questioned.

However I suspect those certificates aren't valid for hire and reward.

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IDFIMH

Unless your a local authority or councellor

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"Here's a simple solution. If you don't want to pay more for a premium service then wait in the queue, problem solved".
Skull on TDO

TF pi$$ed on his chips.

None of my insurance policies have ever included the price on them.

The schedual does but thats not something that needs to be provided.

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"Here's a simple solution. If you don't want to pay more for a premium service then wait in the queue, problem solved".
Skull on TDO

TF pi$$ed on his chips.

there used to be 3 types of insurance for taxiing there was a third cheaper alternative which covers you for school contracts etc. but NOT general taxi/ph work I'm wondering if that is what they have bought

how did the LA come to even see the cost of insurance? - nothing to do with them, are they gonna check tyre prices next?

I guessing they didn't.

What most probably happened was the other insurance companies made the council well aware what was going on.

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IDFIMH

surely inspection of the certificates would reveal the validity of the cover ?

methinks the LOs got caught not checking the level of cover

it can only be Private or Public hire (hack or PH), how difficult is it to read a policy?