Taxi Driver Online

Hi all,

Looking into getting into the PH side of things down here in Plymouth.

Will be using a Volvo S60 Diesel for the job, was wondering if some of you fine folk could give me some usefull hints and tips.

Have picked up a info pack from the council today, had a quick flick through over the past few hours. All seems fine. I have no problem getting a licence (CRB will come back clear etc etc) so just have to do the tests.

Now, heres the bad thing.... I am 21 years old, have 4 years NCB in August, been driving 4 years aswell. Ive rang around a few insurance companies, some wont even touch me, best ive got so far is £3k!

Ive done a bit of a guess-timate on my outgoings aswell, how much is the average weekly fee for the office? Obviously I plan on working for a local firm.

Hopefully you guys can give me some usefull hints and tips and help a newbie on his way!

Thanks very much!

Gaffer

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Gaffer

Your 4 year NCB will go for Nought..most PH Insurers start the NCB scheme from Scratch.

Why work for another Company if your Self employed? why not Hand Deliver a few Thousand Flyers around your own Neighbourhood and advertise in the Local press..why pay someone else for them to pay you half of what youve taken by way of your own harwork. that way you will build up your own Clientele

Boggins,

Thanks for your reply.

Ive been told by some places I can transfer my NCB, but with the prices ive been quoted I didnt think they was working! haha.

I was thinking with the vehicle I have, I could offer a more personal chauffaur type service. Which would put your comments into a good idea. I have noticed a few PH vehicles driving around Plymouth without any company advertisements on the vehicle which I find a bit odd.

Also regarding advertisement, I was wondering if there was any restrictions on having the vehicle sign written with a company like you normally get on a Hackney or something. Anything to bring in a bit more of those wonderful golden nuggets!

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Gaffer

Anything beats bringing in Job Seekers at the moment Not something im proud of. Thought since Ive got the car, might aswell go down the PH route. Im not 100% sure on the money being PH, hence why I thought id hopefully get some honest advice from local cabbies!

The 'executive' hire type idea has always been in the back of my mind, something I may look further into!

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Gaffer

If you want to give it a go then don't take any notice of the doom-mongers.

I believe it's a great trade with a great future for the good guys.

And if the doom-mongers give you bundles of bad news about the trade just ask them WTF they are in it then.

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IDFIMH

True! Every trade has its good guys that make a damn good go of it.



Ive always wondered this myself, When ever I've been peed off in a job and I see no future, I move on.

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Gaffer

As stated, I already have the car, Ive had the car for the past year and half. So that payment wouldnt be an issue.

The only thing stopping me is the insurance. If i can get it cheaper than 3k, Ill go for it. Got nothing to loose so to speak.

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Gaffer

Who you tried for Insurance so far??

Try googling 'taxi insurance.'

Two names spring to my mind: Westminster and A-plan (Bournemouth).

Although £3k doesn't sound too far adrift without NCB.

It's a great trade. You won't get rich. But you won't get the pressure either. Please yourself (or the wife!!) when you work and have fun meeting people from all walks of life.

I don't know the local market in Plymouth so I can't comment on that but you need to check that your vehicle complies with the LA's requirements.

Hackney carriage is another option. Some authorities will licence saloons that meet their conditions and you get the added advantafe of being able to pick up from ranks and off the street.

Good luck and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Just a thought....

As you're on Job Seekers Allowance, is there any help available to help you offset the costs setting up? Might be worth asking.

Try Elliot Garden Taxi insurance or Cabshield

Thanks for your replys guys.

I have tried a broker... i think they are a broker, called insureTAXI, they have been fantastic, the guy has got back to me several times, has gotten it to £2900 at the moment.

I have tried several others I found using google, Swinton wont touch me, Im waiting for a few ring backs aswell for a few others.

Boggins, I will try those companies tomorrow afternoon. Thanks for that.

Cabbyman, The chance of getting a hackney cab licence in Plymouth is slim to none, one cabby I spoke to a few weeks ago who said he paid £20k for his plate. Not a chance I could afford that lol. Ive been told my Volvo S60 is ideal for PH, and obviously not for Hackney. Having the freedom and flexibility would be great. I guess its just like being your own boss, work when you want etc. Im glad you enjoy the job

With regards to Mr Brown helping me out ive been informed its slim to none but I have to go down there tuesday so will ask! Might aswell!

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Gaffer

Taxi insurance is a specialised branch. Your run of the mill, common or garden brokers/companies won't deal with it or will quote premiums on the other side of the universe.

You must find specialists.

Come on you lot........................................

Let's have a list of companies who will help this guy...and the rest of us...

I can feel a good, bad and ugly list coming here!!!!