Operating as a chauffeur requires specialised insurance tailored to the risks of transporting passengers in high-end, luxury vehicles. Chauffeur insurance, sometimes called executive hire insurance, is a type of hire and reward insurance that provides coverage for these premium vehicles.
This type of policy is designed for chauffeur-driven cars that are typically valued at over £25,000, offering protection that differs from standard private hire insurance. Whether an individual chauffeur is operating a single luxury vehicle or a company manages multiple executive cars, securing the right policy ensures both legal compliance and financial protection.
The Basics of Insurance for Chauffeurs
This is a type of private hire insurance tailored explicitly for executive vehicle drivers. Unlike standard private hire insurance, this coverage is designed to account for the higher value of luxury vehicles and the unique risks associated with chauffeur services.
Policies are available for drivers aged 25 to 70 depending on the insurer and can cover both single vehicles and chauffeur fleets. New startup chauffeurs and established chauffeur companies can find policies suited to their needs, whether they operate a single car or a large fleet.
The Three Levels of Coverage
There are three main levels of chauffeur insurance coverage available, depending on the level of protection required:
- Comprehensive Insurance – This is the recommended option for chauffeur drivers as it provides full protection, covering all potential accident scenarios, including damage to the insured vehicle.
- Third-Party, Fire, and Theft (TPFT) – Covers any damage made to another vehicle or third parties, plus it covers the cost of the vehicle should it be stolen or damaged by fire (minus any excessHowever, it does not cover accidental damage to the insured car.
- Third-Party Only (TPO) – The minimum legal requirement is to cover damage to third parties but will not cover damage to the insured vehicle in any circumstances.
Choosing the right level of insurance depends on the type of luxury vehicle being driven and the operator’s risk management preferences.
Private Hire vs. Chauffeur Insurance
While chauffeur insurance is a type of private hire insurance, it is specifically designed for executive vehicles. Standard private hire insurance typically covers minicabs or ride-hailing vehicles, while insurance applies to high-end, luxury models used for professional chauffeur services.
Additional Considerations for Policies
There are specific aspects of chauffeur insurance that drivers should consider before purchasing a policy:
- Stretch Limos and Party Buses – Stretch limousines and party buses are not covered under standard chauffeur insurance policies.
- Uber Exec Coverage – Uber Exec is not usually covered under a chauffeur insurance policy. Standard private hire insurance typically covers vehicles operating under ride-hailing platforms like Uber or Bolt.
Public Liability Insurance for Chauffeurs
Public Liability Insurance can provide financial protection if a chauffeur’s actions injure a passenger or damage their property in an accident that does not directly involve the insured vehicle.
Whether Public Liability Insurance is included in a chauffeur insurance policy depends on the provider. Some insurers include it as standard, while others offer it as a paid optional extra or require a separate standalone policy if it is a contractual requirement.
Multi-Vehicle and Fleet Executive Hire Insurance
Chauffeur businesses operating multiple vehicles can obtain coverage under a multi-vehicle policy or an Executive Fleet Insurance policy.
- Single-vehicle policies are available for individual chauffeurs.
- Multi-vehicle policies allow chauffeurs with multiple cars to cover them under a single policy.
- Executive Fleet Insurance provides coverage for companies operating large numbers of chauffeur-driven vehicles.
This flexibility allows businesses to tailor their coverage to their specific operational needs.
Finding the Right Executive Hire Insurance Policy
Choosing the right executive hire insurance policy is essential for new startup chauffeurs or established chauffeur companies. Comparing coverage options and understanding what is included can help drivers and businesses secure the best protection for their high-value luxury vehicles.
