PCO driving is a great career because of flexible hours, no boss and great earning potential. In London, more and more people are signing up for Uber, Bolt and other ride-hailing platforms because of these reasons. But to be able to offer rides to passengers, you need a PHV licensed vehicle and not everyone can afford these vehicles because of the cost. That’s where PCO car hire comes in. It’s an affordable way to get a PHV licensed vehicle and start driving as a PCO driver. Plus, there are many other reasons why PCO car hire is popular in London. Let’s take a look.
Lack of Upfront Costs
Buying a car requires you to pay thousands of pounds upfront. Plus, there are private hire licensing costs that take the expenses even higher.
With PCO Car Hire, you don’t need a fortune to be able to start driving. You just need to pay a manageable weekly fee for as long as you use the car. This fee often ranges from £180 to £300 depending on the car you choose.
Some companies also require you to pay an initial deposit which is normally around £500. This deposit is often refundable if you return the car in good condition. So, make sure you drive carefully.
Maintenance Included
PCO cars cover more miles than regular cars so they take more beating as well. You will be driving for hours every day, dealing with speed bumps, potholes, and stop-and-go traffic, resulting in more wear and tear on the vehicle.
More wear and tear means more maintenance and ultimately higher bills. Plus, when your car is in the garage for maintenance, you won’t be able to offer rides which directly affects your income.
With PCO car hire, car maintenance is not your headache. Your car provider will take care of it so you spend less time in the garage and more time making money.
Flexibility in Uncertain Times
PCO driving career can be unpredictable at times. One month you are getting ride requests nonstop while another month, you are waiting on the side of the road in your car, but the requests just won’t come. Because of this unpredictability, committing to a car for the long term through car finance can be a big mistake.
This is because the car provider won’t care whether the business is slow or whether you are unable to drive due to sickness. If you miss a payment, there will be consequences.
On the other hand, PCO car hire gives you the flexibility to upgrade or downgrade cars depending on your circumstances. This is particularly useful for drivers who want to test the waters or are just starting out.
Access to EVs Without a Big Price Tag
In addition to car costs, PCO drivers also have to pay ULEZ (£12.50 per day ) and congestion charges (£15 per day). These can eat into your profits and apply to petrol, diesel, hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
Only EVs are exempt.
PCO hire gives you access to EVs without the big price tag. You just pay a weekly rental fee to drive a fully electric vehicle.
The weekly fee for EVs may be a bit more but it’s nowhere near the ULEZ and congestion charges non-EV drivers have to pay.
No Depreciation Worries
Cars lose value over time. No matter what brand or model you drive, when it’s time to sell, there’s very little possibility that you will make a profit from it, particularly if it has been used for a long time. This is because every mile you cover and minute you spend on the road brings the car’s value down.
Plus, the car manufacturers keep releasing newer, more efficient models in the market. This affects the value of existing cars.
In the PCO world, the car value depreciates even faster because of the higher usage and changing policies.
PCO hire eliminates these worries. You just have to pay a weekly fee as long as the car is in use, and when a latest model comes, you can easily switch to it without selling.Â
Insurance Sorted
Since PCO cars spend more time on the roads, they are at a higher risk of accidents.
Higher risk means more insurance costs.
However, most PCO hire companies include insurance in the package as well. This means you won’t have to visit insurance companies, tackle complex paperwork, and compare plans. Everything will be taken care of by your car provider for a fee that’s already included in your weekly rental.
Let’s say you are involved in an accident that damages the car’s body. If your plan includes comprehensive insurance, you will get full coverage for car body repair. This alone can save you a lot of headaches and make your private hire journey smoother.
Breakdown Cover and Replacement Cars
The time your car is in the garage is time you’re not earning. Reliable PCO hire companies understand this. That’s why they offer breakdown cover and even replacement cars to minimise downtime. With the cover included in the package, you just need to call your car provider if you break down and they will help you in every way they can.
This point also applies to rent to buy cars. If you plan to own a PCO car gradually, make sure your package includes breakdown cover and replacement cars for a stress-free experience.
Final Thoughts
These were some top reasons behind the high demand for PCO car hire in London. It’s a quick, affordable, and incredibly smart way to get behind the wheel of a private hire vehicle and start earning. Whether you are a new driver looking to test the waters or an experienced one seeking maximum protection through commercial vehicle insurance, PCO hire gives you the flexibility you need.
So, choose a reliable company that offers all the perks we mentioned above and start earning today.