Taxi Accident Claim: Step-by-Step Guide

Taxi & PHV non-fault claim
in the UK: the plain
English path

Your Reality

Your taxi’s off the road and every hour means lost fares. Operators still expect standards, bills won’t wait, and you need a plated, compliant like-for-like—not a tiny courtesy car. What you really want is a simple path that keeps you legal, protects earnings, and cuts the admin noise.

What this guide gives you?

Below, you’ll find a clear, UK-wide route from scene → reporting → evidence → claim route → recovery & storage → like-for-like → repairs/settlement. It’s non-promotional, practical, and linked to official sources. Use it to make faster, calmer decisions—especially when you’re juggling shifts.

Why to care ? (facts)

Road collisions are common enough to plan for: 132,977 casualties of all severities in Great Britain in 2023 and 1,624 fatalities—so knowing your steps matters. Source  Taxi/PHV work is huge: 313,000 licensed vehicles in England (2024). Source

Quick facts (table)

TopicKey pointOfficial source
UK dutiesIf you couldn’t exchange details, report to the police within 24 hoursGov.uk 
Non-fault optionsYou may claim directly from the other driver’s insurer or use credit hireCitizens Advice 
Third-party assistanceInsurers’ Third-Party Assistance practices are set out by the ABIABI PDF 
Uninsured driversMIB route exists for uninsured/untraced at-fault driversMIB 

What is a Taxi Accident
Claim?

A taxi accident claim (UK) for a non-fault crash is the process of recovering vehicle losses from the at-fault insurer: gather evidence → choose a route (own insurer, direct third-party, credit-hire, or MIB for uninsured) → recover the vehicle & arrange secure storage → obtain a plated like-for-like → proceed with repairs or total-loss settlement.

What must I do in the first
24 hours after a taxi
crash in the UK?

Stay safe, exchange details (name, address, registration; owner’s details if different), and collect evidence. If you couldn’t exchange details, report to the police within 24 hours. Capture photos, dashcam, witnesses, and location. These basics reduce disputes and speed decisions later. Sources: GOV.UK duties  and Police guidance 

Build a strong evidence pack (5–8 minutes)

  1. Scene, damage, and positions (close-ups + wide shots)

  2. Road signs/markings, weather, lighting, any CCTV locations

  3. Dashcam clip; a short voice note with time/place/what happened

  4. Taxi/PHV add-ons: photo of plate/licence, operator notification, booking/log for the shift

  5. Save into a dated phone folder (YYYY-MM-DD) for quick sharing

How do I choose the best route for a non-fault
taxi accident claim?

You have four common paths: (1) your own insurer, (2) claim directly from the at-fault insurer (third-party), **(3) credit hire via a coordinator to secure a like-for-like taxi, and **(4) the MIB route if the driver’s uninsured/untraced. Choose based on liability clarity, speed needs, admin tolerance, and premium considerations. (URLs below.)

Decision matrix
(choose what fits today)

RouteSpeed to replacementAdmin effortPremium risk at renewalBest forKey source(s)
Own insurerMediumMediumPossible (varies by insurer/model)Simplicity; single contractCitizens Advice: “Making a claim”
link
Direct to third-partyMedium–High if liability is clearMediumOften lower than claiming on your policy (varies)Clear rear-end or strong evidence casesABI Third-Party Assistance Code
PDF
 |  Claimant Guide
PDF
Credit-hire via coordinatorHigh (aims/subject to checks)LowDepends on liability resolutionYou need plated like-for-like fastCitizens Advice on credit hire
link
MIB (uninsured/untraced)Low–MediumHighN/A if you don’t claim on your policyUninsured/untraced at-faultMIB:
link

Real-world examples
(analogy table)

ScenarioExampleWhere usedOutcome
Rear-end at lightsLiability usually clear; submit photos + dashcam; claim with TPRoute choiceFaster acceptance; quicker replacement
Taxi off-road mid-shiftBlack cab recovered; plated like-for-like arranged (aims/subject to checks)Recovery/hireMinimises downtime; keeps earning
Uninsured at-faultEvidence gathered; MIB portal started promptlySpecial casesRoute exists even if TP uninsured
Mixed accountsStrong evidence pack + engineer reportRepairs/settlementReduces disputes and time to decision
Prefer a broader read first? Browse  more non-fault guidesAccident Assist Network

Recovery, secure storage &
like-for-like taxi/PHV
replacement

Swift recovery prevents secondary loss (weather, vandalism, penalties) and secure storage can protect you during liability disputes. If you drive for hire, request a plated, compliant like-for-like (e.g., WAV, EV/ZEC for ULEZ). Delivery is framed as an aim, subject to checks. For licensing context, see TfL taxi & PHV info

Why timing matters

Avoid street penalties and further damage while you organise the claim

Keep a record of when/where the vehicle was stored, and any notices

If disputes arise, good admin helps reduce storage-cost exposure later

Like-for-like that fits work

Plated & compliant: black cab vs PHV; verify licence/plate match your use

Specialist needs: WAV accessibility; courier top-box for bikes; EV/ZEC range for ULEZ

Expectation setting: delivery/availability are aims, subject to checks, not guarantees

Repairs, total loss &
settlement (manufacturer
standard)

An independent engineer assesses your vehicle. If repairable, insist on manufacturer-standard methods and proper parts/warranties. If uneconomic, you’ll discuss total loss and cash-in-lieu. Keep comms clear with the repairer, and use evidence to reduce disputes. ABI claimant guidance

Repair path (OEM methods)

Request the repair plan and parts list in writing

Confirm paint, calibration, ADAS, and warranty details

Keep all invoices/engineer notes—useful if liability is challenged

Total loss & CIL, plain English

When the engineer says repair isn’t economical, insurers may make a total-loss offer. Sometimes cash-in-lieu is discussed for borderline cases. Review documents calmly, ask questions, and avoid rushing decisions.

People Also Ask

Do I have to report the accident within 24 hours if I couldn’t exchange details?

Yes. If you didn’t exchange details at the scene, report to the police within 24 hours. Also keep evidence (photos, dashcam, witnesses). Sources: GOV.UK “If you’re in an accident” https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-insurance/if-youre-in-an-accident and Police guidance https://www.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rs/road-safety/collisions/

Can I claim directly from the other driver’s insurer in a non-fault case?

Often yes—this is a third-party claim. It can work well where liability is clear. Read the ABI’s Third-Party Assistance guidance

What is credit hire for taxis and when is it suitable?

Credit hire supplies a replacement vehicle (e.g., plated taxi) while yours is repaired; costs are pursued from the at-fault insurer. It suits non-fault cases where you need like-for-like quickly.

What if the other driver is uninsured or untraced—can I still recover costs?

There’s a UK route via the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) for uninsured or untraced drivers. Start promptly and follow the scheme rules.

Will a non-fault claim affect my premium in the UK?

Insurers can still adjust pricing at renewal after a non-fault incident (risk modelling varies). Compare routes (own insurer vs third-party vs credit hire) and read independent guidance before acting. Begin here: Citizens Advice claims pages (above) and ABI third-party assistance links.

Important Information

Accident Assist Network assists you after a non-fault accident by co-ordinating vehicle recovery, reputable repairs, cash-in-lieu settlements for total-loss vehicles and like-for-like replacement hire—whether for personal use, licensed taxi work or bike—through our network of independent specialist companies across England.


Because our role is one of practical facilitation rather than financial advice, we are not authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority, and our services are not covered by the Financial Ombudsman Service or the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.


If the at-fault insurer delays or disputes payment you may become liable for credit services or other charges set out in your contract. Please read every document thoroughly and, if anything is unclear, ask us—or an independent adviser—before signing. We are happy to guide you in the language you feel most comfortable with.
Read this in: English, Romanian Need practical help in England?
Call: 020 4577 1120 ·
WhatsApp: 07585 300 600

Conclusion: get back to
earning with less admin

empathy & path
You didn’t choose the crash, but you can choose the calm path: clear evidence, a sensible claim route, timely recovery, plated like-for-like, and manufacturer-standard repairs. This guide stays in your corner—plain-English steps, balanced choices, and official sources when it counts.

Prefer one calm point of contact to coordinate recovery, storage, like-for-like and repairs while you keep earning? Explore plated like-for-like options → , or recovery & secure storage →  or simply speak to a coordinator → . Browse related articles

Mandatory Disclaimer

Accident Assist Network assists you after a non-fault accident by co-ordinating vehicle recovery, reputable repairs, cash-in-lieu settlements for total-loss vehicles and like-for-like replacement hire—whether for personal use, licensed taxi work or bike—through our network of independent specialist companies across England. Because our role is one of practical facilitation rather than financial advice, we are not authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority, and our services are not covered by the Financial Ombudsman Service or the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. If the at-fault insurer delays or disputes payment you may become liable for credit services or other charges set out in your contract. Please read every document thoroughly and, if anything is unclear, ask us—or an independent adviser—before signing. We are happy to guide you in the language you feel most comfortable with.

Share the Post:

Related Posts