London taxi drivers: fast, fair
compliant help — in plain
English
You and your shift
Your cab is your income. One bump can erase a week’s earnings and drown you in phone calls, forms and mixed advice. This page is written for working drivers, not lawyers—so you leave with steps you can use tonight, not jargon you’ll forget tomorrow.
The promise
You don’t need a sales pitch; you need calm structure. Below is a driver-first flow that protects your time, keeps you legal, and reduces disputes. It’s London-first, so plating, PHV licensing and ULEZ realities are explained in plain English.
A reality check (with sources)
Collisions still happen on busy roads. Great Britain recorded 1,633 fatalities and 128,375 casualties in 2024 (provisional estimates). That’s why a tidy process matters—less arguing, more earning. Source: UK Department for Transport —
If the crash wasn’t your fault in London, a No Fault Taxi Accident Claim lets you recover vehicle-damage losses—recovery, repairs and a licensed, like-for-like replacement—usually from the at-fault driver’s insurer. Keep the scene safe, meet your legal duties, notify your own insurer, and build a clean evidence pack before choosing your route. Sources: Road Traffic Act 1988 s.170 — Citizens Advice —
What is a No Fault Taxi
Accident Claim (and when
does it apply) ?
Answer :
It applies when another road user is liable and you seek vehicle-damage losses only. You must stop, exchange details and sometimes report, then tell your insurer even if you won’t claim on your own policy. From there, you can pursue repairs and a compliant replacement taxi via the at-fault insurer.
Sources: RTA s.170 — Citizens Advice — (Accessed 2 Sep 2025).
Your legal basics, in 1 minute
Stop and exchange details (names, addresses, registration, insurer).
If you can’t exchange or if certain thresholds apply, report to police within 24 hours (RTA s.170).
Photograph damage, positions, and street signs; save any dashcam clip to cloud.
Note location/time and collect witness details.
RTA s.170 .
Why “tell your insurer” even if it’s not your fault ?
Most UK policies require notification after any accident—even if you won’t claim.
Non-notification can cause policy issues later; it takes minutes to log the basics.
Citizens Advice guidance: (Accessed 2 Sep 2025).
London-first context (taxi/PHV licensing & ULEZ)
Any replacement must let you work legally, not just “get around.” For taxis, TfL has Zero Emission Capable (ZEC) requirements; PHVs also have ZEC thresholds and emissions rules. Always verify licence/plate and compliance before you accept jobs.
TfL taxis: https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/taxis-and-private-hire/emissions-standards-for-taxis ; TfL PHVs: https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/taxis-and-private-hire/emissions-standards-for-phvs
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England ?
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No Fault Taxi Accident Claim
in London — Step-by-Step
Answer :
Follow a calm, repeatable flow: make the scene safe, meet your legal duties, collect evidence, notify your insurer, then pick a route that fits taxi work. The goal: a licensed replacement fast, quality repairs and paperwork that survives scrutiny—so you keep earning without inviting avoidable disputes.
Citizens Advice: (Accessed 2 Sep 2025).
First 10 minutes—safety and duties
Move to a safe place and switch on hazards.
Exchange details; photograph licences/plates with consent.
If details aren’t exchanged or thresholds apply, report within 24 hours (RTA s.170).
Record time, weather, location; save dashcam clips.
RTA s.170.
Notify your own insurer (even if not claiming)
Log the incident quickly by app or phone. This protects you from non-disclosure issues and keeps your options open if the third-party route stalls.
Citizens Advice explanation: (Accessed 2 Sep 2025).
Build your No Fault Taxi Accident Claim evidence pack
Photos: damage, road layout, close-ups of impact points
Witness: names/numbers, short quotes while fresh
Dashcam: clip saved to cloud with date/time
Work proof: bookings, shift logs, typical earnings range
Vehicle docs: licence/plate images, PHV/TfL docs, most recent MOT/service
Insurer reference: claim/notification number
Replacement Taxi & Repairs
Fast, Compliant, Sensible
Answer :
For a London Taxi or PHV, “like-for-like” means licensed and compliant. Taxis newly licensed since 2018 must be Zero Emission Capable (ZEC); PHVs have ZEC thresholds too. Verify licence/plate/emissions before you work, and review hire weekly to avoid rate/period disputes.
TfL taxis: https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/taxis-and-private-hire/emissions-standards-for-taxis ; TfL PHVs: https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/taxis-and-private-hire/emissions-standards-for-phvs (Accessed 2 Sep 2025).
What a compliant London Taxi replacement looks like (for your No Fault Taxi Accident Claim)
Taxi: ZEC rules apply to taxis first licensed from 1 Jan 2018; check ZEC badge and licensing docs.
PHV: Review PHV ZEC standards; confirm CO₂ and electric-range for the exact model.
Always confirm licence/plate and hire insurance are set for your work (not just a “courtesy car”).
TfL policy pages above (Accessed 2 Sep 2025).
Reduce disputes—BHR quotes & 7-day reviews
Capture three market quotes for similar vehicles (Basic Hire Rate context).
Review hire every 7 days—is class still required? can you step down?
Store repair updates and insurer emails next to your booking logs to show continuing need.
Repairs vs total loss (plain English)
Repairs: ask for a clear estimate and manufacturer-standard parts and procedures.
Total loss: consider cash-in-lieu options; remove personal equipment and plate securely.
Keep your own photo diary of repairs; dates matter if timelines are challenged.
Common pitfalls (and how to
avoid them) in a No Fault
Taxi Accident Claim
Answer:
Most friction comes from hire rate/period, non-compliant replacements, missed notifications, or weak evidence. Stay ahead by proving need, choosing licensed vehicles, notifying your insurer early, and keeping a tidy file. This is about running your business like a pro, not arguing after the fact.
Hire rate/period challenges
Insurers compare your hire cost to market and to likely profit. Weekly reviews, accurate booking logs and fair vehicle class choices show reasonableness and shorten arguments.
Non-plated or non-compliant replacements
Before you work, verify taxi/PHV licence and ZEC/ULEZ status. TfL pages outline the standards; keep a quick photo of the plate/licence and a screenshot of the emissions reference.
TfL taxis: https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/taxis-and-private-hire/emissions-standards-for-taxis ; TfL PHVs: https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/taxis-and-private-hire/emissions-standards-for-phvs (Accessed 2 Sep 2025).
MOT/licence edge cases
A lapsed MOT or licensing admin slip invites scrutiny. Fix it immediately, keep receipts, and be ready for questions about hire necessity and duration.
Time limits—diarise them
For vehicle-damage claims, England typically allows up to six years and Scotland five years. Don’t wait; evidence is strongest early. (Set phone reminders for 6/12-month check-ins.)
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.
FAQS
For vehicle-damage, England typically allows up to six years and Scotland five years. Start early—photos fade, witnesses move, and repair shops get busy.
Yes. Most policies require notice after any accident. Citizens Advice explains why notifying protects you from policy problems later.
No. Your replacement must be licensed and compliant for London Taxi/PHV work, with appropriate emissions status.
Renew immediately, keep receipts and note dates. Expect closer questioning of hire necessity and period. Prevention beats arguing later.
Scene photos and dashcam clip
Witness details and brief notes
Exchange-of-details or police ref
Work logs (bookings, typical earnings range)
Vehicle docs: licence/plate/MOT/service
Insurer notification reference
