Taxi insurance in Ireland is a separate SPSV policy, and the NTA will not license a car without it: the original certificate, in the identically spelled name of the licence holder and stating that the vehicle is covered for use as an SPSV, is checked at the Initial Suitability Inspection and again at every renewal. There is no fixed price: insurers quote each driver individually. Below, what the policy is, when you need it and what moves the figure, from the NTA, Citizens Information and two named providers.
One thing first: insurance belongs to the vehicle licence. If you rent a taxi or drive for a plate holder, the owner insures the car and you need only your SPSV driver licence.
Why is standard car insurance not valid for taxi work?
Citizens Information says a standard motor policy covers social, domestic and pleasure use only. RedClick’s taxi proposal form shows the mechanics: its private classes of use (1, 2 and 3) all exclude “use for hire or reward”. A taxi needs Class 1T, which adds use as a small public service vehicle; a hackney needs Class 1H, the same but excluding use as a street service vehicle, so you cannot ply for hire on it.
The NTA makes it the licence holder’s duty to “provide and maintain appropriate SPSV insurance”. Driving with no valid cover carries, per Citizens Information, a fine of up to 5,000 euro, five penalty points and possible disqualification.
When do you need the policy in the licensing timeline?
The NTA sets out five steps: pick a suitable car, apply, receive a Conditional Offer valid for 90 days, equip the car, book the Initial Suitability Inspection. First on its document list is the original certificate of insurance, in the identically spelled name of the prospective licence holder, specifying SPSV use. On inspection day the disc and certificate are checked along with tax clearance. So the policy must be live before you book, and the name must match your application letter for letter; the suitability checklist has examples of names that fail. At renewal the same original certificate is required at the Licence Renewal Assessment.
What does an SPSV policy cover?
The three levels match private motor: third party only, third party fire and theft, comprehensive. RedClick’s product document states third party property damage cover of 30 million euro and unlimited third party personal injury on every level; comprehensive adds accidental damage, windscreen cover and a courtesy car during repairs for social use only. Optional extras include breakdown assistance, no claims bonus protection, personal accident up to 6,500 euro and increased excess options. RideSure shows third party only and fully comprehensive, with public liability up to 5 million euro on both.
The excess is the first part of any claim you pay yourself; Citizens Information gives 250 euro as an example and notes that a higher excess usually lowers the premium. First on RedClick’s list of what is not insured: any use for a purpose not stated on the certificate.
Who qualifies, and what about named and part-time drivers?
RideSure’s eligibility summary: a PSV licence, living and working in Ireland, a full Irish, UK or EU licence held for at least two years, age 21 to 64, a vehicle with nine seats or fewer, and no more than two at-fault or three non-fault claims in the last three years. RedClick’s form asks whether you work full-time or part-time, takes additional drivers on a separate form, and asks about claims, convictions and penalty points in the last three years and disqualifications in the last seven.
RedClick says a bonus must have been earned on a similar policy within the past 24 months, builds up to nine years and can be protected from four years; its form also asks about named-driver years on a taxi or hackney policy in the last two years. Citizens Information adds that after two or more years with no policy in your own name, many insurers will not give the discount back.
How much is taxi insurance in Ireland?
No official page publishes a figure and this guide will not invent one. What the sources do give is what drives the quote. Citizens Information lists driving experience, claims history, where you live (a loading is normal in a major city, particularly Dublin), engine size, the car’s age and value, your own age, and profession and use. The insurer forms add annual kilometres, full-time or part-time work, taxi or hackney class, additional drivers and the excess you choose. Refused in writing by three insurers? Citizens Information says the Declined Cases Committee of Insurance Ireland will get you a quotation.
Renting a taxi: is the insurance included?
Yes, by law it comes from the owner. The NTA says the person providing the rental “must provide appropriate insurance for the period of the rental” and must notify the NTA. Check the certificate’s class and dates before you drive; the rest is in renting a taxi in Ireland.
Uber, Bolt and FreeNow
The apps do not insure you. Uber’s Irish requirements list an insurance certificate covering SPSV use, and the NTA Manual requires every dispatch operator to confirm each car is licensed and insured as an SPSV. Details in driving for Uber in Ireland.
What to bring to a quote
Taken from RedClick’s form and RideSure’s eligibility list:
- Driving licence with driver number, type (Irish, UK, EU) and years held.
- SPSV driver licence number, date of birth, full-time or part-time.
- No claims bonus certificate, plus any named-driver years on a taxi policy.
- The car: make, model, year, engine size, seats, value, registration, alarm, where it is kept at night, annual kilometres.
- Every claim, conviction and penalty point in the last three years. Leave something out and the policy can be voided.
Cover starts only when the insurer confirms it, so leave time before the inspection. Not through the entry test yet? That comes first: the step-by-step guide shows the order, and a free mock exam tells you whether you are at the 75% pass mark.