Many drivers believe that PCO hire is all about getting the right car. They don’t know that the company they choose is equally important because an unreliable company can be a nightmare to deal with. This is because the service quality of unreliable companies is often poor. They don’t keep their word, charge hidden fees, and put their own interest first when making contracts.
Many drivers find these harsh truths when it’s too late, and often pay the price through lost time and money.
If you are a new driver searching for a reliable PCO car hire company, there are certain things you should keep in mind. In this article, we will discuss what those things are to help you make the right decision. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Understand your needs first
At the start, many drivers focus on price and ignore what actually fits their work style and long-term goals. A great example is choosing a car because it’s nice or affordable, even though you don’t know whether the car is suitable for the PCO work you plan to do, i.e., long rides, inner city travel, or airport runs that involve heavy luggage.
Let’s say you pick a standard Prius because it’s affordable, but your goal is to focus on airport runs – is it really the right vehicle for this kind of job? The answer is ‘no’ because a Prius doesn’t have as much luggage space as a 7 seater. So, you will end up cancelling most airport rides that involve more than 4 passengers or heavy luggage.
That’s why it’s important to know what type of jobs you want to complete and get a vehicle that’s ideal to complete those jobs.
Step 2: Check for TfL PCO cars
PCO drivers can only drive TfL-approved cars to carry paying passengers. If you are caught driving a vehicle that doesn’t meet TfL standards, you could face serious fines and may even lose your licence.
By TfL-approved, we mean a car that meets Euro 4 emission standards for petrol or Euro 6 for diesel. Similarly, the car cannot be older than 10 years. It should have a valid private hire vehicle (PHV) licence as well, along with a valid MOT certificate. A PHV licence expires after one year, while an MOT is performed twice a year (after 6 months). Make sure these documents are not expired.
If a car provider refuses to show these documents, simply walk away because a small mistake could put your whole career on the line.
Step 3: Compare prices, but don’t just look at weekly rent
Compare prices of different car providers, and when doing so, don’t just look at the weekly rent. Ask whether there are any hidden fees, deposits, admin processing charges, etc.
You may think £150 per week is good, but if it comes with a £1,000 non-refundable deposit or a £50 penalty because you are a day late with the payment, then it could be the most expensive decision of your driving career.
The smart drivers look at the bigger picture. They know that a higher weekly fee with proper support and no hidden charges is cheaper in the long term and far less stressful than a seemingly affordable deal with hidden extras.
Here’s what you should do:
Read every word of the contract carefully. Ask questions and clear doubts, if any. Also, make sure that you are not getting anything that’s not mentioned in the contract. That’s how you protect your income and mental peace.
Step 4: Look for all-inclusive packages
One of the most important parts of obtaining PCO rental cars!
An all-inclusive package is one that includes PCO car insurance, maintenance, 24/7 breakdown cover, and a replacement vehicle when the car is off the road due to repairs, MOT, or some other reason.
The benefit of having an all-inclusive package is that you can skip the hassle of paperwork, admin, and much more. Everything is taken care of by the car provider for a fee covered in your weekly rental. All you have to do is drive.
Here’s why it matters:
Insurance covers car body repair and more in case of an accident. Regular maintenance keeps your car in good condition without you lifting a finger, while 24/7 breakdown cover helps you acquire expert help immediately in case of unexpected breakdowns.
Step 5: Flexible terms are a big plus
Nothing is more frustrating than getting locked into a rigid contract. What if your circumstances change, the ride demand drops, you fall sick, or simply want to change the car?
Can you do it with a contract that keeps you stuck with the same car for six months or a year? In most cases, the answer is ‘no’.
Now, think of a contract that offers flexibility to switch cars quickly and offers an easy way out with short notice. Your life will become a lot less stressful. You will be able to switch cars and take breaks whenever you want without any penalties or drama.
Make sure the company you choose offers:
- No long-term lock-in
- Easy cancellation policies
- Pause or swap vehicle options
- Low or no deposit schemes
Some companies even offer rent to buy cars if you’re interested in ownership eventually.
Conclusion
Choosing the right PCO hire company is essential for a stress-free experience. Many companies will claim to be top-tier, but the only way to confirm this is through the steps we mentioned above. So, take the time to compare companies, read the fine print, and make sure you’re getting value for your money. When you find the right car provider, you’ll spend less time worrying about the car and more time driving, earning, and thriving.
