Protect your pet taxi business with the right coverage
As a Pet Taxi service provider, ensuring the safety of your clients’ pets is crucial. Our pet taxi insurance is designed to help you if something goes wrong, by providing cover for:
We also insure against risks specific to pet taxi services, such as:
Depending on your business setup, we can also provide optional business insurance cover, such as the cost of claims made by employees for injury or illness, or compensation for serious work-related injuries you may suffer.
To find out more about our pet transport insurance packages, contact Pet Business Insurance today on 01284 736 874, complete our enquiry form, or obtain a quick quote online.
Our Standard Cover Includes
Pet taxi insurance FAQs
What animals are covered by pet taxi insurance?
Any animal included under a typical pet business policy are covered, including pet dogs, cats, rabbits, small animals, birds (excluding birds of prey) and non-venomous reptiles.
What modes of travel are covered by pet transport insurance?
Animals in your care, safely secured, while travelling in a car or van, are covered. The vehicle itself will not be insured under this policy.
Guide to Pet Taxi Insurance in the UK
Running your own pet taxi service in the UK can be extremely rewarding, but it can also come with some unique responsibilities such as having specific insurance protection.
Here we will look in to all the main aspects of pet taxi insurance for UK pet businesses and help you understand what the necessary coverage you must have and how to choose the best insurance for your pet transport business.
Why you need Pet Taxi Insurance
A common pitfall for new and existing pet transporters is relying on standard personal car insurance. This is a significant mistake, as typical policies explicitly exclude "hire and reward" use – which is exactly what a pet taxi service is. Without specialist pet business insurance cover, you're uninsured for commercial incidents, leaving you vulnerable to substantial financial losses from accidents, vet bills, or legal claims if an animal is injured, escapes, or causes damage. By having dedicated pet taxi insurance it protects your finances, enhances your professional reputation, and gives your clients peace of mind.
What Kind of Coverage Do Pet Taxi Insurance Policies Offer?
A robust policy for pet transport businesses typically includes several vital components:
- Hire and Reward Motor Insurance: This is the legal cornerstone for any vehicle transporting pets for payment. This type of insurance covers your vehicle and liabilities arising from any road incidents regardless of fault.
- Public Liability Insurance: This protects you from claims by third parties (e.g., a passer-by, a client, or their property) for injury or damage caused by your operations, such as a pet in your care escapes from your vehicle and causes an incident. Recommended limits often range from £1 million to £5 million.
- Accidents & Injuries to Animals Cover: Absolutely critical, this specifically covers animals in your direct care. It protects against claims if a pet is accidentally injured, becomes ill, goes missing, or, tragically, dies while under your supervision during transit. This often includes cover for unexpected veterinary fees.
- Lost Key Cover: A practical addition, covering the cost of replacing clients' keys and changing locks if they are lost or stolen while in your possession.
- Personal Accident Cover: Valuable for self-employed drivers, this provides a payout if you suffer an accidental injury that prevents you from working.
- Employer's Liability Insurance: A legal requirement if you employ any staff, even part-time or temporary, protecting against claims from employees injured or made ill due to their work for you.
Beyond these core elements, consider Equipment Cover for your crates and gear, Business Interruption for loss of income due to unforeseen events, and Legal Expenses Insurance for disputes.
Specific Legal Requirements for Pet Taxi Services in the UK
Operating a pet taxi involves more than just insurance; adherence to specific animal welfare regulations is paramount:
- DEFRA / APHA Regulations: If you transport animals commercially for journeys over 65km (approx. 40 miles), you generally need a Transporter Authorisation from the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) – either a Type 1 (up to 8 hours) or Type 2 (over 8 hours/international). Local council Animal Activity Licences (AALs) may also be required, often stipulating adequate insurance as a condition. These regulations dictate vehicle suitability, animal welfare during transit, and contingency plans.
- Road Traffic Act: Your vehicle must always hold valid "hire and reward" motor insurance to operate legally as a pet taxi.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Pet Taxi Insurance
The price of your pet taxi insurance in the UK is influenced by:
- Vehicle details: Type, value, and any specialist modifications for pet transport.
- Coverage levels: Higher limits and more comprehensive coverage increase premiums.
- Driver history: Your driving record, age, experience, and any no-claims bonus.
- Operating area: Local vs. national vs. international travel.
- Types of animals: While common pets are standard, certain breeds or exotic animals might affect cover.
- Business size: Turnover and number of employees.