HIDDEN IMPORTANCE: Why is public liability insurance important in the taxi industry?
Public liability insurance is a crucial element for taxi drivers, especially for those engaged in contracts with schools or transporting vulnerable passengers. But what is public liability, and why is it so important?
Public liability insurance protects businesses from legal claims made by third parties. For taxi drivers, this means protection against claims for accidents or injuries involving passengers. While standard taxi insurance covers the vehicle and driver, it doesn’t usually extend to incidents outside the vehicle or the legal responsibility a driver may hold for others’ safety.
This is particularly significant for drivers involved in school contracts, especially those involving Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) passengers. When transporting children to school, the driver’s responsibility doesn’t end when the passenger leaves the vehicle. Legally, taxi drivers are responsible for the child’s safety until they are safely handed over to the school’s care.
If a child has an accident after exiting the vehicle but before reaching the school gates, the driver could be held liable, both legally and financially. Without public liability insurance, this could result in serious financial repercussions for the driver.
For those regularly working with school contracts or SEND passengers, public liability insurance offers essential protection. It ensures that drivers are covered for any incidents that may occur during their duty of care, safeguarding both the driver’s livelihood and the safety of the passengers in their care.
In an industry where safety and responsibility are paramount, public liability insurance is not just an option but a necessity.
