If another driver hit your taxi or private hire car, you may be able to make a non-fault claim against their insurer. G4 Claims can deal with that insurer for you, help with recovery and repairs, and talk through your options for a replacement vehicle where eligible. In Scotland, licensing is run by your local council, so the first thing we'll ask is what you drive and which council licenses you.
Find out more about help for taxi and private hire drivers.
This guide is for drivers licensed by Scottish councils, such as Glasgow City Council, North Lanarkshire Council and South Lanarkshire Council. It is not about PCO or TfL licensing in London, which works differently.
Off the road means off the clock
For most people, a damaged car is a nuisance. For a taxi or private hire driver, it can mean no work. That is why it is worth getting the claim moving quickly and getting the details right from the start.
We'll be honest with you: every claim is different, and we can't promise what will be available. What we can do is check your situation properly and explain what may be possible before anything is arranged.
Had an accident that wasn’t your fault?
Start your claimLicensing in Scotland is done council by council
Taxi and private hire licensing in Scotland is handled by each local council. Glasgow drivers are licensed by Glasgow City Council. In Airdrie, Coatbridge and Wishaw it is North Lanarkshire Council, and in Hamilton and East Kilbride it is South Lanarkshire Council. Edinburgh has its own rules too.
That matters for a replacement vehicle. A replacement taxi or private hire car generally can't be used for work until your council has approved it as a substitute vehicle, and the requirements vary from council to council. So when you get in touch, please tell us:
- which council licenses you
- if you drive a hackney carriage (black cab) or a private hire car
- if you own your vehicle or rent it
- how you work, for example through an operator or on your own
It changes what you need while your vehicle is off the road. Please don't assume a licensed replacement will be available. We'll check what can be arranged for your vehicle and licence and tell you straight.
If you drive in Glasgow, our Glasgow area page has more on driving in the city, including the Low Emission Zone.
What to do at the scene
The basics are the same as for any driver:
- stop somewhere safe, hazards on, engine off
- call 999 if anyone is hurt or the road is blocked
- don't admit fault or argue about blame
- swap names, addresses, registrations and insurance details
- take photos of both vehicles, the plates, the damage and the road layout
- get names and numbers of any witnesses, and save dashcam footage
Many taxis and private hire cars have cameras fitted. If yours does, save the footage as soon as you can, as some systems record over older clips. If you have passengers, make sure they are safe and note their details if they saw what happened.
Our full checklist is in what to do after a car accident in Scotland.
Keep your records
Keep your booking records, operator statements and receipts. They show how you use your vehicle, which helps us understand what you need while it is off the road.
Tell your own insurer
Most policies, including taxi and private hire policies, say you must tell your insurer about any accident, even if you are not claiming on your policy. You can tell them it is "for information only".
How G4 Claims can help
For taxi and private hire drivers, we can:
- deal with the at-fault driver's insurer for you
- arrange recovery if your vehicle can't be driven
- arrange repairs, or work with a garage you trust where we can
- help recover the pre-accident value if your vehicle is a total loss
- talk through your options for a replacement vehicle, where eligible, taking your licensing council into account
In a non-fault claim we aim to recover the cost of our service from the at-fault insurer rather than charging you. It depends on your claim and policy, and we'll explain before you go ahead. Find out more on our taxi and private hire page.
Your excess and no-claims bonus
Taxi insurance can be expensive, so drivers are often worried about their excess and their no-claims discount. A non-fault claim against the other insurer is not a claim on your own policy, so these may be treated differently. It depends on the claim and your policy, and we'll explain it for you. See paying your excess after a non-fault accident.
Get back on the road
If another driver caused your accident, start your claim online and tell us your vehicle and licensing council. Message us on WhatsApp any time on 07788 266261, or call 01698 767 172 (Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm, Saturday 9am to 2pm). Claims email: firstresponse@g4claims.net. If you've already started a claim elsewhere, we can check it.
Frequently asked questions
Can G4 Claims help taxi and private hire drivers?
Yes, we help taxi and private hire drivers with non-fault claims and repairs, and we can talk through replacement vehicle options where eligible. Tell us about your vehicle and licence and we'll explain what can be arranged.
Will I get a plated replacement taxi?
We can't promise that. A replacement generally needs council approval before it can be used for work, and rules vary by council. We'll check your situation and tell you honestly what may be possible.
I'm licensed in London. Does this apply to me?
This guide is about Scottish council licensing. PCO and TfL licensing works differently, so please tell us where you are licensed.
What if the other driver says it was my fault?
Disputes happen. Insurers look at photos, damage, dashcam or CCTV footage, witnesses and police reports. Send us what you have as soon as possible. If you were hit from behind, see our guide on rear-end shunts.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Every situation is different.