PCO drivers who don’t have their own cars often have to choose between PCO car hire and rent to buy deals. When hunting for an ideal deal, you will come across many tempting offers but if you are unaware of how to pick the right one, you could end up paying extra costs.
PCO car hire is ideal for drivers who want short term commitment and freedom to walk away when it suits them. On the other hand, PCO rent to buy is perfect for drivers who want to take ownership of their cars at the end of the contract without having to pay massive upfront costs.
Now that you know the difference between both options, let’s discuss how to choose the right one.
Tips to Choose the Right PCO Car Hire or Rent to Buy Deal
Look for the following when choosing a PCO car hire or rent to buy deal:
Insurance Coverage
Insurance coverage is to make sure that you are not left alone when something goes wrong. If you choose a deal that doesn’t include insurance, you could end up paying hefty costs that drain your bank account.
Typically, the best PCO car hire and rent to buy deals include comprehensive insurance which protects you from a range of liabilities. For instance, it includes third-party liability insurance which covers the damage or injuries you cause to others while driving.
It also includes passenger liability insurance, which protects you in case a passenger gets injured during a ride.
Lastly, the comprehensive insurance includes vehicle damage cover. Without this cover, you will be the one responsible for repairing the damage to your vehicle after an accident, which can sometimes cost more than what you are earning.
Maintenance and Servicing
The next thing you should check is whether the deal includes maintenance and servicing. If you pick a package that doesn’t include servicing and maintenance, you will have to deal with unexpected breakdowns or costly repairs on your own.
PCO cars spend more time on the roads than regular cars. This means they are more vulnerable to wear and tear. With routine servicing and maintenance included in the package, you won’t have to worry about oil changes, brake checks, tyre rotations, and engine diagnostics. Your car provider will be the one responsible for these.
This allows you to focus on driving and earning rather than car servicing and maintenance.
Road Tax and Licensing
Road tax is an annual fee that all vehicles must pay to legally operate on public roads. If you don’t pay this fee, you could face serious penalties or fines.
That’s why the best PCO car hire and rent to buy deals include road tax in the package, saving you the hassle of dealing with paperwork or arranging for money.
Now, let’s talk about licensing. A PHV licence is a permit that allows you to drive PCO-ready cars legally. Without it, you won’t be able to offer rides to passengers.
When a deal includes licensing in the package, that means the car you are getting will meet all TfL requirements, such as:
- The car should be less than 10 years old
- It should have at least 4 doors
- It should have a valid MOT certificate, etc.
24/7 Breakdown Assistance
PCO drivers rely on their cars to earn a living. If the car breaks down, it will directly affect their ability to earn. It doesn’t matter if you are doing a late-night shift or an airport run such as Stansted airport drop off, being left without help can be a nightmare.
However, 24/7 breakdown assistance ensures that you don’t have to find a tow truck or mechanic when something goes wrong with your car. You just have to call your car provider and help will be on the way immediately.
So, if you want to stay on the road and keep earning without stress, make sure 24/7 breakdown assistance is part of the deal.
Mileage Limits
As a PCO driver, you will be driving for hours, picking up passengers, and completing multiple trips. Without the right mileage allowance, you could end up paying out of your own pocket because most deals require you to pay extra fees for every extra mile you cover.
However, an ideal deal will include a generous mileage limit so you are not constantly worried about covering too many miles.
That’s why, before signing the contract, you should make sure the deal includes unlimited mileage or high mileage caps.
Replacement Vehicle
Even if a car receives regular servicing and maintenance, there’s no guarantee that it won’t break down or get involved in an accident. When that happens, you’ll be off the road, unable to make money.
A top-tier car provider includes a replacement vehicle in the deal. It means when your car is in the garage for repairs, you won’t have to sit at home praying for a faster repair so you can start earning again.
You simply have to request your car provider for a replacement vehicle and they will immediately provide it to you.
Top Quality Vehicles
No matter how friendly the terms of the deal are, if the car is worn out, you won’t be able to perform your job properly.
An ideal PCO car hire or rent to buy deal provides you with a top-quality car that makes your job easier and passengers happier. By top quality, we mean a car that looks good, feels great, and runs smoothly on the road.
Also, a top-quality car is fuel efficient and has all the features that passengers expect such as air conditioning, ample boot space, comfortable interior, etc.
When you get a top-quality car, it improves the passenger experience which ultimately leads to higher ratings.
Conclusion
Choosing the right PCO car hire or rent to buy deal is essential to succeed as a PCO driver. Many drivers make the mistake of choosing the cheapest deal, only to face countless headaches later on. An ideal deal puts your interest first, allowing you to focus on driving and earning. So, when choosing a package, make sure it includes what we mentioned in this article and you will enjoy maximum peace of mind.
