How to choose a car for taxi work in Ireland

Written by Jack Ramaswamy

Published on

Some top tips on how to select the right car for you to begin taxi work

Whether you have been working as a taxi driver for years or are looking to get started, finding the right car is crucial. As a taxi driver, you will spend a lot of time in your vehicle so finding a car that suits your individual needs is imperative for your efficiency and wellbeing. In this post, we will explore some of the main factors you may want to consider when shopping around for a vehicle and explain how you can easily get started with taxi insurance at Zego.


Vehicle-related costs

The primary vehicle-related costs faced by drivers are insurance and fuel. By purchasing a vehicle that allows you to keep the costs associated with your work to a minimum, you would be in a better position to maximise your earnings. While following good driving practices is one approach you can take to maximise your fuel economy, purchasing a vehicle with fuel efficiency, to begin with, can help minimise costs in the long term.


In terms of insurance costs, a key factor to be aware of is engine size. If the vehicle you’re looking at has a particularly large engine, insurers may consider it to have a higher risk than smaller alternatives which can result in a more expensive policy premium. If you’re interested in how much taxi insurance is likely to cost at Zego, feel free to visit our product page for more information on the options we have available.

Comfort

As a driver who spends a lot of time in your vehicle, comfort is imperative. Being comfortable has a significant impact upon your overall wellbeing and how you feel about your work, which is why you should look at a car that meets your needs.

Having a comfortable vehicle also benefits your customers too and will make for an improved experience on their journeys. If your passengers have a better time, they are more likely to leave a higher rating which in turn, leaves you with a higher driver score.


Reliability

The nature of taxi work means that it’s crucial for you to remain on the move. Since this is the case, you should consider vehicles that are known for their reliability and without a reputation for breaking down. At Zego, we offer breakdown cover which you can purchase alongside your taxi policy in order to prevent complications following issues with your vehicle.

Storage

If you regularly look for work around airports, you may find yourself picking up several passengers with large items of luggage. In order to be prepared for this, it is important to consider storage space when looking for vehicles for purchase.


Multi-purpose vehicles

Whilst some drivers purchase a vehicle exclusively for taxi work, others may rely on a family car for both personal and business purposes. If you’re looking to use your car outside of your work as a taxi driver, it may be a good idea to ensure the vehicle meets any other needs that are not connected to your job.


Electric vehicles

Electric vehicles are on the rise and with new makes and models available every year, there is a growing trend in the number of drivers who use this as their primary vehicle for taxi work. Depending on your local region, you may be able to access a number of benefits with electric vehicles such as exemption from road tax or congestion charges.


Getting a quote

If you’re looking to get started with taxi work in Ireland, feel free to visit our product page and have a look at the wide range of policy options available at Zego!