Why More Drivers are Choosing PCO Car Hire in 2025

Obtaining a TfL-compliant car is becoming increasingly difficult. The costs of buying a car outright are rising. Emission regulations are tightening. And EVs are becoming standard due to Uber aiming to electrify its entire fleet by the end of 2025 and the UK government planning to phase out petrol/diesel vehicles in the coming years.

Despite these challenges, many drivers will still thrive.

They drive newer, cleaner vehicles that comply with all TfL regulations and upgrade their cars whenever they want without spending thousands of pounds.

So, what’s their secret?

They don’t buy cars outright. They hire them because PCO car hire is an affordable and convenient way to get behind the wheel and earn. Let’s see how.

Low Upfront Costs

The average cost of buying a car outright is about £25,000. Couple this with the costs of licensing, insurance, etc., and it becomes almost impossible for many drivers to purchase a car outright without a bank loan or assistance from someone they know.

With PCO hire, you don’t have to deal with hefty upfront costs. In most cases, you can get a car without any deposit at all. Even if you are asked to make a deposit, it’s normally around just £500 and often refundable if you return the car in good condition.

The best part is that you don’t have to wait. No banks. No complex paperwork. If you have a valid PCO licence and other required documents, you can start driving and earning within a day.

Access to Affordable EVs

PCO car hire lets you drive EVs without any long-term leases, huge monthly payments, or credit checks. You just need to pay a small weekly fee, and you are good to go.

We are not talking about any EVs. We are talking about top-tier models like the KIA Niro EV 2025, the MG 5, and the Mercedes-Benz EQE.

The biggest advantage of driving an EV is that you can avoid ULEZ (£12.50/daily) and congestion (£15/daily) charges. This means you can save £27.50 daily and over £600 a month if you drive 25 days a month.

All non-electric vehicles, including hybrids and PHEVs, must pay these charges.

Insurance Included

Driving without insurance is illegal in the UK. As a PCO driver, having insurance is even more important because you carry passengers and spend more time on the road, which puts you at a higher risk of accidents or conflicts.

A massive advantage of cheap PCO car hire is that it comes with insurance included, saving you the hassle of visiting insurance offices, dealing with agents, or comparing plans. The cost of the insurance is normally covered in your weekly hire fee.

Driving an insured car means you get coverage for injuries, car body repair, and more in case of an accident. Just make sure your package includes comprehensive insurance, as this is the only insurance type that offers you complete protection.

Having Third Party Only or Third Party Fire & Theft insurance will leave you vulnerable as they don’t cover you from all angles.

Servicing, Maintenance, and MOT also included

TfL has certain safety and maintenance standards for private hire vehicles. Any car that fails to meet these standards is considered ineligible for PCO use.

To confirm that your car meets TfL’s safety and maintenance standards, an MOT test is conducted every six months. During the test, the car’s structure, body, brakes, suspension, and other components are checked to make sure they are in good condition.

With PCO car hire, MOT is not your problem because your car provider will be the one responsible for keeping the vehicle MOT-ready through regular servicing and maintenance. This saves you the hassle of booking garage appointments, dealing with admin, and more.

Although the fee for this service is included in your weekly rental cost, it is spread across the duration of your contract, making it more manageable.

Some car providers also offer a replacement vehicle when a car is in the garage for repairs or maintenance. Choose a company that offers this option to minimise your downtime.

Flexible Terms for Uncertain Times

PCO driving can be unpredictable at times. Some months bring you a constant flow of work and high earnings while in some months, the demand could drop.

For instance, PCO drivers get more bookings in December due to Christmas and New Year’s celebrations, while in January, the demand drops as people prefer to stay home to recover from holiday spending.

PCO rental cars let you adapt according to your situation.

Demand is low? Switch to an affordable car to lower your weekly costs. Want to test the waters before committing full-time to PCO driving? Sign a short-term contract, and if things don’t work out, return the car without any regrets.

Buying or financing a car doesn’t give you this type of flexibility. Once you have signed the contract, you must pay the fees or face penalties, even if you are not getting enough rides.

Try Before You Buy

Buying a car without testing is like buying a pair of shoes without trying them on. As a PCO driver, you will be spending 8-12 hours on the road per day for five to six days a week. That’s why, if you are planning to buy a car, it’s important to know how it will perform in the PCO industry.

PCO car hire is an excellent way to try a car before you buy it. For instance, if you plan to buy a specific EV model, hiring the same model first will help you know how much range you will get, its weekly charging costs, legroom, headroom, boot space, and more.

Plus, you will also learn whether it’s good for extended use or not. If yes, you can buy it with peace of mind. If not, you can try another model. No risk involved.

Conclusion

PCO car hire is no longer a backup plan. It’s the preferred choice for smart drivers due to easy EV access, flexible terms, coverage for car accident repair, and more. Whether you are just starting out or an experienced driver looking to upgrade your current vehicle, hiring a PCO car can help you keep costs under control and stay compliant in the rapidly changing market.