Discovering that your parked PCO car has been hit can be incredibly frustrating. For London private hire drivers, vehicle damage can also mean time off the road and lost earnings. Even if you weren’t inside the vehicle when the accident happened, knowing what to do next can make the claims process much easier.
Here’s what PCO drivers should know if another driver damages their parked vehicle.
If the other driver is still at the scene, exchange contact and insurance details and take photographs of both vehicles. Make sure you capture the damage, vehicle registration numbers and the surrounding area.
If the driver has already left, check whether your dashcam recorded the incident. Nearby homes, shops, car parks or businesses may also have CCTV footage. Witness details can be useful if there is any disagreement about what happened.
You should report the accident in accordance with your insurance policy and any applicable requirements. Provide accurate information and keep copies of photographs, videos and other evidence.
If the other driver left without providing their details, the situation may require additional steps. An accident management specialist can explain your options based on the circumstances.
Even damage that looks minor can require professional assessment. Your vehicle may need to be inspected before repairs can begin.
For a PCO driver, delays at this stage matter. If your vehicle isn’t safe or suitable for private hire work, you could lose income for every day it remains off the road.
A standard courtesy car isn’t necessarily suitable for private hire work. PCO drivers need to make sure any replacement vehicle meets the necessary licensing and insurance requirements before using it for work.
Where appropriate, accident management companies can arrange suitable replacement vehicles while a damaged PCO car is being repaired. This can help minimise disruption to your earnings.
Dealing with repairs, insurers, recovery and replacement transport can quickly become time-consuming. Professional accident management support can coordinate the different parts of a non-fault claim and keep you updated throughout the process.
At Pearl Assistance, we specialise in helping London PCO drivers following non-fault accidents. If your parked PCO vehicle has been damaged by another driver, our team can help manage your claim, arrange repairs and, where eligible, organise a suitable replacement vehicle to help get you back on the road.
