Is PCO Car Hire Worth it for Part-Time Drivers?

PCO hire is a quick and flexible way to get behind the wheel of a TfL-compliant car and start earning through ride-hailing. It’s typically used by full-time drivers due to low costs and no insurance/maintenance worries.

However, many people want to work as part-time drivers and often wonder whether PCO car hire is suitable for them. The short answer is that PCO car hire is worth it for part-time drivers as well. Here’s why.

Low Barrier to Entry

Generally, the goal of a part-time job is to earn some extra cash.

Part-time PCO driving is the same. You want to pay off some bills, get some funds for a holiday, or simply have more financial freedom.

If you had enough cash, you wouldn’t be doing it, right?

Now, consider the costs of buying a car outright. You need thousands of pounds to buy a car that meets all the TfL (Transport for London) requirements. Let’s be honest, not everyone has this much money.

This is where PCO car hire comes in!

You can start driving a private hire vehicle with a manageable weekly fee, which is often between £150 and £350, depending on the car you choose. Some companies also require a small upfront deposit of £250-£500, but it’s typically refunded if you return the car in good condition.

No Long-Term Commitment

Imagine getting locked into a six-month or a year-long contract when you only plan to drive occasionally. You will be bound to pay the weekly rent throughout your contract duration, even for the weeks/months you are not driving.

Refuse to pay and you could face serious legal and financial consequences.

With PCO hire, you can choose short-term contracts to only pay for the period you drive the car. Let’s suppose you want to earn some extra cash in December due to Christmas and festivities. All you need to do is hire a car for 4 weeks. No extra costs. No stress of being chained to a car that you don’t drive.

All-Inclusive Packages

Part-time drivers usually have many other responsibilities, such as a 9-5 job, studies, or freelancing. Finding a suitable insurance plan that covers car body repair or dealing with inspections can be challenging for them.

A great benefit of PCO hire vehicles for part-time drivers is that their insurance, MOTs, maintenance, and servicing are already sorted. The car provider handles these tasks so you can focus on driving and earning. The best part is that their cost is already included in your weekly hire fee.

This is a massive advantage because an insured car protects you in case of false claims or accidents.

Drive Newer, ULEZ Compliant Cars

The ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) charge is a £12.50 daily charge that non-EV drivers have to pay to enter the zone. It was introduced to keep London’s air clean. This charge can take a big bite out of the part-time drivers’ profits who already have a limited income.

PCO car hire gives you access to fully electric vehicles at manageable costs. No credit checks or bank loans. Just pick your preferred model, pay the weekly fee, and you are good to go.

Keep in mind that EV hire cost is higher than standard petrol or diesel hire options. However, if you consider the low charging costs compared to petrol prices and the ULEZ savings, which are £62 per week and over £312 per month if you drive 5 days a week, it’s totally worth it.

Try Before You Buy

If you have the money and plan to buy a car for PCO use but are not sure whether it’s the right fit for you, PCO hire is an excellent way to try it before buying. Just go to a reliable car provider, sign a short-term contract, and start taking rides. You can spend a month behind the wheel, explore the industry, and interact with passengers.

If the car doesn’t work out for you, just return it, switch to another model, and repeat. Keep doing so until you find a model that works for you. The ability to switch cars as often as you want is invaluable because it saves you from being stuck with the wrong car.

Backup Option When Your Car Isn’t Available

If your personal car is in the garage or doesn’t meet TfL standards, hiring a car is an excellent way to stay active on Uber, Bolt, or any other platform that you use.

As you know, letting a whole week slip by without any earnings could seriously impact your budget. PCO hire keeps your momentum going even when your car isn’t available. So, the next time you are stuck at home watching other drivers scoop up all the rides, simply pick up a TfL-approved car from a hire company and keep thriving.

Breakdown Cover

Breakdowns can be extremely frustrating for both drivers and passengers. Imagine you are doing your shift and suddenly your car breaks down in the middle of nowhere.

Not only will you have to find a garage, but you may also have to cancel the ride as you can’t complete the trip.

With PCO hire, you get breakdown cover as well. This means when your car breaks down, you just need to inform your car provider, and they will immediately offer assistance.

Conclusion

PCO car hire is totally worth it for part-time drivers. You may not earn as much as full-time drivers, but there’s still enough earning potential to improve your financial situation. Just make sure you pick the right package and a vehicle that suits your work style. Good luck!