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PCO Car Hire in London: What You Should Check Before Renting


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A weekly PCO hire price looks simple. But the price is only part of the deal. 

The agreement decides who pays for insurance, repairs, damage, and extra miles. It also decides what happens if you want to leave.

Checking these details first can save you money and stress. This guide covers PCO car hire in London from the driver's side.

What Is Included in the Weekly PCO Hire Price?

Ask for a written list of what the weekly payment covers. Check for:

  • The vehicle itself
  • Insurance
  • Breakdown or roadside cover
  • Servicing and repairs
  • MOT
  • Road tax
  • Vehicle licensing

Never assume something is included. Two providers can show a similar price and cover very different things.

MKL PCO Car Hire provides the MG HS starts from £239 a week and the Hyundai Ioniq from £209. 

Check our PCO Cars fleet. 

PCO Insurance: Is Hire & Reward Cover Included?

TfL says every private hire vehicle needs hire or reward insurance. It must be valid when the car is licensed and whenever it is used for private hire. Ordinary car insurance does not count.

Ask these questions:

  • Is Hire & Reward cover included in the weekly price?
  • Is the policy fully comprehensive?
  • What is the excess? (That is the amount you pay towards a claim.)
  • Are there rules on who can drive, or when and where?
  • What must you do after an incident?

Is the PCO Vehicle Already TfL Licensed?

In London, the car needs its own private hire vehicle licence from TfL. This is separate from your PCO driver licence and badge.

Before you commit, ask:

  • Is the car licensed now, and when does the licence expire?
  • Is any licensing work still needed?
  • Who books and pays for the inspection at renewal?

Ask to see the licence paperwork for the exact car you will drive.

MKL PCO Car Hire provides 100% TLC-ready vehicles with coverage. {Highlight this section}

MOT, Servicing and Maintenance: Who Pays?

Separate normal upkeep from damage. Normal upkeep means servicing, MOT, brake and tyre wear, and mechanical faults. Damage is different. Scratched alloys or torn seats may be charged to you. Ask where the agreement draws the line.

PCO cars work hard. TfL's inspection manual says vehicles more than 12 months from manufacture need two MOT tests as a condition of annual licensing. Ask who books and pays for each one.

Are There Mileage Limits?

Long shifts add up fast. Ask:

  • Is there a weekly or monthly limit?
  • What is the charge per extra mile?
  • How is mileage recorded?
  • Do personal miles count too?

How Much Is the Security Deposit?

A deposit is money the provider holds as security. Ask:

  • How much is it?
  • How and when do you pay it?
  • When do you get it back?
  • What can be deducted?

MKL PCO Car Hire provides a weekly hire page with a £350 deposit. 

Get your PCO Car in London.

What Happens If the Car Breaks Down?

A breakdown means lost earnings. So ask:

  • Who do you call, and is help available 24/7?
  • What if the car cannot be fixed quickly?
  • Do you get a replacement car?
  • Do you still pay rent while it is off the road?

Accident and Damage Responsibilities

Inspect the car before you drive away. Then:

  • Walk around it and photograph every panel, wheel, and the interior.
  • Film the dashboard, including the mileage and any warning lights.
  • Get existing damage written down and signed off.

If something happens on the road, stop safely, take photos, swap details and tell the provider straight away. Ask what deadline applies and who pays the excess.

Can You Return or Change the Vehicle?

Look for:

  • The notice period to end the agreement
  • Early-return charges
  • Rules on switching to another car
  • How the car must be handed back

Weekly Rolling Contract vs Long-Term Agreement

A weekly rolling agreement runs week by week. You usually end it by giving notice. A long-term agreement runs for a fixed period. Leaving early may cost you.

Check the term, the notice period, the weekly payment,t and any early-ending fees. For a long agreement, work out the total cost, not just the weekly price.

Hidden PCO Car Hire Costs to Watch For

Ask for a full fee list of being a PCO driver. Look for:

  • Insurance excess
  • Deposit deductions
  • Excess mileage
  • Damage charges
  • Late payment fees
  • Early termination charges
  • Admin fees
  • Additional driver fees
  • Cleaning charges
  • Lost key charges

This list is about what to ask, not what any provider charges. MKL says its package rates have zero hidden fees. Still ask for the fee schedule in writing.

Your PCO Car Hire in London Checklist

Use this before you sign:

Checks 1–8Checks 9–16
☐ Weekly hire price confirmed☐ Security deposit confirmed
☐ Insurance confirmed☐ Breakdown process understood
☐ Hire & Reward cover confirmed☐ Existing vehicle damage recorded
☐ Insurance excess checked☐ Accident reporting process understood
☐ TfL/PCO licensing checked☐ Notice period checked
☐ MOT status checked☐ Early-return terms checked
☐ Servicing responsibility confirmed☐ Extra charges checked
☐ Mileage limit checked☐ Contract read before signing

Before You Sign

The right PCO car hire in London is the one whose terms you fully understand. Take this checklist to any provider and ask for answers in writing.

If you are comparing MKL PCO Car Hire, start with its PCO car hire page.

 Read its guides on how PCO car hire works and PCO vehicle requirements. Then contact the team with your questions.

FAQs

What should I check before hiring a PCO car in London?

Check the weekly price, insurance, licensing, servicing, mileage, deposit, breakdown help, damage rules, and how to end the agreement. Get the answers in writing.

Does PCO car hire include insurance?

Not always. It depends on the provider. Confirm that Hire & Reward cover is included and ask about the excess. MKL's website lists insurance as included in its packages.

Is a PCO car already TfL licensed?

It must be licensed before it is used for private hire. Ask to see the licence and expiry date for the exact car.

Who pays for servicing and MOT on a PCO rental car?

It depends on the agreement. Some packages include them,m and some do not. MKL's website lists both as included.

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