How Much Does PCO Car Hire Cost in London? [2026 Breakdown]

Many drivers see a weekly price online. They think that's the full cost. It usually isn't.

The true cost of PCO car hire in London depends on the vehicle you choose, what's included, and what you'll pay on top. 

This guide breaks it all down, so you know exactly what to expect before you sign anything.

Here's what you need to know about PCO car hire costs, what's covered, and how to budget properly.

What Is the Typical Weekly Cost of PCO Car Hire in London?

Most PCO car hire in London costs £180 to £300+ per week. The actual cost will vary depending on the vehicle type.

• Standard hybrids (such as the Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In) fall in the bottom range. They are suitable for novices to driving.
• Premium hybrids and PHEVs (like the MG HS Uber Comfort) cost a bit more. They suit Uber Comfort drivers.
• XL and executive vehicles sit at the top end. They suit Uber XL, Comfort, and Executive tiers.

Prices move with demand, mileage limits, and what's bundled into the package. A low price with no servicing or insurance included can end up costing more than a higher all-inclusive rate.

What's included in the weekly PCO car hire price?

A genuine all-inclusive package should cover:

• Insurance — private hire (hire and reward) insurance, which TfL requires for every PCO driver
• Breakdown cover — roadside assistance if your car lets you down
• Servicing and maintenance — routine servicing and general wear and tear
• PCO vehicle license and MOT — handled by the hire company, not you
• Road tax — included as part of the weekly rate

Always check exactly what's bundled before you compare two prices side by side. A £200 package with everything included can be better value than a £180 package with extras billed separately.

At MKL, our all-inclusive PCO car hire packages cover insurance, servicing, road tax, and breakdown cover as standard. No guessing, no hidden add-ons.

What Costs Are NOT Usually Covered?

A few costs sit outside the weekly rate, no matter which provider you choose:

• Fuel or charging — always paid by the driver
• Congestion Charge — £15 a day in Central London (electric vehicles are currently exempt)
• ULEZ charges — most hybrids and EVs meet the standard; older petrol and diesel cars don't
• Excess damage charges—if you're at fault in an accident, check your excess before you sign
• Optional extras — things like an additional driver or a vehicle upgrade

Quick tip: choosing an electric or plug-in hybrid car cuts your running costs. They're ULEZ-exempt and cheaper to charge than petrol cars are to fill.

Read our latest guide “What Is PCO Car Hire and How Does It Work in London”

Is There a Deposit, and How Much Is It?

Yes. Most PCO hire firms ask for a refundable deposit before you collect the car. It's usually worth one to two weeks' rent.

Build the deposit into your start-up budget, alongside your first week's payment. That way, there are no surprises before you even hit the road.

How Does Vehicle Type Affect Your PCO Hire Cost?

Vehicle type is the biggest factor in your weekly rate. Here's a simple breakdown:

Plug-in hybrids and full electric cars cost more per week. But they save you real money on fuel and charging once you're driving full-time.

Browse our hybrid PCO car hire options, including the Hyundai Ioniq plug-in hire, to compare weekly rates against your expected earnings.

PCO Car Hire vs. Rent to Buy—Which Costs Less Long-Term?

PCO car hire is a straight weekly rental. There's no ownership at the end. It suits drivers who want low commitment and zero maintenance worries.

Rent to Buy works differently. Part of each payment goes towards owning the car. It's more expensive overall, but you get a car all your own.

• To test the market, drive part-time or for maximum flexibility, choose hire.
• Choose PCO Car Rent to Buy if you're driving full-time and want to build towards ownership.

How to Calculate Your Real Weekly Cost as a PCO Driver

Use this simple framework to find your true cost:

1. Start with your weekly hire fee (confirmed all-inclusive price)
2. Add your fuel or charging estimate, based on expected mileage
3. Add the Congestion Charge if you drive in Zone 1 regularly
4. Subtract ULEZ savings if you drive an eligible EV or PHEV
5. The result is your true weekly operating cost

Compare this number against your expected weekly earnings from Uber or Bolt. That's how you know if a car actually pays for itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does PCO car hire cost per week in London?

Generally, the price range for most packages is £180-£300+ per week, depending on the vehicle and package content. The most cost-effective is an all-inclusive package (insurance, maintenance, and road tax).

Is insurance included in PCO car hire?

With a trusted provider like MKL, private hire (hire-and-reward) insurance is included in your weekly rate. You won't need to arrange it yourself.

Do I need a deposit for PCO car hire in London?

Yes. Most companies will ask for a security deposit, which is usually 1-2 weeks' rent, before you take possession of the car.

Are electric vehicles cheaper to hire than hybrids?

The weekly rates tend to be slightly higher. However, electric cars benefit from an exemption from ULEZ and the Congestion Charge and do not cost as much on an everyday basis. This can quickly accumulate for high-mileage drivers.

Can I switch vehicles or upgrade my plan?

At MKL, our terms stay flexible. Speak to our team to ask about switching or upgrading your vehicle.

Final Word

PCO car hire in London usually costs £180 to £300+ per week. But the real question isn't the headline price — it's what that price actually includes.

An all-inclusive package that covers insurance, servicing, maintenance, and road tax is far better value than a cheap rate with hidden extras waiting underneath.

MKL PCO Car Hire has spent years helping London's PCO drivers find the right car, with transparent pricing and no surprise charges. We offer a range of hybrid and electric vehicles, with flexible packages built for full-time and part-time drivers alike.

Ready to get on the road? Browse our available vehicles or contact our team today.