Blackburn taxi insurance costs among highest in UK

Blackburn with Darwen ranks among the most expensive places in the country for taxi insurance, with an average annual quote of £4,818, compared to the £2,023 average in neighbouring Hyndburn.

A new analysis by insurtech firm insurd, based on more than 100,000 insurance quotes across 100 UK licensing authorities, reveals stark regional disparities in taxi insurance pricing.

Craig Shaw, director at insurd, said: "These figures show how much taxi insurance quotes can vary across the UK.

"Location plays a big part, meaning where you live and where the taxi is kept overnight, but insurers also weigh who is driving, how far they drive and the taxi itself.

"When quotes can differ this much, comparing a wide panel matters."

Blackburn with Darwen is among the five most expensive licensing authorities for taxi insurance, with only Lewes (£5,145) and Doncaster (£5,342) recording higher average quotes.

Drivers licensed by the Public Carriage Office in London face average premiums of £4,588.

In contrast, the five cheapest areas, Southampton, Wrexham, Torfaen, York, and Gedling, had average annual quotes starting at just £1,420.

Mr Shaw said: "We work with some of the top-rated insurers, including Admiral, KinetiQ, Q, Inshur, KGM, Eridge, Collingwood, Markerstudy, SEIB, Sabre, Trident and ERS.

"We search them for each driver, and this summer 8 different insurers on our panel were the cheapest option for at least one driver."

The data highlights how average taxi insurance quotes can vary not just nationally, but also between neighbouring authorities.

Insurers consider factors such as the driver’s age, no claims bonus, vehicle type, mileage, and where the taxi is kept overnight when calculating premiums.