Planning Airport & Long Trips On a PCO Car Hire Plan

As a PCO driver, there are many things to consider when you hire a PCO car to earn a daily income. Some common examples include drop-off fees at the airport, fuel or charging for extra miles, and vehicle suitability.

If you’re driving under a PCO car hire plan, you must balance your weekly mileage, manage extra costs, and ensure your car is suitable for longer runs. Smart planning helps avoid penalties, reduce downtime, and improve overall profitability.

This guide will walk you through all the details you need to know before taking on long-distance or airport jobs, from insurance and fuel costs to fatigue management and vehicle maintenance.

Things to Remember for PCO Drivers Who Prefer Long Trips

Not every PCO hire plan or vehicle is designed for long routes. Some contracts have strict limits while others are more flexible. Remember these factors before signing a contract:

Mileage Cap

Your hire contract usually includes a weekly mileage allowance. Exceeding this limit often leads to extra fees. Before accepting longer trips, confirm how much distance you can drive under your current plan. Drivers who frequently work airport routes may benefit from plans with higher mileage caps to avoid unnecessary penalties.

Insurance & Breakdown Policy

Always review your vehicle insurance policy before starting long trips. Some PCO hire agreements limit coverage to certain areas or exclude specific incidents. You could face major repair costs if your insurance doesn’t cover breakdowns or accidents outside your city.

Many PCO drivers assume that basic insurance includes everything, but it often doesn’t. Confirm that your policy covers long-distance travel and car damage repairs after collisions. Similarly, check whether breakdown assistance is included in your plan. Expert help for a flat tyre or dead battery can save hours of lost income.

Vehicle Space and Comfort

Long trips usually involve luggage. A compact car can lead to uncomfortable rides or cancellations. Choose a spacious vehicle with large boot to offer adequate space and comfort to passengers. This keeps customers satisfied and improves your driver rating on platforms like Uber or Bolt.

Costs to Consider for Airport Runs or Long-Distance Trips

While long trips bring you higher fares, they may also involve extra costs. Below are some costs to consider for private hire drivers:

Fuel / Charging Costs

Long driving hours mean more fuel or charging consumption. If you drive on petrol or diesel, consider the extra fuel costs. For electric cars, charging time is important. If you have home charging setup, charge your EV overnight to have enough range for a full shift. EVs take long time to charge, and powering up your car during driving hours can cause downtime and cost more.

Drop-Off / Parking Fees

Airport runs usually involve a drop-off fee of £5-£10. You must pay this fee every time you enter the drop-off zone, even on the same day. If you don’t pay this fee on time, you can get a Penalty Charge Notice of over £100. In addition, every airport has designated parking lots. You can use these lots when waiting for ride requests. However, they have a separate parking fee.

ULEZ and Congestion Charges

The ULEZ Charge is £12.50 per day, while Congestion Charge is £15 per day. Both these charges apply to high-emission vehicles. You have to pay these charges once a day. However, if your daily routes involve driving through these zones, then the daily charges can affect your earnings. The best way to avoid these charges is to drive a fully electric or Euro-6 compliant vehicle.

Managing Vehicle Insurance and Business Insurance

For professional drivers, insurance plays a major role in financial stability and long term savings.

Understanding Vehicle Insurance

Every PCO driver must have vehicle insurance that covers private hire use. However, coverage can vary widely. Some policies only protect against third party damage, while others offer comprehensive coverage. This includes protection against theft, fire, and accident damage to your own vehicle.

It is valuable if you drive long routes or operate in high traffic areas. You get cover for car body repairs and even towing services while your car is in the workshop. Make sure you review your plan’s excess fee and confirm it fits your budget. Excess is the set amount you pay out of your own pocket when insurance coverage kicks in.

Adding Business Insurance

Alongside vehicle insurance, consider business insurance. This type of coverage protects your income in case of unexpected downtime. For instance, if your PCO car is damaged and you’re unable to work, business insurance can help cover lost earnings or temporary vehicle rental costs.

It’s a smart investment for drivers who depend on a consistent weekly income. Some providers offer combined insurance packages covering your vehicle and business liabilities, simplifying your paperwork and payments.

Maintenance and Car Body Repairs

Regular maintenance is key to keeping your PCO car roadworthy. Before starting your shift, always check:

• Tyre pressure
• Oil and coolant levels
• Brake performance
• Wiper blades and lights

If your car has been involved in an accident, inform the car provider immediately. Dents or alignment issues can affect both performance and safety. Many PCO car hire companies partner with approved repair centres specialising in quick, high-quality fixes for private hire vehicles.

Fatigue and Legal Compliance

Long driving hours can cause fatigue. Always get enough sleep before starting a shift. 

Also, keep important papers in the car. These include your PCO licence, insurance, and MOT certificate.

Always confirm that the lights are working and fluids are at right level. If you hire a car, report any issues to the car provider for a timely fix.

How to Know if Long Trips are Worth the Effort

Your earnings from airport runs and long trips depend on how well you plan and whether you can handle extra risks and costs. 

Start by doing a few airport test runs. Write down the total fare and all extra costs (fuel, drop off fees, tolls, congestion/ULEZ, dead mileage), and the total time. Next, do a few short test trips in Central London and compare both jobs. This will give you a clear idea of what jobs are most profitable.

Steps to Prepare

1. Choose the Right Car

Select a PCO car with excellent mileage and spacious boot. Hybrid and electric vehicles are ideal for drivers who cover large distances regularly.

1. Plan Charging Sessions:
   If you use an EV, charge overnight or during meal breaks to minimise downtime. Use fast chargers strategically along your routes.

2. Check Your Route:
   Use navigation apps that show live traffic, tolls, and rest stops. Planning helps avoid unnecessary delays.

3. Keep Essentials in the Car:
   Carry phone chargers, bottled water, and emergency tools. A dashcam is also helpful for recording incidents, which can support insurance claims if needed.

Financial Planning and Cost Control

Successful PCO drivers treat their work like a business. That means tracking all expenses and identifying ways to reduce costs.

• Use fuel cards or loyalty schemes to save on refuelling.

• Keep digital records of receipts for tax deductions.

• Schedule routine maintenance to avoid major repair bills.

• Monitor your mileage weekly to prevent over-limit charges.

If your car is ever damaged, contact your car provider to arrange repairs. Approved workshops often guarantee the work and maintain your car’s warranty.

Final Thoughts

Airport runs and long trips can help you earn more daily income. However, they also have extra costs and logistical concerns. If you are on a PCO car hire plan, know your contract terms, especially mileage, and plan accordingly. Adding business insurance helps protect your income as well. The best practice is to mix longer trips that pay more with shorter trips that happen more often. This can help you earn a steady income.