If you have been injured in a taxi accident in the UK — as a passenger, another road user or even the taxi driver yourself — you can usually make a taxi accident claim for compensation. As a passenger you are almost never at fault: you claim against whichever driver caused the collision, via their motor insurance. Licensed taxis and private hire vehicles are required to carry insurance. If the driver was uninsured, the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB) can compensate you. You have three years to claim.
Taxi and private hire vehicle accidents raise particular questions: who exactly is liable, does the operator share responsibility, and does claiming mean going after your driver personally? The short answer is that insurance handles it. This guide explains the claim routes for passengers, pedestrians and drivers, the licensing and insurance requirements, and how compensation works. We are an independent information service, not a law firm.
Who can claim?
| Who you are | Claim against |
|---|---|
| Passenger — taxi driver was at fault | The taxi driver, via their motor insurance |
| Passenger — another driver was at fault | The other driver, via their motor insurance |
| Pedestrian or cyclist hit by a taxi | The taxi driver, via their motor insurance |
| Taxi driver — another road user was at fault | That road user, via their motor insurance |
| Passenger — driver uninsured or untraced | The Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB) |
As a passenger, you are in the strongest position: you were not driving and bear no responsibility for how the vehicle was operated. Your relationship with the driver — even if they are a friend or family member — does not affect your right to claim. The claim is dealt with by the insurer, not by the driver personally.
Licensing and insurance
All licensed taxis (hackney carriages) and private hire vehicles must carry motor insurance that covers passengers. Drivers must hold a licence from the relevant local authority. If a driver is unlicensed or uninsured, that is their offence — it does not remove your right to compensation. The MIB exists precisely for this situation.
✓ Operator liability
In some cases the taxi or private hire operator may also share liability — for example, if they employed or engaged a driver they knew to be unfit, or failed to maintain the vehicle. Your solicitor can investigate this.
How much compensation?
Compensation depends on the injury. For whiplash-only RTA claims, the fixed tariff under the Civil Liability Act 2018 applies: £275 to £4,830 for injuries lasting up to 2 years (Whiplash Injury (Amendment) Regulations 2025 figures, for accidents from 31 May 2025). More serious injuries — fractures, head injuries, spinal damage, psychological harm — are assessed under the Judicial College Guidelines (17th edition, 2024) and can be substantially higher. Special damages (lost earnings, medical treatment, care, travel) are added on top.
Seatbelt and contributory negligence
Passengers in taxis fitted with seatbelts are expected to wear them. If you were not wearing a seatbelt and that contributed to the severity of your injuries, your compensation may be reduced — typically by 15–25% depending on whether the seatbelt would have prevented or merely reduced the injury. This does not eliminate the claim; it reduces the amount.
Time limits
Three years from the date of the accident under the Limitation Act 1980 (England and Wales). Children have until their 21st birthday. See our time limits guide.
Getting help
We are not a law firm. Use the SRA register and Law Society "Find a Solicitor" to find a personal injury solicitor experienced in road traffic claims. Citizens Advice provides free initial guidance.
Frequently asked questions
Can I claim compensation as a taxi passenger?
Yes. As a passenger you are almost never at fault for a collision. You can claim against whichever driver caused the accident, via their motor insurance. If your taxi driver was at fault, you claim against them. If another driver caused it, you claim against that driver. Licensed taxis and private hire vehicles must carry insurance.
What if the taxi driver was unlicensed or uninsured?
You can still claim. If the driver was uninsured, the Motor Insurers Bureau (MIB) can compensate you. Unlicensed drivers are breaking the law, but that does not affect your right to compensation as an innocent passenger.
Can a taxi driver claim if another road user caused the accident?
Yes. Taxi drivers can claim against any other road user whose negligence caused the accident, just like any other driver. The claim would be against that driver's motor insurer.
How much compensation for a taxi accident?
It depends entirely on the injury. Whiplash-only claims arising from road traffic accidents are subject to the fixed tariff under the Civil Liability Act 2018 (275 pounds to 4,830 pounds for accidents from 31 May 2025). More serious injuries are valued under Judicial College Guidelines. Special damages for lost earnings, treatment and care are added on top.
Does claiming affect my relationship with the taxi driver?
The claim is handled by the driver's motor insurer, not by the driver personally. You are not taking money from the driver. Most passengers worry about this, but insurance exists precisely to handle these situations.
How long do I have to claim?
Three years from the date of the accident under the Limitation Act 1980 in England and Wales. For children, time does not start until they turn 18.
Get help from official, free sources
- Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) — check a solicitor is regulated
- The Law Society — Find a Solicitor — accredited PI specialists
- Citizens Advice — free, impartial guidance on your rights
Related guides: road traffic accident claims, passenger injury claims, rear-end collision claims, whiplash claims, MIB uninsured driver claims, and no win, no fee explained.