5 Highest Paying Private Hire Companies to Work For

Over the years, the popularity of private hire vehicle companies in the UK has steadily increased, especially because they allow drivers to make their hours while making a steady income.

Apart from popular UK PHV companies like Uber, Bolt, and Addison Lee (cue in James Arthur's Car Outside), a few other companies offer good incentives for their drivers.

If you are wondering about which private hire company to choose from, keep reading. This guide will discuss the best private hire company, exploring their commission rates, clientele, customer base, advantages, and disadvantages.

This way, you will be able to make an informed decision. So, let’s get right to it.

1. Uber

Uber is the UK PHV industry giant because it is the most widely used. This means that Uber has a large customer base in the UK, making it easy for drivers to have constant ride requests, especially in major cities like Manchester, Birmingham, and London.

Signing up to drive on the Uber platform is easy, but you need to be over 21 years old and have a driver's license and a car. Uber also requires its drivers to complete a virtual onboarding course to enable them to familiarise themselves with the Uber app.

Also read the Uber App for Drivers’ Guide: How to Earn More

However, Uber takes the highest commission in the industry—25%, meaning that drivers may need to work smarter to earn more. Uber provides drivers with extra earning opportunities, as they can also decide to transport food through Uber Eats.

Pros

During peak hours, drivers can increase their earnings as Uber offers surge pricing.
Uber offers drivers access to a pension plan, which includes contributions from Uber and the drivers.
Uber’s Allianz insurance scheme protects drivers from injury, sickness, or childbirth.
Uber Pro reward program offers benefits like vehicle maintenance benefits, fuel discounts, and priority airport pickups.

Cons

Uber takes a high 25% commission on fares.
There is competition with other drivers, especially in small cities.
Uber has strict deactivation policies.

2. Bolt

Bolt has become quite popular with drivers because of the lower commission rate compared to Uber.

Also read: Is Bolt Cheaper Than Uber?

With the 15% commission rate, drivers get to take a larger percentage of their fair home. Although Bolt offers increased fares during peak hours, its customer base is not as vast as Uber's in the UK. This means that drivers may not receive as many ride requests, especially in small cities.

Bolt allows drivers to drive and earn when they want, whether it is in the evening or at weekends. They also allow London hackney carriage drivers to join Bolt Black cab, enabling them to fit driving around their schedule.

Pros

No minimum hours.
Lower 15% commission rate.
Bolt offers weekly payouts with no hidden earning limits.

Cons

Ride demand can be lower in certain cities than Uber.
Bolt has a smaller customer base in some UK cities.

3. Addison Lee

Addison Lee is a good choice if you want a more structured and predictable income, as they primarily focus on using a pre-booking system. This company also primarily focuses on corporate clients and airport transfers, meaning that the fares are much higher than Uber and Bolt. They even boast that new drivers can earn up to £5,000 in their first month if they complete 35 jobs per week.

While Addison Lee directly leases vehicles to their drivers, PHV drivers with their own vehicles can also drive for them. However, to become a partner driver with their vehicle, the vehicle needs to be in good condition, not older than 5 years and should be coloured dark grey or black. Additionally, because Addison Lee has a standard, the vehicles must be one of these models: Merc Benz Vito, Mercedes E, V and S class, BMW 5 series, BMW 7 series, Hyundai Ioniq 5, All Tesla models, Lexus S300H, Audi A6, Audi A8, Kia EV6, VW ID4s and Multivan.

Pros

Access to higher fares and premium clients – 80% of the FTSE top 100.
Drivers have the choice to drive a brand-new electric VW ID.4 with over 300 miles.
New drivers get free vehicle hire costs for the first four weeks.
Access to a pension scheme with contribution from Addison Lee
Addison Lee provides a vehicle maintenance package with insurance, repairs, and maintenance.

Cons

Drivers with their personal vehicles have strict vehicle criteria.
Less flexibility compared to other private hire companies like Uber and Bolt.

4. FREE NOW

Unlike the other private hire companies, FREE NOW allows both black cab drivers and private hire drivers to take bookings on their app. While PHV drivers are subject to a 15% commission, black cab drivers have a commission rate set at 18%.

New Guide: How To Become A Freenow Driver

On the other hand, black cab drivers are subject to only a 2% commission if they pick a passenger up on the street and the passenger uses their FREE NOW app to pay.

Just like Addison Lee, FREE NOW offers corporate ride agreements and exclusive airport contracts, allowing drivers to get steady work outside of normal passenger fares.

However, FREE NOW's popularity is not as vast as Uber and Bolt's in different cities in the UK, so the demand may not be as high as it is in cities like London. Plus, drivers can reduce their commissions if they advertise on their vehicles.

Pros

Drivers keep 100% of their tips.
Black cab drivers have more driving flexibility.
FREE NOW provides access to airport and corporate ride contracts.

Cons

Demand for FREE NOW rides is not high in most small UK cities.
Driver incentives are lower than those of Uber and Bolt.

5. Local Private Hire Companies

For drivers who don't want to work for global companies, there are smaller private hire companies that operate in specific regions. This way, drivers can be sure that the demand for their services in these areas will be steady. For example, private hire companies like Alpha Cars in Manchester and Radio Taxis in Southhampton have built a strong reputation in their respective regions. Some of these local PHV companies even offer school runs, airport transfers, and corporate contracts.

While working for local PHV companies is more stable, drivers will need to be more committed to specific working hours or even fixed shifts. Unlike global private hire companies like Uber and Bolt, where you are flexible with your hours, you may be expected to have more structured hours.

Pros

Drivers have regular contracts with schools, businesses, and even hospitals.
There is less competition compared to global private hire companies.

Cons

Drivers have less flexibility compared to app-based PHV companies.
Outside of the region, the customer base is limited.
Drivers may need to be available full-time.

Wrapping Up

Now that we have discussed some of the best private hire companies you can work with as a driver, you must choose the best one that aligns with your priorities.

If you want more flexibility and a vast customer base, Uber and Bolt are the best choices, but if it is a more structured work process you require, you should choose Addison Lee.

On the other hand, if you are a black cab driver and want more flexibility, FREE NOW is a good option.

However, if you prefer stability and working regionally, you can choose from a local private hire company in your area.