Picking the wrong PCO hire company can be a stressful experience due to lost income, unexpected charges, and cars that break down when most needed. Unfortunately, many drivers realise they’ve picked the wrong PCO car hire company when it’s too late, often due to a lack of experience.

Remember that your car is your source of daily income. If it’s not working properly, or if your car provider doesn’t offer the support you need to keep it on the road, your income will take a direct hit. That’s why it’s important to choose a reliable PCO hire company.

In this article, we will mention the red flags to avoid when choosing a PCO hire company for a stress-free experience. If you plan to hire a PCO car, then read this first.

Lack of Transparency in Pricing

The first thing to look for is the so-called ‘cheap weekly rates’. We are talking about those attractive ads promoting £199 per week plans. You may think you are getting good value, but many cheap deals come with hidden costs that will have you paying extra fees.

Such companies lure you with the bait figure. After you have signed the contract, they hit you with insurance excess, car servicing fees, admin charges, roadside coverage, and whatnot.

These things are supposed to be included in the advertised fee, and if you are paying them separately, then it’s not a fair deal. The car provider should always offer you a clear breakdown of what you will actually be paying on a weekly basis. If they refuse to offer the details, then they are probably dishonest with you.

No Backup or Replacement Vehicle

One of the biggest nightmares of PCO drivers is being suddenly left without a vehicle with bookings to fill and money to make.

Imagine you are doing your shift and suddenly the engine light flashes, or the car breaks down altogether.

What happens now?

If you don’t have a solid backup plan, you will face days off work, cancellation of fares, and a dip in your daily income while waiting for repairs or a backup vehicle. That’s why it’s important to have immediate support in case of emergencies.

Before signing the contract, ask the car provider how long it takes them to offer a replacement vehicle if your car breaks down. A decent company will not keep you waiting for days. They will quickly provide you with a replacement to make sure you keep earning.

Poor Reviews or No Online Presence

Would you eat at a restaurant with no reviews, or worse, one where customers regularly complain about food quality? Of course not. So why would you trust a PCO car hire company with poor reviews or no online presence?

The truth is that a company with no online presence nowadays is either fresh on the scene and using you as a trial case or hiding something. Either possibility is not good.

Remember that ratings and reviews are no longer an option. They help you determine how a company treats its drivers and responds when problems arise.

A company that is worth your time will have Google reviews, a TrustPilot page, and even a social media page where it engages actively with drivers.

Complicated Return or Exit Policy

A contract with a complicated return or exit policy can be a real headache. You may think you will use the car for a few months, and if you want to stop, you can return it. However, things aren’t always this simple.

Some companies may penalise you for cancelling the contract or deduct from your refundable deposit. Some may even try to keep your whole deposit because of a mysterious scratch they claim was not there when you took the car.

This usually happens when you don’t entirely read the contract, as the details lie in the fine print. Some contracts require a short notice period to return the car without extra fees. Others have vague return conditions like ‘the car must be returned in original condition’ without any explanation.

Before signing the contract, thoroughly read the return or exit policy. Also, check who is responsible for car body repairs in case of an accident. If it doesn’t have clear, objective criteria, then consider other options.

Poor Driver Support or Communication

You could have a top-tier PCO car with a cheap weekly rate, but if your hire company has poor driver support, this is a red flag. Private hire driving is not a walk in the park. You have to deal with high traffic that can lead to fatigue, sudden breakdowns, and TfL regulations while trying to improve your income.

When something goes wrong, the last thing you want is to be stranded on a roadside with no support. And while you try to find a solution, the clock ticks and fares slip away. That’s why you should avoid working with any hire company that doesn’t prioritise quality driver support.

To know how solid a company’s support is, test them before you sign.

Call during business hours and check how long it takes to get a real person on the line.

Send a quick WhatsApp or email message and see how quickly they respond.

Ask direct questions such as:

If I break down on weekends, what happens?

Who do I call to report an accident?

Is there a dedicated support rep for long-term clients?

If they are vague, delayed, or full of corporate fluff answers, that’s all the warning you need.

Final Thoughts

The best PCO car providers view themselves as partners for your success, not just rental businesses. They assist you with well-maintained cars, transparent contracts, and prompt support. If you see any red flags, even one or two, don’t ignore them. Read the fine print, ask questions, and compare different companies. At the end of the day, the quality of your car provider will determine the quality of your experience with them.