PCO driving is one of the best ways to earn a side income. For many, it’s also a source of their complete income. The rising popularity of this option is all thanks to the PCO rentals popping up in London. So, if you’re also among those considering starting their journey as a driver, you may be wondering:

How long should I hire a PCO car? What is the difference between a short-term and long-term PCO car rental? To help you make a leap, this guide has all the information you may need about the two options.

What Is a Long-term PCO Car Rental?

PCO, or Public Carriage Office, is the regulatory body responsible for licensing private hire vehicles and drivers in London. A long-term PCO car rental is a type of car rental arrangement that allows PCO-licensed drivers to rent a car for a long period of time. This means the period could extend to a few months or more.

Generally, operating a private hire vehicle in London requires holding a special licence. This may require passing certain requirements for:

• Driver background checks
• Vehicle safety, etc. 

A PCO-licensed vehicle, maintenance, and driver insurance are normally included in a long-term PCO car rental service. The rental time might range from a few months to a year or more. Ride-hailing drivers who want a flexible option to use a PCO-licensed car without having to buy one themselves frequently choose this form of rental.

Also read: PCO Car Rental vs. Rent to Buy—Which One is Better and Why

What Is a Short-term PCO Car Rental?

In this rental arrangement, a private hire driver has the option of renting a vehicle for a short period. This period could be between a day and several weeks. Drivers often opt for this agreement to use cars for ride-hailing services like Uber.

The reason behind their soaring popularity is that drivers do not need to commit to a long-term lease.

Renting short-term PCO cars allows drivers to enjoy various flexibilities, such as:

• Renting a car for as long as they need it
• Not having to worry about contracts, maintenance costs, etc.
• Not dealing with other expenses associated with owning a car.

The rental fees for short-term PCO car rentals usually include the following:

• Insurance
• Maintenance, etc.

Short-term rentals are also an excellent option for drivers who need a car on an urgent basis or want to test a vehicle out before making a commitment. In a nutshell, both drivers and rental companies must observe certain rules and fulfill requirements before renting or providing a vehicle.

For example, PCO car rental providers must be licensed by Transport for London (TfL) and comply with all regulations. Following the regulations is the only way to ensure that vehicles are roadworthy and safe.

Benefits of a Long-Term PCO Car Rental

Driving around in London can be daunting, especially for first-time drivers. Different areas in London expose drivers to different conditions. For example, for PCO car hire, Barnet may be worlds apart from Hammersmith. Similarly, Ilford may expose you to a different experience than Chelsea. No matter what area you frequently drive in, choosing the right car and agreement will have a huge impact on your driving career.

This is why a long-term rental is beneficial in many ways. This is especially true for individuals looking for a reliable and cost-effective way to operate as a private hire driver in London.

The following are some benefits to keep in mind:

Long-term Cost Savings

Compared to outright purchasing or leasing a vehicle, long-term PCO car rental may be a more affordable option. Drivers can avoid the costly up-front expenditures of buying a car as well as continuous maintenance and repair fees by renting a car for an extended period.

No Fear of Depreciation

If you opt for PCO car hire in London, you won’t have to worry about the vehicle depreciating in value over time. Since the car is not yours, you won’t have to deal with a depreciating asset.

Flexibility

Long-term rental gives drivers freedom in terms of the vehicle they select and the time frame for the rental. In other words, drivers can choose a car that best meets their requirements and can quickly upgrade or move to a new car as needed.

No Repair or Maintenance Expenses

While basic maintenance is necessary, drivers don’t have to worry about regular or expensive repairs. This can save them a lot of money in the long run.

There’s Not Much Downtime

Even if the rental car needs repairs, the company may provide a replacement car depending on the type of repairs. This means that drivers can continue to work without going through significant downtime.

And so, for private hire drivers in London who wish to run their business without the recurring expenses of owning a car, long-term PCO car rental can be a practical and affordable solution.

Also read: The Pros and Cons of PCO Car Hire

In What Ways Is a Short-term Car Rental Beneficial?

While long-term rentals have benefits associated with lower costs over the life of the rental, short-term rental benefits are all about enjoying flexibility. This means you can rent a car for as little as a day or two, which can be useful if you only need a car for a specific period.

In contrast, long-term rentals typically require a commitment of several months or even years. You don’t have to be locked into a contract, and you can also switch to a different agreement if your needs change during this time.

Furthermore, you can also see whether driving in a certain borough is even serving your needs. For example, in 2021, about 0.29 billion vehicle miles were travelled on roads in Hammersmith. The huge influx of vehicles on any road can cause a driver to become nervous.

Hence, for a PCO car hire, Hammersmith conditions may also call for short-term rentals over long-term ones. Again, the right choice depends on your own needs too.

When it comes to costs, it may be more effective to rent a car for a few days than for a few months. While long-term rentals are beneficial in their own ways, short-term rentals may be slightly more cost-effective, especially if you’re an amateur PCO driver.

Rental businesses are aware that most drivers desire comfort and reliability for their brief rental periods. So, they frequently provide their newest vehicles for short-term rentals. This means that while renting for a shorter period, you are more likely to have access to a newer, well-maintained vehicle.

Last but not least, when you go for a short-term rental, you won’t have to worry about the car’s depreciation. This is especially beneficial for those using the vehicle for business purposes and who need to write their expenses off.

Also read: Why The Toyota Prius Plus Is Excellent Value for PCO

Choosing Between a Short-term and Long-term PCO Car Rental

Choosing between a short-term and long-term PCO car rental in London may require you to weigh certain factors. For example:

How Long Do You Need the Car For?

If you only need it for a few days or weeks, a short-term rental might be more cost-effective. On the other hand, if you need it for several months or even years, a long-term rental might be a better option.

How Long Can You Commit?

With short-term rentals, you have the option of renting a car for a short period and returning it without any obligations. This may not be the case with long-term rentals.

What Is Your Budget?

Going for a PCO car hire in London requires you to consider your budget first and foremost. Depending on your needs, both short-term and long-term car rentals can be budget-friendly.

Apart from the stated factors, you may also have to consider mileage restrictions you can handle. For obvious reasons, short-term rentals do not have the same mileage restrictions as long-term rentals.

Overall, the decision to choose between a short-term and long-term PCO car rental in London depends on your specific needs and circumstances. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each option and choose the one that best fits your needs and budget.

Also read: Here’s How You Save Money with PCO Car Rental

Final Word

In conclusion, only a reliable PCO rental company can help you decide between short-term and long-term rentals. At G&M Direct Hire, we carefully assess your profile, needs, budget, and much more before giving our verdict about the type of vehicle that best suits you.

Whether you choose a short-term or long-term PCO car rental, our flexible and affordable packages will certainly help you kick-start your PCO driving career effectively.

Contact us now for a detailed consultation about your options.