The benefits of PCO car hire in 2026

Compared to its early days, not much more than a decade ago, the rideshare industry has undergone significant transformations. From contract changes to an increasing number of competitors, it’s not quite the world it once was. 

There are a range of services that have emerged to make it easier for drivers, one of which is PCO car hire. In this article, we take a quick look at the benefits associated with this kind of setup for drivers, to help you decide whether it could be useful for you.

A smaller economic barrier

One of the main benefits of PCO car hire in 2026 is how these set ups significantly reduce the financial barrier to entry. To buy a basic vehicle that’s suitable for private hire work nowadays, in the context of increasingly strict zero-emission standards, you’re looking at having to spend a lot of money. 

If you want to buy a more luxury-oriented model, for UberLux or similar services, that barrier to entry increases even further. With PCO car hire, you just need enough to pay a small deposit, and the first week or month's hire cost. 

All-inclusive service

Another big benefit of using a PCO car hire provider like Westgate Hire in 2026 is that you also get an almost all-inclusive service. While you’ll obviously have to do small daily checks on the vehicle, such as on tyre pressure, everything else will be taken care of. 

You won’t need to insure or register the car with TfL, and most car hire companies will also take care of maintenance and repairs. All you need to do is sort out your own, personal private hire license, and then you’re good to go. 

Flexibility

PCO car hire is also a far more flexible alternative to buying your own vehicle. You can choose a flexible contract, that allows you to cancel with just a short amount of notice, or even change the vehicle for a different model. 

If you’re not sure how long you will need the vehicle for, or want to try out a few different vehicles before committing to one, this kind of setup can be absolutely ideal. 

Support

Lastly, PCO car hire companies don’t just provide you with a car - you also get a lot of additional support with your vehicle. If something goes wrong, you aren’t just left on your own to sort it out. 

If it’s a mechanical issue, the car hire company will fix it, and likely provide you with a replacement vehicle in the meantime. Even if it’s not mechanical, they may be able to provide useful advice and support to get the problem sorted.

There are some situations where it can be appropriate to use your own vehicle, but in many cases, the benefits associated with PCO car hire make it a more attractive alternative. It’s important to look at and compare a range of alternative options before making your final decision - there are plenty of different setups, and some will likely suit your personal and professional needs a lot better than others. 

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