Are you searching for a cheap PCO hire deal? Please know that most cheap deals aren’t actually cheap. They become expensive over time if you don’t make the right choice.
We are talking about unreliable cars, dodgy contracts, and hidden fees that come with most of the cheap deals. With that said, not all cheap deals are red flags. Some are genuinely affordable and help you save significant money over time. You just need to know what to look for.
In this article, we will help you know how to choose the right PCO car hire deal that is also cheap.
Things to look for when choosing a cheap PCO car hire deal
Know what cheap really means
Cheap means high value at a low cost. It doesn’t mean settling for an old car that gets you deactivated from Uber because it doesn’t meet their standards.
Let’s suppose you see a £120/week deal. It looks good at first but then you realise it doesn’t include insurance, MOTs, breakdown assistance, etc. As a result, you have to deal with everything on your own with extra costs.
Now, suppose there’s another deal at £150/week that includes everything we mentioned above and more.
Which one offers better value, first or second? The answer is simple: it’s the second deal. So, make sure the deal you choose covers all essentials to do your job with peace of mind.
Avoid long-term contracts unless you are sure
Many drivers sign long-term contracts because they come with a discounted rate. However, this can be a costly mistake because what happens when the business gets slow, or Uber launches incentives for only EV drivers? You will be stuck with a car that no longer works for you.
Here’s what you can do to avoid this:
Pick a company that offers rolling weekly contracts: These contracts allow you to walk away or switch cars without any penalties.
Choose low or zero deposit option: This allows you to save money for other costs like food, fuel, etc.
Remember that ride demand fluctuates and policies change all the time. Getting locked into a long-term contract will leave you with limited options. So, pick a contract that gives you flexibility and lets you adapt because adaptability is everything in the PCO world.
Go for trusted PCO hire providers
The real cost of PCO car hire is not in the weekly fees. It’s in what happens when things go wrong.
Many drivers make the mistake of choosing cheap PCO car hire deals from unknown providers because they offer £20 less per week. However, when you face an unexpected breakdown, they will leave you on your own instead of stepping up.
Similarly, when you are involved in an accident and your plan doesn’t include insurance, you will be paying money out of your own pocket. Now, that’s a far bigger loss than those £20 you saved on the deal.
The best way to protect yourself is to read Google and Trustpilot reviews before choosing a car provider. You can also look into local PCO driver groups on WhatsApp or Facebook to make sure you are choosing a company that offers breakdown assistance and PCO car hire with insurance.
Consider older but well-maintained vehicles
You might be surprised to read this, but you don’t always need the latest cars to earn big. Sometimes, even an older car can do the job well.
Newer cars often come at higher costs which can quickly drain your profits. That’s why many smart PCO drivers choose older, well-maintained models as they can help you save £30–£50 every week without compromising on quality.
Save this much every week for a whole year and that’ll be over £2,000 back into your pocket. That’s some serious money which you can use for different purposes.
Keep in mind that we are not talking about cars that are older than 10 years, as these are not allowed for PCO use. We are talking about cars that are ULEZ-compliant, well-maintained, and meet all the Uber and Bolt requirements. This way, you will not only deliver a better passenger experience but also save more.
Take advantage of special offers and off-peak deals
Don’t overpay for add-ons you don’t need
Add-ons can take a large chunk of your profits if you are not careful. Let’s say you are getting a £180/week deal that becomes £220 after add-ons. That’s over £100 you will be paying per month.
Yes, Sat nav is useful, but you can use Google Maps to save costs. Similarly, dashcams are good to have but you don’t always need them, especially if you are a new driver. You can always have them later once your earnings improve.
The truth is that if a car is clean, reliable, ULEZ-compliant, and meets Uber/Bolt’s requirements, you are good to go.
So, when signing the contract, ask questions and know what’s included and what’s optional to protect your income.
Conclusion
The competition is getting fierce in the PCO world. If you want to get ahead in the game, you will need to make better choices instead of working nonstop. So, do your homework, read reviews, ask other drivers what works, and most importantly, pick a PCO car hire company that puts your interest first. This means getting a reliable, TfL-compliant car on flexible terms. Because when you get the right car, you earn more and stress less.
