Replacing a cab with like for like

One of our collegues has an S registered cab, now he worries if in the event of the cab being written off in an accident is there any chance to replace the cab with another S reg? I gave him what I thought the answer was but can the licensing section clarify this please and point out if there are any exceptions to the rule?

His concern is of course being penalised further after a misfortune of an accident by having to buy a TX2 which in most cases is regarded as an inferior and an unreliable cab compared to the TX1.

The quick and definite answer is NO. Any replacement vehicle is in law, classed as a new application and the vehicle for which the licence is being applied for would have to meet the current vehicle specification set by the Licensing Board. This means that the vehicle has to be less than five years old when the licence is granted.

Any application for a vehicle which does not meet the criteria would have to be referred to the Licensing Board for consideration.

Alternatively Drivers may wish to consider wether their insurance is comprehensive, The value of the vehicle insured is not just for the nuts and bolts of the vehicle. You shoudl be insured for the amount it woudl cost you to be in the same position as before your accident. In simple terms your insurer needs to know what it would cost to put you back on the road.

If any drivers needs any assistance when dealing with such a matter, please feel free to contact the licensing section who will be willing to offer help and guidance and supply any documentation that will assist them in showing what is required to by the Council (for a Hackney carriage) to be licensed.

Thankyou Licensing section, it confirms what he was told but now he's got the official answer.