PCO drivers across London have diverse reasons for driving a rental. Some are just getting started, while others are driving full-time, aiming to keep costs tight.
The type of PCO car hire you choose has a real impact on what you take home each week, so it is worth getting this decision right. This is especially true in 2026, where PCO rental prices are shifting, and more vehicle options are available than ever before.
Weekly or long-term rental? This guide breaks down both options plainly, so you can figure out which one actually fits where you are right now.
What is PCO Car Hire?
PCO car hire means renting a vehicle that is already licensed and approved for private hire use. Instead of buying a car and going through the TfL approval process yourself, you rent one from a PCO vehicle hire provider. This means the vehicle is typically insured, maintained and ready to drive.
Most providers offer two types of arrangement: a weekly rolling contract, or a longer fixed-term deal. Both are widely available, but they work very differently.
Weekly PCO Car Hire
Weekly PCO car hire is a rolling contract with no long-term commitment. As the name suggests, you pay week by week and can usually hand the vehicle back with short notice.
It tends to suit drivers who are just starting out, working part-time, or not yet sure how many hours a week they want to put in. The main advantages are:
- No long lock-in period.
- Insurance and maintenance are usually included.
- You can switch vehicles or pause without major penalties.
- Low barrier to entry for new drivers building their driver rating and customer base.
At Hertz, weekly PCO rental rates currently range from £279 to £409 per week, depending on the vehicle selected. These prices typically include insurance, maintenance, servicing and roadside assistance.
Long-Term PCO Car Hire
Long-term PCO car hire means signing a contract for three months or more, sometimes up to a year. In return, you get a noticeably lower weekly rate.
Rates for longer agreements typically fall between £180 and £280 a week for a similar vehicle. That saving, sustained over 12 months, can run into thousands of pounds.
The trade-off is reduced flexibility. If your circumstances change, getting out of a long-term contract early can come with exit fees. You also need to be confident your income can cover the fixed weekly cost before signing.
For drivers who are already full-time and consistent in their earnings, this is usually the more sensible financial choice.
Weekly Car Hire vs Long-term Car Hire: How the Two Options Compare
Here is a quick snapshot of how the two options stack up across the factors that matter most to a PCO driver.
| Factor | Weekly PCO Car Hire | Long-Term PCO Car Hire |
|---|---|---|
| Typical weekly cost | £200 to £400/week | £180 to £280/week |
| Minimum commitment | Pay as you go | 3 to 12 months |
| Insurance included? | Usually yes | Usually yes |
| Maintenance included? | Usually yes | Often yes |
| Flexibility to stop | High | Low, exit fees may apply |
| Best suited for | New or part-time drivers | Full-time, committed drivers |
Note: Stated figures are approximate. PCO rental prices vary between providers, vehicle types, and location. Always check what is and is not included before committing. If a driver operates in Central London, you may be charged Congestion Charges, which can add to your overheads.
Questions Worth Asking Before You Decide
Before choosing between weekly and long-term, it helps to be honest with yourself about a few things:
- How many hours a week will you realistically drive? Part-time or irregular driving patterns usually make weekly rental the safer option.
- How stable is your income right now? Long-term rental only makes sense if you can reliably cover the cost each week.
- Which Uber category are you aiming for? Comfort and Exec require newer vehicles. Check that any rental meets Uber's current 2026 eligibility rules before signing.
- What is actually included in the price? Some providers advertise low rates but charge separately for insurance, servicing, or breakdown cover. Always confirm what you are getting.
The Bottom Line
If you are new to the PCO car rental system or working part-time, a weekly contract gives you the room to figure things out without overcommitting. If you are driving full-time with steady earnings, a long-term deal will almost certainly save you money across the year.
In 2026, PCO vehicle hire options are more varied than ever. The right choice is not necessarily the option that appears cheapest at first glance. Your choice must depend on which option best matches where you actually are as a driver right now.