The Ultimate Guide to PCO Car Subscription in the UK
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Thinking about driving for Uber, Bolt, or another rideshare platform in London?
You probably already know that being a private hire driver isn’t as simple as just having a car and picking up passengers. Between strict TfL regulations, ongoing MOT checks, insurance, servicing, and the hefty upfront cost of buying a PCO-licensed vehicle, the admin (and expense) can feel overwhelming.
That’s where PCO car subscription services come in. Instead of juggling bills and paperwork, more drivers are choosing all-in-one car subscription plans. At Splend, we’ve helped thousands of PCO drivers get on the road faster with a flexible, all-inclusive weekly plan covering everything from your PCO licence and servicing to replacement tyres and brakes.
Let’s break down how PCO subscriptions work, why they’re growing in popularity, and how you can get started with minimal stress and maximum support.
What is a PCO Car Subscription?
A PCO car subscription is a convenient, all-in-one solution that allows drivers to access a TfL-approved, PCO-licensed vehicle by paying a weekly fee. The car is fully prepared for use on platforms such as Uber, Bolt, Ola, and Free Now.
The subscription fee typically includes the majority of your essential on-road costs. This can cover PCO damage and loss cover, servicing, MOTs, road tax, licensing, and in many cases, ongoing maintenance. Some providers (like Splend), also offer additional benefits such as 24/7 roadside assistance, customer support, and replacement vehicles in the event of an accident or breakdown.
The Difference Between Subscription vs. Traditional PCO Rental
At first glance, subscriptions might sound like just another form of PCO car hire, but they’re not the same. Where a traditional rental might hand you a car with little more than a key and a contract, PCO car subscriptions are long-term, supportive partnerships built around your success as a driver.
Here’s how they differ:
Traditional rental is often short-term, more transactional. You get a car - usually with fewer features, limited mileage, and not much in the way of customer support or driver perks.
A subscription offers far more than just the car. It includes a support network. That might mean access to an account manager, vehicle servicing reminders, upgrade options, and even training to help you increase your earnings.
And while a rental agreement ends when the car goes back, a Splend Flexi Try subscription can evolve with you.
Subscription vs. Buying
We get it. Owning your own car sounds appealing. It’s yours, no strings attached. But for many private hire drivers, especially when starting out, buying a PCO car outright can come with big risks and even bigger bills.
Here’s why a PCO car subscription often makes more sense:
No large upfront deposit—just a small start-up fee
No credit check required
No surprise repair bills (maintenance included)
No risk from depreciation
Built-in flexibility: return or upgrade if your situation changes
Path to ownership: Splend’s rent-to-buy option (Flexi Own) lets your payments count towards eventually owning the car
And if ownership is your goal? You don’t have to give that up. At Splend we offer rent-to-buy options as part of our subscription, so your weekly payments can actually build towards owning the car outright.
The Key Benefits: Why UK Drivers are Choosing Subscriptions
For thousands of PCO drivers across the UK, car subscription has become the go-to solution, not just for convenience, but for peace of mind, financial control, and long-term flexibility. Here’s why more drivers are making the switch.
All-Inclusive Peace of Mind
A PCO subscription covers more than just the car - it includes damage and loss cover, servicing, replacement tyres & brakes, MOT, road tax, and breakdown cover. Instead of surprise bills, you get one predictable weekly payment.
“I love not having to worry about surprise bills. Splend handles everything so I can just drive.” David, Splend Member since 2025
Financial Simplicity and Control
With no deposit, no balloon payment, and one all-inclusive fee, it’s easier to budget and avoid financial stress.
“There are no surprises. I know exactly what I’m paying each week.” Mr. Mylvaganam, Splend Member
Access to Modern & Electric Vehicles
Subscriptions give you access to new and electric vehicles that meet ULEZ standards, reduce running costs, and unlock Clean Air Plan incentives.
“Switching to an EV through Splend was one of the best decisions I’ve made.” Fikru, Splend Member since 2024
Splend Customer Fikru has been enjoying his Toyota bZ4X Motion with Splend:format(webp))
Flexibility for a Dynamic Career
Subscriptions offer freedom to switch, upgrade, or work towards ownership without long-term commitments - perfect for changing circumstances.
“It gave me the time and space to work out what I really wanted long-term.” Ferit, Active Splend Member
How to Choose the Right PCO Car Subscription
Not all PCO car subscriptions are created equal, and choosing the right provider means thinking beyond the car itself. It’s important to align the service with your personal goals, driving habits, and long-term plans.
Path to Ownership vs. Pure Flexibility: What’s Your Goal?
Are you looking to own a vehicle outright, or do you prefer the flexibility to adapt or exit when your circumstances change? Some drivers want the lowest commitment possible, a way to get on the road quickly, earn income, and keep their options open. Others are looking for a path to ownership without the pressure of a large deposit or finance contract. Splend offers both:
Flexi Own: A rent-to-buy subscription where your weekly payments go toward owning the car. Ideal if you're ready to invest in your future without upfront costs or credit checks.
Flexi Try: A flexible, all-inclusive PCO rental plan for those who value short-term commitment, with the option to return the vehicle after the minimum term.
Check What’s Really Included
Many providers claim to offer “all-inclusive” subscriptions, but the fine print can tell a different story. Before signing up, ask:
Is insurance excess clearly stated?
Are tyre replacements, servicing, and maintenance included?
Will I get a replacement vehicle if mine is off the road?
Are there any hidden admin or cancellation fees?
With Splend, what you see is what you get. The weekly payment includes:
PHV damage and loss cover with transparent excess
Servicing, MOT, and maintenance
Tyre and brake replacements
Road tax and licensing
A replacement PCO car if your vehicle is being repaired
24/7 roadside assistance and customer support
Driver Support and Community
A good provider does more than just hand over the keys. Splend’s Customer Specialists become your partner on the road, giving you a dedicated account manager, access to vehicle and driver performance insights, and training opportunities to help you increase your earnings and drive more efficiently. Splend’s team of Customer Specialists are with you every step of the way, from onboarding to helping you navigate TfL requirements and stay compliant. You’re not just a number at Splend; you’re part of a community.
“They’ve helped me every step of the way. If I have a question, I know someone is there.”
Splend Driver, Trustpilot Review
Vehicle Quality and Suitability
Finally, make sure the vehicle fits your needs, and meets all TfL and platform standards. Every car should be:
PCO-licensed and TfL-approved
Uber-ready (including Uber Exec or Comfort, if applicable)
Well-maintained and reliable
Fuel-efficient or electric to help cut operating costs
Splend offers a handpicked range of standard, executive, and electric vehicles, all regularly serviced and compliant with the latest emissions standards. Whether you're aiming to meet ULEZ requirements or offer a premium service, you’ll find a car that suits your driving style and earning goals.
Is a PCO Car Subscription Right for You?
Choosing the right vehicle solution depends on your personal circumstances, financial goals, and how hands-on you want to be with managing your car. A PCO car subscription offers a modern, low-risk path to getting on the road quickly, but it’s not for everyone. Here’s how to tell if it’s the right fit for you.
This is the perfect solution for you if:
You value predictable, fixed weekly costs above all else.
You want to avoid the financial risk of large, unexpected repair bills.
You don't have a large deposit (typically £5,000+) to buy a new EV outright.
You want to focus 100% on driving and earning, not dealing with servicing, licensing, or insurance paperwork.
You might consider other options if:
You are a qualified mechanic who prefers to handle all your own maintenance.
You already own a reliable, PCO-compliant car with very low running costs.
You have significant capital and are comfortable taking on the full financial risk of ownership and depreciation from day one.
The Smart Choice for the Modern PCO Driver
Driving for a living shouldn’t mean navigating financial uncertainty or drowning in admin. The real value of a PCO car subscription isn’t just in the vehicle itself, it’s in the freedom it gives you to focus on your business, your income, and your future.
In today’s fast-moving rideshare industry, flexibility and support are no longer optional, they’re essential. So whether you're planning to eventually own your car with Flexi Own, or need the freedom to adapt with Flexi Try, partnering with a provider like Splend gives you a clear path forward.
Smart drivers don’t just drive, they plan, adapt, and succeed with the right tools behind them. And in this landscape, a PCO car subscription isn’t just a good option, it’s the intelligent, modern way to get ahead.
About Splend
At Splend, we believe in drivers. We know their vehicles need to work harder than most; that they drive more miles than most; that their insurance is hefty; their maintenance costs high and that they can face unreasonable finance rates – which is a heavy load to carry on their own.
That’s why at Splend, we exist to support PCO drivers with a new model, that takes all those car ownership costs, and provides them for less, with lower purchase prices, better rates, lower servicing and insurance costs – all for one weekly repayment, all in one place.
Frequently Asked Questions about PCO Car Hire
1. Can I leave my subscription at any time?
Once you’ve completed the minimum term, you can return the car with notice. No long-term lock-in.
2. Isn't a subscription more expensive than a simple PCO rental?
No, it might look that way at first, but when you add up insurance, servicing, tyres, MOTs, and the stress of surprise costs, a basic rental can hit harder. Splend’s all-in-one weekly payment keeps it simple, and often more affordable in the long run.
3. What happens if I have an accident or the car needs repairs?
Splend provides 24/7 support, breakdown cover, and a replacement vehicle so you never lose income. Your support covers breakdown assistance, and a replacement PCO car if yours needs work, so you’re never left stranded or missing out on earnings.
4. Do I need a good credit score to get a PCO car subscription?
No. Approval is based on your ability to earn, not your credit history.
5. Why can't I just use my regular personal car for Uber?
Uber (and most platforms) require a TfL-approved PHV licence and specific insurance. A personal car usually won’t qualify.
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