How Pre-Authorisation Works When You Book a Taxi Online
At Lawlor Taxis Essex, we offer secure online card payments with a smart pre-authorisation system—giving you peace of mind and flexibility when booking your ride.
What Is Taxi Fare Pre-Authorisation?
When you book a cab through our app or website and choose to pay by card, we place a temporary hold on your account for the fixed fare plus 25%. This extra buffer covers:
Minor route changes (e.g. stopping at a shop)
Waiting time
Unexpected delays
Example: If your fixed fare is £10.00, the pre-authorised amount will be £12.50.
This is not a charge—just a hold to confirm available funds.
Why We Use Pre-Authorisation
Our system ensures:
Drivers are fairly compensated for time and distance
Customers enjoy a seamless payment experience
No surprise charges—just transparent pricing
What Happens After Your Journey?
Once your trip is complete:
We calculate the actual fare
Your card is charged for that amount only
The remaining hold is released automatically (usually within 2–5 working days)
Key Points to Know
Cancelled bookings? No money is taken—the hold simply expires
Visible hold? You may see it in your banking app, but it’s not deducted
Safe, Secure & Transparent
We use encrypted payment technology and trusted providers to keep your card details safe. Whether you’re booking a taxi in Epping, Ongar, or CM16, our system is designed for reliability and trust.