š³ 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 systemāgiving you peace of mind and flexibility when booking your ride. See our Fares & Payment page for an overview of all our payment options, including cash and corporate accounts.
š 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
š” Example: If your fixed fare is Ā£10.00, the pre-authorised amount will be Ā£12.50.
This is not a chargeājust a hold to confirm available funds.
ā Why We Use Pre-Authorisation
Our system ensures:
Drivers are fairly compensated for time and distance
Customers enjoy a seamless payment experience
No surprise chargesājust transparent pricing
š 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 2ā5 working days)
š Key Points to Know
Cancelled bookings? No money is takenāthe hold simply expires
Visible hold? You may see it in your banking app, but itās not deducted
š Safe, Secure & Transparent
We use encrypted payment technology and trusted providers to keep your card details safe. Whether youāre booking a taxi in Epping, Ongar, or CM16, our system is designed for reliability and trust.