Airport transfers

As I understand it, the only people who can lawfully operate taxi or transfer services are those who are licenced for this.  The problem in Cabo Roig I have found is that there are not enough taxis licenced particularly in the summer season.  It is therefore not uncommon for people to offer transfer services who are not licenced.  I have read that if they are caught then it is a massive fine and they do not accept any reasons like 'they are friends' etc.   This is where the insurance issue comes in.  Insurance companies will avoid paying out if you are travelling in an un-licensed transport.  

If you are worried, then  you need to check that the driver and vehicle is licensed to take paying passengers. Ultimately it is whether you are prepared to take the risk and are happy to travel in unlicensed transportation. 

I’m not happy to take a risk with my family . I booked transfers offered with villa rental assuming they were insured . It’s only recently Ive realised they are probably not licensed .

https://www.spanishsolutions.net/blog/newsletters/6015/

It appears that it's not as simple as needing a licence, as long as it's a legit business offering a free pickup then it's all above board.

Check on their advert and legally it should show the Tourist Licence number, like VT-123456-A. It's worth contacting the owner as they may have done it as part of obtaining their Tourist Licence because taxis are not cheap from either Alicante or Corvera to Cabo Roig.  Laws re all things related to holiday lets have been rigorously enforced since June 2018 although the message doesn't seem to have reached everyone yet.

The transfers are not free . €55 each way to Alicante airport .  If property booked through holiday lettings or the property managers site there are no owners details . The property manager I used also uses ‘friends ‘ for transfers .  

Simple, if they're charging they need to be licenced transport providers.

Thank you everyone.  I did ask this property manager if he was insured for transfers and he assured me that he was .  I won’t be booking with him again . Or any properties on holiday lettings that he is key holder for.  

Sun transfers quote €152 for the return journey so €20 extra each way for a fully legal, insured and licensed service which is not likely to incur anyone a fine if stopped by the police and no risk of having to find last minute alternative transport to complete the journey. I can't believe that the licensed taxis won't be reporting all suspected illegal pick ups who are undercutting them.
I think that just as booking platforms can be fined for advertising properties without showing a Tourist Licence number, they can also be fined for advertising illegal services so, like you, I wouldn't be taking any risks myself.