The Black Car Fund (BCF) is a not-for-profit workers' compensation insurer created by New York State law in 1999 for drivers dispatched by its Member Bases: black car and luxury limousine bases, Uber, Lyft and other app companies (BCF FAQ). TLC's rules call it the "New York Black Car Operators' Injury Compensation Fund, Inc. established under Article 6-F of the NYS Executive Law" (59B-03(e)). It is paid for by a surcharge on passengers' fares.
In one sentence: the BCF pays you if you are hurt working, and runs a free benefits program, but it is your "employer" for nothing else.
What it means
- Workers' comp only. The BCF FAQ says: "for the purposes of Workers' Compensation, The Black Car Fund is your employer." Its history page adds that the industry's drivers "are independent contractors" otherwise. See independent contractor.
- Bases are members, not drivers. Black car, luxury limousine and high-volume bases must join (59B-12(b)(1)). The one exception is a black car or luxury limousine base that owns 50% or more of the cars it dispatches.
- Passengers pay for it. The surcharge is "a small percentage" of the fare, excluding tips, tolls, congestion charges, central business district tolls and airport fees. We did not find the current percentage published, so we don't state one.
- Free extra benefits come through the separate Drivers Benefits program. Its eligibility page says the benefits are not meant to give "rights of employment" or change your independent-contractor status.
Where it shows up for drivers
- On your pay statement as a BCF line. It is passenger money passing through: why does my Uber pay show Black Car Fund?
- In trip data: TLC's high-volume trip records have a
bcffield: "Total amount collected in trip for Black Car Fund." - After an injury: report to your dispatching base and to the BCF: Black Car Fund workers' comp claim. Pay is based on your average weekly wage.
- In free classes that pay you to attend: Earn While You Learn.
Related terms
- Black car and livery: livery bases are not BCF members; injured livery drivers may use a different fund (ILDBF).
- Common questions: does the BCF pay for car damage?, am I covered on a street hail?, does the BCF cover yellow taxi drivers?
Frequently asked questions
Is the Black Car Fund my employer?
Only for workers' compensation. Its FAQ says: "for the purposes of Workers' Compensation, The Black Car Fund is your employer." Its own history page says for-hire drivers are independent contractors otherwise.
Does the BCF surcharge come out of my pay?
No. The BCF says the passenger surcharge "may appear on your paycheck as a deduction, it does not come out of your pay. It is an additional amount, paid entirely by passengers."
What percentage is the BCF surcharge?
We could not find the current rate published on the BCF pages we opened, so we don't state one. The BCF describes it as "a small percentage" of the fare, not counting tips, tolls, congestion charges or airport fees.
Are yellow taxi drivers covered?
No. Eligible drivers are those affiliated with Member Bases: black car, luxury limousine, high-volume (app) bases, TNCs and non-emergency medical transportation. Taxis are not on the list.
Do I have to sign up?
Not for workers' comp: working for a Member Base is enough. For the extra Drivers Benefits (dental, vision, disability insurance and more), you must enroll.
Sources
Last reviewed against the official sources on .
- Black Car Fund: FAQs nybcf.org
- Black Car Fund: History nybcf.org
- TLC Rules, Chapter 59 (59B-03(e), 59B-12(b)) nyc.gov
- TLC data dictionary: High Volume FHV trip records (Mar 18, 2025) nyc.gov
- Drivers Benefits: Eligibility Requirements (effective April 9, 2026) ny.driversbenefits.org
Spotted something out of date? Tell us and we'll check it against the official source.
TLC Help is not a law firm and is not affiliated with the NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission or OATH. Explanations on this site are general information, not legal advice. Legal representation is provided by independent attorneys and OATH-registered representatives in our network.