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An FH-1 is the for-hire insurance certificate for a TLC-licensed vehicle. TLC says: "TLC Licensed Vehicles must maintain proof of a current liability insurance policy (insurance certificate / FH-1) on file with the TLC," and it must be issued in the owner's name (TLC: Vehicle Insurance). For a new FHV license, TLC also asks for an insurance certificate of liability "directly from your insurance company" showing coverage levels (TLC). If TLC's copy of your FH-1 expires, your vehicle license is at risk, even if you are actually insured.
What TLC wants on file
Source: TLC: Vehicle Insurance. TLC also says a new, renewal or transfer application "will not be approved if either the vehicle insurance is expired, or does not meet the minimum coverage requirements."
The rules behind it (FHV owners)
- Keep coverage at all times. If your insurance is ending, surrender the vehicle license and decals by the termination date — unless, before it ends, you send proof of a new policy that starts that day (§59A-12(a)). Penalty box: $150–$350 and/or suspension up to 30 days; appearance required.
- Report changes in 7 days. Notify TLC in writing within seven days (not counting weekends and holidays) of any change in carrier or coverage, with proof (§59A-12(b)). Penalty box: $100.
- Minimum amounts. For an FHV seating fewer than eight passengers, §59A-12(c)(1) lists at least $100,000 per person for no-fault expenses, $100,000/$300,000 bodily injury liability, and $10,000 property damage. Vehicles seating 8–15 need at least $1,500,000 combined liability. Check the current rule before you buy a policy; see FHV insurance requirements.
How a lapse turns into a summons
TLC says expired or cancelled insurance "may result in a TLC directive to submit proof of updated insurance coverage." Ignore it, and it "can escalate to a summons," with the vehicle license "suspended until compliance" (TLC).
Source: NYC Open Data. Details are on the §59A-12(a) page. If your plates or license are suspended, see TLC plates for FHVs and our FHV glossary entry.
Frequently asked questions
What is an FH-1?
TLC calls it the for-hire insurance certificate. TLC says licensed vehicles must maintain proof of a current liability insurance policy (insurance certificate / FH-1) on file with the TLC, issued in the owner's name.
How do I send TLC a new FH-1?
TLC says updating insurance records does not require visiting an office: email TLCinsurance@tlc.nyc.gov with the current FH-1 in the owner's name and the declaration page showing coverage dates (not the ACORD form).
What if my insurance is being cancelled?
Under §59A-12(a), an FHV owner must surrender the vehicle license and decals by the termination date unless, before termination, the owner submits proof of new insurance effective on that date.
How fast must I report an insurance change?
Within seven days, not counting weekends and holidays, an FHV owner must notify TLC in writing of any change in insurance carrier or coverage and submit proof (§59A-12(b)).
Sources
Last reviewed against the official sources on .
- TLC: Get a For-Hire Vehicle License nyc.gov
- TLC: Vehicle Insurance nyc.gov
- TLC Rule Book, Chapter 59 (§59A-12 Vehicle Insurance Coverage) nyc.gov
- NYC Open Data: OATH Hearings Division Case Status (jz4z-kudi) data.cityofnewyork.us
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.