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Member Base (Black Car Fund): Definition

A member base is a dispatch base that belongs to the Black Car Fund. Only its jobs get BCF workers' comp. The legal test: over 90% non-cash, under 50% owned.

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Definition

Member base

A dispatch base that belongs to the Black Car Fund; its drivers get BCF workers' comp on its jobs and can enroll in Drivers Benefits.

On this page (6)
  1. The numbers (as of 2026-10-12)
  2. The legal test
  3. Where you'll see this term
  4. Common mix-ups
  5. FAQ
  6. Sources

A member base is a for-hire dispatch base that belongs to the Black Car Fund (BCF), the state-created fund that gives workers' compensation to black car and app drivers. Bases join, drivers don't. The BCF FAQ calls it a "trick question" when drivers ask how to become members: if you work for a member base, you are automatically an eligible driver for workers' comp on that base's jobs.

The numbers (as of 2026-10-12)

  • > 90%Business that must be non-cashOne of the two legal tests for required membership

    Source: BCF History

  • < 50%Share of dispatched vehicles the base may ownThe other legal test

    Source: BCF History

  • 500+Member bases"well over 500" per the Fund

    Source: BCF History

  • 100,000+Drivers covered (Fund's estimate)

    Source: BCF History

According to the Fund's About Us page, a ground transportation company must become a member base if more than 90% of its for-hire business is done on a non-cash basis and it owns less than 50% of the vehicles it dispatches. Out-of-state companies that do work in New York and meet the test must join too. Members pass a passenger surcharge on each trip to the Fund every month; that is what pays for coverage.

The FAQ lists the categories of member bases whose drivers are eligible: franchise and co-op traditional black car bases, luxury limousine bases, high-volume for-hire vehicle bases, transportation network companies, and non-emergency medical transportation.

Where you'll see this term

  • On the Fund's member list (nybcf.org/members), where you can check your base.
  • In the Drivers Benefits eligibility rules: you must be "actively driving for Black Car Fund Member Bases" to enroll.
  • After an accident: the Fund covers you only if a member base dispatched that job. See BCF on a street hail.

Common mix-ups

  • Affiliation vs dispatch. Coverage follows the base that sent you the job, not the base your car is affiliated with.
  • Livery bases are not members. Livery bases use the ILDBF or a workers' comp policy.
  • Taxis are not member bases. See does the BCF cover yellow taxi drivers.
  • Membership doesn't make you an employee. The Fund is your employer only for workers' comp.

Related: am I covered by the Black Car Fund, Black Car Fund benefits, workers' comp claim guide, why your Uber pay shows the BCF, black car, livery and the money topic.

Frequently asked questions

What is a Black Car Fund member base?

A for-hire dispatch base that is a member of the Black Car Fund. Bases join the Fund, not drivers. Drivers dispatched by a member base get workers' comp from the Fund for injuries on those jobs.

Which bases must join?

The Fund says the law requires a base to join if it is a certified New York dispatch base providing for-hire service, does more than 90% of its business on a non-cash basis, and owns less than 50% of the vehicles it dispatches.

Are Uber and Lyft member bases?

The Fund lists high-volume for-hire vehicle bases and transportation network companies among its eligible categories, and it describes its drivers as including Uber and Lyft drivers. You can confirm any base on the member list at nybcf.org/members.

What if I get a job from a base that isn't a member?

You aren't covered by the Black Car Fund on that job, even if your car is affiliated with a member base. The Fund's FAQ gives a livery base as an example.

Sources

Last reviewed against the official sources on .

  1. Black Car Fund: History (About Us) nybcf.org
  2. Black Car Fund: F.A.Q.s nybcf.org
  3. Drivers Benefits: Eligibility Requirements 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.

Related

Driver questionAm I Covered by the Black Car Fund?Uber, Lyft and black car drivers: yes. Yellow, green and livery: no. Check your work type, the 20-hour rule for free benefits and where livery drivers go.Read GuideBlack Car Fund Driver Benefits: Free CoverageFree Drivers Benefits for Uber, Lyft and black car drivers: dental, vision, a $100,000 death benefit, disability pay. Who qualifies and why to enroll now.Read Black Car Fund (BCF)New York's not-for-profit workers' comp insurer for drivers of black car member bases, including Uber and Lyft; funded by a passenger surcharge.Driver questionDoes the Black Car Fund Cover Me on a Street Hail?No. Black Car Fund workers' comp covers injuries on jobs dispatched by a Member Base. Street hails and non-member base jobs aren't covered, even for app work.Read TopicDriver Pay, Fees & Money Rules for TLC DriversThe money side of TLC driving: 2026 minimum pay for app trips, lockout rules, card and fare rules, license fees and fine deadlines, all from TLC's own rules.Read ILDBF (Independent Livery Driver Benefit Fund)New York fund, created in 2008, that gives workers' comp for serious injuries and crimes against drivers of qualifying independent livery bases.Black CarA for-hire vehicle affiliated with a black car base or a High-Volume For-Hire Service; trips are always pre-arranged.Essential PlanNew York's $0-premium, no-deductible marketplace health plan; since July 1, 2026 limited to household income up to 200% of the federal poverty level.