Can I Insure My TLC Car With Any Insurance Company?

Not any company, but you are not limited to one or two. TLC's rule 59A-12(c) says a TLC vehicle may only operate with a policy approved as to form by TLC and issued by a company authorized to do business in New York by the state's Superintendent of Insurance. The policy must cover the car 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, meet TLC's minimum amounts, and come with an FH-1 certificate in the owner's name. No rule names a particular insurer.

The four tests a policy must pass

The 24/7 and excess-policy rules, plus electronic reporting of each car's VIN, policy dates, coverage amounts and certificates of liability, came into force on January 1, 2026 (TLC 2025 Annual Report, p.7; chapter 59). TLC said it wanted to align with New York State rules and get "stronger insurance carrier requirements, the prompt payment of claims, and the tracking of required coverage".

This is why a personal auto policy won't work, even one with a rideshare add-on: TLC needs a for-hire policy on an approved form with no time or use limits, and an FH-1 to prove it. For the coverage amounts by vehicle type, see FHV insurance requirements.

Who actually insures TLC cars

In practice the market is small. In TLC's daily insurance file dated October 11, 2026:

Source: our count of TLC's current_insurance.xlsx (105,299 FHV rows, 10,103 medallion rows). The file names 26 carriers in all. See every carrier on TLC insurance market share.

So you can shop around. Ask each broker or company two questions: is the insurer authorized in New York, and will it issue an FH-1 for a TLC vehicle? TLC's insurance page points to the NYS Department of Financial Services website for insurer contact details.

The paperwork that proves it

• FH-1 in the owner's name. If you rent or lease your car, the FH-1 is in the owner's name, not yours. Ask to see it. Your job is to keep the insurance card in the car.
• Declaration page. TLC wants the page showing coverage dates when you update records ("this is not the accord").
• On file with TLC. Check what TLC has in TLC UP's Licensee Snapshot. A new, renewal or transfer application "will not be approved" if insurance is expired or below the minimums (TLC Vehicle Insurance page).

When you switch companies, TLC must hear about it within 7 business days for an FHV (59A-12(b)). Steps: how do I send TLC my new insurance?.

If you drive a medallion taxi

Fleets, mini-fleets and independent owners running more than one shift a day must carry double-shift insurance coverage (58-13(d)(2)). See double-shift insurance. Taxi owners must tell TLC within 72 hours of a carrier or policy-number change (58-13(c)).

Why it matters

Driving for hire without the required coverage can lead to a summons with a fine and suspension until you comply (59A-12), and 60 days without insurance means the FHV license must be revoked for non-use (59A-08(c)(2)). See FHV license non-use revocation. If someone else drives your car for personal trips, read can I drive a TLC car for personal use?. For what else must be in the car, see what must be displayed in a TLC vehicle. Black car owners: see the black car glossary entry for how those bases work.

This is general information about TLC rules, not insurance or legal advice.