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Email it. Send TLCinsurance@tlc.nyc.gov two documents: a current FH-1 (for-hire insurance certificate) in the owner's name, and the declaration page that shows the coverage dates. TLC says the declaration page "is not the accord", so a broker's ACORD form alone won't do. Do it before the old policy ends. FHV owners must report a change of carrier or coverage within 7 days, not counting weekends and holidays; taxi owners within 72 hours.
Step by step
These steps follow TLC's Vehicle Insurance page and chapter 59. Keep a copy of the email you sent and any reply. If TLC UP still shows the old policy after a few business days, email again and include the date of your first message.
Deadlines by license type
| Situation | Deadline | Rule | Fine |
|---|---|---|---|
| FHV: any change in carrier or coverage | In writing within 7 days (not counting weekends and holidays) | 59A-12(b) | $100 |
| FHV: policy is being cancelled or ending | Proof of a new policy starting the day the old one ends, sent before it ends, or surrender the license and decals by the end date | 59A-12(a) | $150–$350 and/or up to 30-day suspension |
| Taxi: cancellation notice, new carrier, or new policy number | Within 72 hours | 58-13(c) | $100 |
If coverage has already lapsed
Stop carrying passengers until a compliant policy is in place and TLC has it. TLC's insurance page warns that expired or cancelled insurance "may result in a TLC directive to submit proof of updated insurance coverage", and ignoring the directive can lead to a summons and suspension. After 60 days without insurance, the FHV license must be revoked for non-use (59A-08(c)(2)).
If there is truly no replacement, rule 59A-12(a) requires you to surrender the license and decals by the policy end date. Surrendering the license is different from surrendering plates: plates handed in voluntarily end an FHV license for good (59A-06(d)). If you need a pause, ask about storage first. See cancelling or surrendering a TLC license.
At renewal time
TLC's renewal page says: "If the FH-1 on file with the TLC is expired, vehicle renewal cannot be completed until an updated insurance certificate / FH-1 is submitted." Check TLC UP a month before your renewal date. See renewing FHV plates.
Keep your address current too
TLC may send directives and summonses by mail. If your mailing address is out of date, you can miss them. See your TLC mailing address.
More: who insures TLC cars, can I use any insurance company?, the market share data, double-shift insurance for taxis, and rideshare insurance in NYC. Got a summons for this? See rule 59A-12(a).
Frequently asked questions
Where do I send my new FH-1?
By email to TLCinsurance@tlc.nyc.gov, with the declaration page showing the coverage dates. No office visit is needed, per TLC's Vehicle Insurance page.
Is an ACORD certificate enough?
No. TLC asks for the insurance declaration page showing the effective dates of coverage and notes it 'is not the accord'.
What if my policy ends and I don't have a new one yet?
Rule 59A-12(a) says you must surrender the FHV license and decals to TLC on or before the date the insurance ends, unless you send proof, before it ends, of a new policy starting that same day.
Can I renew my FHV license with an expired FH-1 on file?
No. TLC's renewal page says renewal can't be completed until an updated FH-1 is submitted.
Sources
Last reviewed against the official sources on .
- TLC: Vehicle Insurance nyc.gov
- TLC Rules Chapter 59, §59A-12 (updated Feb 27, 2026) nyc.gov
- TLC Rules Chapter 58, §58-13 (updated Feb 27, 2026) nyc.gov
- TLC: Renew a For-Hire Vehicle License nyc.gov
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.