What Every TLC Driver Should Know About the Black Car Fund

If you are a driver for a Transportation Licensing Commission (TLC) in NYC for Uber, Lyft, taxi services, or black car services, you should know about the Black Car Fund. It is a safety net that exists to help drivers like yourself. Do not let the name fool you – The Black Car Fund is not just for black car drivers. 

The Black Car Fund exists as a workers’ compensation program for all TLC drivers in NYC and provides benefits that can help you should you get injured. Despite its importance, it is shocking how few TLC drivers know of this program. If you were injured, do not miss out on these benefits. 

Here is everything you need to know about the Black Car Fun and how it applies to you. 

What Is the Black Car Fund?

The Black Car Fund is a non-profit workers’ compensation program for TLC drivers in NYC. The Black Car Fund provides additional benefits on top of any existing insurance program you may have covering you. 

These additional protections help TLC drivers do their jobs with confidence. Should any accident occur, drivers can rest easy knowing that they will get covered.

How Is the Black Car Fund Different from Workers’ Compensation?

The Black Car Fund is not that different from traditional workers’ compensation, as both function relatively the same. Here are a few key differences to highlight:

• Black Car Fund provides industry-wide coverage as opposed to traditional workers’ comp setups that only provide coverage through an employer. 
• Black Car Fund is funded through ride surcharges as opposed to employers paying premiums. 
• Workers’ comp claims are filed through the employer’s insurance carrier. The Black Car Fund uses a single system to handle all claims in NYC. 

As a whole, the Black Car Fund helps gig economy drivers and full-time drivers who may not qualify for traditional workers’ compensation to have coverage and protection. It is essentially workers’ compensation for those who could not qualify for it otherwise. 

Benefits of the Black Car Fund that Every TLC Driver Should Know About

The Black Car Fund provides several benefits that every driver should be aware of. They are:

• Medical coverage for injuries sustained on the job (hospital visits, medication, medical equipment, etc.) 
• Any lost wages or reduced earning capacity while injured and recovering 
• Death benefits for family members 
• Driver safety programs 
• Telehealth services and critical illness insurance 
• Reduced prescription drug benefits 
• Mental health and wellness services

These benefits can also extend to provide vision and dental coverage as well. All of these benefits are at zero cost to the driver. Small surcharges paid for by passengers pay for all of these services, meaning receiving coverage will not put dents into your paycheck. 

Why Are so Many Drivers Missing Out on Black Car Fund Benefits?

Despite being around for several years, the Black Car Fund continues to go over the heads of drivers. Drivers are not signing up with the Black Car Fund, not because its benefits are shady or the coverage is bad. Drivers simply are not aware that it even exists. 

Only a fraction of the drivers in NYC who are eligible for these benefits actually use them. The most likely culprit is that drivers are too busy to learn about these benefits or that it seems like a scam. After all, benefits like these at virtually no cost to the driver can sound like a scam. 

However, the Black Car Fund is indeed legitimate and has helped thousands of drivers with its coverage. Now that you have learned about the Black Car Fund, it is in your best interest to start receiving coverage as soon as you can. 

How Do You Get Your Black Car Fund Benefits?

Getting your Black Car Fund benefits is not an overly complicated process. All it takes is three easy steps. 

Step 1: Apply for Your TLC License 

If you have not already, apply for a TLC license. All you have to do is pay a small fee and fill out an application with the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission. All TLC license holders automatically qualify for Black Car Fund benefits. 

If you drive for Uber or Lyft, do not worry. Your driver’s license ID will connect you to your benefits. 

Step 2: Understand Your Coverage 

Now that you are automatically enrolled for benefits, take the time to understand your coverage. While generally speaking, coverage is the same for most drivers, there may be some stipulations or changes based on your unique situation. These benefits are tremendously helpful, but they do not cover every single nook and cranny. 

Step 3: Stay Compliant 

Remember, just because there is automatic enrollment does not mean you have these benefits forever. You must remain compliant. Keep your TLC license current and renew it promptly, or you risk lapses in your coverage. 

Additionally, it is important to maintain required vehicle insurance and follow all TLC regulations. 

A Lawyer Can Help You Better Understand the Benefits of the Black Car Fund 

Black Car Fund benefits are important for all TLC drivers. As a driver, you should know that you are covered and that you have these benefits ready at your disposal. If you can, inform other drivers who may not be aware that they have these benefits as well. 

The Black Car Fund exists to protect drivers and provide workers’ compensation benefits to those who may traditionally not have access to them in the first place. While the basics of the Black Car Fund are relatively straightforward, there are times when questions may arise. Every driver’s case is unique, and their circumstances can create situations where simple online guides are not enough. 

This is where a lawyer can help. With an experienced lawyer, you can review your benefits and ensure that you have coverage for when you need it.