NYC TLC TAXI AND BLACK CAR INSURANCE

By Alan Plafker, PRESIDENT & CEO
Member Brokerage Service LLC
A Melrose Credit Union Service Organization

You should look for quality, value and service when getting TLC insurance. This insurance is designed to protect your assets and you should choose the proper coverage to meet your individual needs. An agent or broker can review your needs with you and recommend complete insurance protection designed especially for you.

The “TLC” auto policy offers these basic coverages:

Liability coverage – that covers you for bodily injury or property damage caused by an auto accident in which you may be considered legally responsible.

TLC REQUIRES LIMITS OF 100,000 / 300,000 (bodily injury) and 10,000 property damage.

Personal Injury Protection – “no fault” coverage to provide medical, surgical, hospital, work loss and other related expenses.

TLC REQUIRES A 200,000 PIP LIMIT

Uninsured Motorist – pays you for damages caused by uninsured motorists . There are also some optional coverages or limits available such as:

• Fire & Theft Coverage – That pays for physical damage to your car from fire, theft, vandalism, or some other events.
  
  
• Full Glass Coverage – This is not covered unless purchased separately.
  
  
• Collision coverage – That pays for damage to your car if you’re in an accident.
  
  
• Property Damage - Limits may be increased to 20,000
  or 50,000.
  
  
• Underinsured Motorist – UM limits may be increased to cover underinsured exposure.

Many factors can help keep your premiums low:

• Keep your drivers license motor vehicle record looking favorable.
  
  
• Have a favorable claims history of your current or past policies.
  
  
• The type &/or age of the vehicle can affect the insurance rate.
  
  
• The documentation of any not-at -fault accidents should be kept on hand.
  
  
• The experience of other drivers on your policy will influence your rate.
  
  
• Defensive Driving Course (six hour class) will keep premiums low.

Other do’s & don’ts:

• Never allow anyone to drive your vehicle unless it is approved by your insurance carrier.
  
  
• Purchase your vehicles from an experienced dealer to avoid TLC & DMV headaches.
  
  
• Always renew all your TLC permits & licenses on time to avoid suspension.
  
  
• If you have an accident – take pictures at the scene and get the police report.

A reminder for all Medallion owners:

• All drivers listed must update lease renewals with TLC every six months.
  
  
• Drivers listed on your medallion for more than 6 months may get you a lower rate.
  
  
• Review your Workers Compensation and pay on time to avoid cancellations.
  
  
• Pay your Auto policy on time; a cancellation could create trouble at DMV or TLC.

Because of the complexity of coverages, limits, and rates, I recommend having someone working for you to offer advice and find the best policy to fit your needs. An independent professional insurance agent works for you and believes that your satisfaction with your insurance is of the utmost importance. In an increasingly self service world, it can be a welcome relief to turn over a question or problem to someone else who will handle matters quickly and professional for you.

Alan Plafker is President of Member Brokerage Service LLC, a Melrose Credit Union Service Organization. He is a licensed Insurance Broker and serves on the Board of Directors the PIANY (Professional Insurance Agents Association of NY) and on the Board of CIBGNY (Council of Insurance Brokers of Greater NY). His Agency insures thousands of polices for TLC Insurance as well as many policies for all types of insurance. You can reach him in his Briarwood, Queens office at (718) 523-1300 ext. 1082.

© 2015 TLC Magazine Online, Inc.