If you Drive for Uber Full Time Don’t Use your Own Car…Rent One!

For goodness sakes, don’t tear up your own car!

It might shock you to know that driving for Uber isn’t contingent on owning a vehicle. Instead, you can rent one. Even if you’re a vehicle owner you might want to give your car a break from heavy mileage and/or wear and tear for a little while. Whatever your reason, renting may be a good choice for you. Read further to learn more on what’s involved:

Things to consider

Before getting too excited, know that there are a few restrictions. You can’t just run over to the local vehicle rental place and rent one of their cars to drive for Uber — it doesn’t work that way. Factors that involve insurance, not to mention the approval requirements set forth by Uber, prohibit this.

There still are ways to safely and legally rent a car to use for driving with Uber. How does it work? The company partners with a set of companies that rent cars to drivers who need them. We will dig into this later on in the post.

Understand the rules

If you make the choice to try the vehicle rental option, it is vital that you know the restrictions and requirements in place. One of the requirements has to do with age. You have to be of a specific age, which is usually 21 or 25, depending on the regulations of the rental company. Also, you need a debit or credit card. In the majority of cases a debit card is accepted; however, the rental company takes a deposit and holds it until the vehicle is returned. You will have to have a “spare” lump sum (typically a couple of hundred dollars) you can live without for a little while.

It’ll go without saying that you will have to have an excellent driving record and have the ability to pass a background check, just like you might if you want to drive for Uber using your own vehicle. If you are prepared to drive enough to pay for a vehicle and earn a profit, and you meet all of the other qualifications, you are good to go.

What’s next?

If you have not already done so, download the app and sign up here to become a Uber driver. If you are already a Uber driver, you are all set. From the home screen click on your photograph in the top right-hand corner. On the following screen, also in the top right corner, click where it says “H..P?”. It’ll open up the Help section.

There, you will push “Signing up,” and, on the following screen, push “Getting a vehicle.” Then push “Can I use a rental car to drive?” and you will notice a message that states Uber’s policy concerning approved partnerships and Uber driver locations. The cars are insured by the rental partners especially for Uber drivers; therefore, you will not get into trouble for using them.

Then, push “Uber-approved rental car providers,” and you will be taken to a screen telling you to send a message to learn more information on what is available in your area.

Approved rental car providers

There are multiple Uber-approved providers, and they vary from one city to another. That is why it is important to go through the app to discover which locations and companies will work for you.

You will want to learn more on each of them before making a commitment. Here is a list of the companies that Uber lists — but keep in mind, all of them may not be available in your area. Also, consider if you want to rent on a weekly or hourly basis, and if you do not know, check out the rates and let the numbers help you make a decision.

Getaround

Getaround is a plan that lets you rent by the week or the hour. Their rates start at $4 for one day, $239 for a week, or $219 a week if you rent for 4 weeks at one time. It’s possible to book on the phone and utilize their app to extend the agreement. Unlimited mileage, insurance, roadside assistance, and 24/7 support are available with each rental. Thus far, drivers in Boston, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Denver, San Francisco Bay Area, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. may get weekly and hourly rentals. In San Diego, Oregon, and Portland, it is only hourly rentals.

Avis and Hertz

Uber features an agreement with Hertz allowing drivers to rent a vehicle for $214 a week in addition to a $200 refundable deposit. The price includes car insurance, unlimited miles, and basic maintenance. Hertz emphasizes a “lower credit requirement” in its offer, and presently the company’s vehicles are available to drivers within 32 American cities.

Avis also allows you to rent a vehicle to drive for Uber. They have offers that start at $214 a week, in addition to a $250 security deposit. Unlimited mileage, insurance, and car warranty are included in the cost. Applicable fees and taxes, gas, and additional products (think windshield wipers) aren’t.

Zipcar

If you love the concept of renting by the hour, Zipcar may be an excellent choice to consider. Their rates begin at $5.50 an hour on weekdays, which includes insurance, gas, and 180 miles a day (you will be charged 45 cents a mile after that). Thus far, the service is available in Baltimore.

HyreCar

HyreCar is a company which facilitates rental transactions between private individuals and drivers. You have to already be an approved driver for Uber to apply, and it’s possible to rent from folks who list their vehicles with Uber.

How does it work? Download the HyreCar app, make an account, enter your desired pickup and drop off dates and your location, and you will have the ability to browse the selection of vehicles listed by local car owners.

When you book the vehicle and get approved, you’ll receive the 3 documents (insurance, registration, and inspection) that you will have to upload to your account on Uber. Upload the documents immediately so Uber has time to approve them before wanting to start driving. You’ will do that by adding a vehicle to your account.

After that, make arrangements with the car owner to either pick the vehicle up or get it delivered. At the completion of the rental period, you’ll replace the gasoline you used, give the car back to the owner, and you are done.

Renting a vehicle to drive for Uber makes it convenient for anyone to appreciate the financial benefits and freedom of the rideshare business. Discover the solution which works best for you and get out there!

To read my journey into the gig economy start here.

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