How to rent a car for Uber or Lyft
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Driving for Uber or Lyft is a tempting option for workers who like a flexible and literally mobile schedule that they control. It also appeals to those looking to make money on the side, such as part-time workers, students, and full-time employees looking for car-sharing perks.
As tempting as the opportunity sounds, would-be drivers may face some hurdles. Driving all day long can increase the wear and tear on your car and also lead to higher insurance rates due to prolonged exposure to road hazards. In addition, ridesharing companies have requirements for the age and condition of the vehicles used. Uber won't accept cars made before 2002, and Lyft won't accept cars made before 2004. Potential drivers may not even own a car, such as students or city dwellers dependent on public transport.
Fortunately, Uber and Lyft, as the most forward-thinking ridesharing companies, allow their drivers to rent the cars they use for work. By submitting a special application, the companies will conduct a background check on you, assuming you will be renting a car and will not require a vehicle suitability check. When cooperating with rental companies, the driver usually pays a weekly fee, which includes insurance and mileage.
How to rent a car for Uber
Uber is partnering with several different car rental companies in select cities around the country to provide cars to drivers who need them. The rental cost is deducted from your weekly salary and insurance is included in the rental price. The car comes with no mileage limit, which means you can use it for personal use and scheduled maintenance. To rent a car as an Uber driver, follow these 4 steps:
- Sign up for Uber, go through background checks, and select "I need a car" to begin the rental process.
- Have the required security deposit (usually) $200 ready - it will be refunded when you return the car.
- Once you are approved as a driver, be aware that rentals are on a first come, first served basis and you cannot reserve a specific type in advance. Choose your car depending on what offers are currently available.
- Follow Uber's instructions to access your rental car.
Remember that you can only use Uber rentals to work for Uber. Both Fair and Getaround work exclusively with Uber, providing rentals for their drivers.
Good
Fair allows Uber drivers to choose a car for a $500 entry fee and then pay $130 weekly. This gives drivers unlimited mileage and the option to renew their rental every week without any long-term commitment. Fair provides standard maintenance, vehicle warranty and roadside assistance with every rental. A flexible Fair policy allows drivers to return a car at any time with 5 days' notice, allowing the driver to determine the period of use.
The fair is available in more than 25 US markets, and California has a pilot program that allows Uber drivers to rent cars for $185 a week plus taxes. Unlike the standard program, the pilot also includes insurance and only requires a $185 refundable deposit instead of an entry fee. Fair focuses solely on partnering with Uber for the benefit of all current and future drivers.
get around
Driving an Uber for just a few hours a day? Getaround allows rideshare drivers to rent cars parked nearby. While it's only available in a few cities across the country, the first day's rental is free for 12 consecutive hours. After that, they pay a fixed hourly rate. Getaround vehicles are equipped with Uber stickers, phone mounts and phone chargers. The rental also includes insurance for every ride, basic maintenance and easy access to XNUMX/XNUMX Uber customer support through the Uber app.
Each vehicle is equipped with Getaround Connect's patented integrated hardware and software that allows users to book and unlock the vehicle through the app. This eliminates the need to exchange keys between owner and renter and helps reduce the waiting time associated with renting a car. Getaround makes documents, information and everything needed for the rental process easily accessible through its app and the web.
How to rent a car for Lyft
Lyft's car rental program is called Express Drive and includes a weekly fee covering mileage, insurance and maintenance. Cars are rented out on a weekly basis with the possibility of renewal instead of return. Each lease allows drivers to use the vehicle for Lyft as well as personal driving within the state in which it was rented, and insurance and maintenance are covered by the rental. You can also switch between a Lyft rental car and a private car if approved by Lyft. To rent a car as a Lyft driver, follow these 3 steps:
- Apply through the Lyft Express Drive program if available in your city.
- Meet Lyft driver requirements, including being over 25 years of age.
- Schedule a car pickup and be prepared to provide a refundable deposit.
Lyft does not allow rideshare drivers to use their Lyft rental for any other service. Exclusive Lyft rentals are available through Flexdrive and Avis Budget Group.
Flexdrive
Lyft and Flexdrive have teamed up to launch their Express Drive program to allow qualified drivers to find a car to share. This partnership puts Lyft in control of the vehicle type, quality, and driver experience. Drivers can find the car they want through the Lyft app and pay a standard weekly rate of $185 to $235. Users can view their rental agreement at any time from the Lyft Driver Dashboard.
The Flexdrive program, available in several US cities, covers physical damage to the vehicle, liability claims, and insurance for uninsured/underinsured motorists when the vehicle is used for personal driving. While waiting for a request or during a ride, the driver is covered by Lyft's insurance policy. The Flexdrive rental price also includes scheduled maintenance and repairs.
Avis Budget Group
Lyft announced its partnership with Avis Budget Group in the fall of 2018 and currently only operates in Chicago. Avis Budget Group, one of the world's largest car rental companies, is moving ahead with forward-thinking trends through its app to provide on-demand mobility services and a personalized customer experience. Avis has partnered with the Lyft Express Drive program to make their vehicles available directly through the Lyft app.
Drivers pay between $185 and $235 per week and may qualify for a rewards program that reduces the weekly rental price based on the number of rides. This sometimes provides free weekly rentals, incentivizing drivers to make multiple rides for Lyft. Avis also covers scheduled maintenance, basic repairs, and personal driving insurance. Lyft's insurance covers incidents during a ride, while Lyft and Avis share insurance pending a request.
Car rental companies for Uber and Lyft drivers
hertz
Hertz has partnered with both Uber and Lyft to provide car rentals in most cities across the country on each platform.
Uber: For Uber, Hertz vehicles are available for $214 per week on top of a $200 refundable deposit and unlimited mileage. Hertz provides insurance and weekly renewal options. Cars can also be rented for up to 28 days. In densely populated areas of California, Uber drivers using Hertz can earn an additional $185 per week if they make 70 rides in a week. If they complete 120 trips, they can earn a $305 bonus. These costs can go towards the initial rent, making it practically free.
Backlash: Driving for Lyft with Hertz gives drivers unlimited mileage, insurance, standard service, roadside assistance, and no long-term contract. The weekly rental price can be increased at any time, but the driver is required to return the car every 28 days for a full inspection. Hertz also includes a loss waiver as additional insurance coverage.
HyreCar
In addition to direct partnerships with Uber and Lyft, HyreCar operates as a car-sharing platform for drivers. According to company CEO Joe Furnari, HyreCar connects current and potential rideshare drivers with car owners and dealers who want to rent out their little-used vehicles. It is available in all US cities, with vehicle availability based on driver and owner usage in each area.
HyreCar allows potential drivers with unqualified vehicles access to reliable vehicles and income, and generates income for car owners. A rideshare driver working for both Lyft and Uber can rent a car through HyreCar without worrying about breaching a rental agreement with either company. Dealers also benefit from HyreCar by allowing them to generate revenue from their used car inventory, reduce bulk waste from old inventory, and convert renters into potential buyers.
Renting and car sharing just got easier
Car rental services provide access to the sharing industry for unskilled drivers. As the future of car owners and driving styles change, so does the importance of access to mobility. Uber and Lyft offer a source of full and partial income. Numerous car rental agencies working in partnership with car rental companies and drivers are expanding the number of available jobs and income. Skilled drivers without qualified vehicles can serve rideshares across the country.
