Uber is an excellent way to make some money on the side, some people even do Uber full time.
One common question is how do rental vehicles work with Uber? In this article we will go over everything you need to know in regards to renting a car for Uber and if it’s worth it!
Brief Answer To The Question Can You Use a Rental For Uber:
It is possible to use a rental car for Uber. However, the vehicle must be pre-approved by Uber under the approved partnership with rental car providers. There are five rental car providers that Uber has partnered with, and if you’re looking for a rental car, it must come from any of the five companies with an approved Uber partnership. In addition, car rentals are location-specific, so if you’re in an area that is not serviced by any of the five rental car providers, don’t even think about using a rental car that is not provided by any company under the approved partnership or else you will be banned from Uber.
Pros and Cons of Using A Rental Car For Uber
Pros:
1. Rental cars come with their own insurance.
2. Rental car companies are the ones responsible for the maintenance of the vehicle.
3. If you can’t purchase your car yet, driving a rental car for Uber is your best option.
4. You can return the car at any given time. For example, if you want to stop driving for Uber, bring back the vehicle to the rental car company.
5. Rental cars come with free oil changes. You might have to visit specific shops for it, but at least it’s free.
6. If you don’t want to put miles on your personal car, it’s best to drive a rental. The rental companies won’t care how many miles are placed on the odometer as long as the vehicle is taken care of.
7. Rental car companies partnered with Uber tend to release newer car models, which means higher ratings.
Cons:
1. The amount you pay the rental car company might be enough to buy your own car, especially if you tend to accept bookings for long-distance drives.
2. You’ll have to pay bigger taxes. If you own the car you’re driving; you can take the Standard Mileage Deduction and pay fewer taxes. Paying more taxes means earning less, which means that driving a rental car is less profitable than driving your own car for Uber.
3. Despite having new car models, rental car companies have limited car types. Meaning they might not have the sedan you want to drive.
How Much Does A Rental Car Cost On Average Per Week?
Usually, it’s $260 a week before taxes, but the total amount depends on tax and the duration of keeping the car. It also depends on which rental company will be providing the vehicle for you. So far, Kinto Share, Hertz, and Avis have weekly fees listed on the Uber website. Here are the weekly fees for the three rental companies:
1. Kinto Share – $215 per week.
2. Hertz – $260 per week plus $200, which serves as a security deposit. However, the additional $200 is completely refundable, given that there is no damage to the vehicle.
3. Avis – $260 per week.
Which Rental Car Company Is Best For Uber?
Can you use a rental car for Uber? Definitely. Here are the five rental companies that are under an approved partnership with Uber.
1. Kinto Share
Rental rates are $215 per week or $5.50 per hour, plus tax. Inclusions are maintenance, insurance, and 24/7 roadside assistance. Kinto Share is available in Texas and Southern California.
2. Avis
Avis rental rates are at $260 per week, serving multiple areas around the U.S.
3. Getaround
The hourly rate for Getaround starts at $4 per hour, but the first twelve hours are free. It currently services the areas of Washington DC, San Diego, Philadelphia, Denver, Atlanta, Boston, Los Angeles, Portland, and the San Francisco Bay Area.
4. Hertz
Hertz charges $260 weekly, plus a security deposit that costs $200. However, the security deposit is refundable. Inclusions are maintenance, unlimited miles, and insurance. Hertz is availble in many cities around the U.S .
5. HyreCar
HyreCar’s rates are based on the city where you will be driving. However, the average price is $200 to $300 weekly. The rental company is currently servicing Boston, Chicago, New York City, Philadelphia, San Diego/Los Angeles, Seattle/Tacoma Area, St. Louis and Washington DC.
5. Zipcar
Uber Eats drivers usually use Zipcar. The hourly rate is $5.50 during the weekdays, inclusive of insurance and gas. Zipcar is available in Washington DC, Philadelphia, Portland, Los Angeles, Chicago, Denver, San Francisco, Atlanta, and Baltimore.
Things to Consider When Using a Rental Car For Uber
1. Insurance, maintenance, and 24/7 roadside assistance are the typical inclusions.
2. The rental car company will charge you if you incur damages to the car.
3. You will need to pay for gas, taxes, and other charges from your own pocket.
4. You can choose the rental duration, and sometimes you can even extend your rental.
5. Depending on which rental car company, branches may be limited in your immediate area.
6. Some rental partners give out incentives or rewards for their partner drivers.
7. There is a limit to car types.
8. Rental car companies usually do not accept cash or debit cards. Instead, you would have to pay using a credit card.
9. If there’s a problem with the vehicle, you can have it exchanged.
Other FAQ
Do rental car company partners run a credit check before I can rent a car?
No, but some partners might run a soft credit check if you use a debit card.
How much will I owe the rental car company partner?
A: Pricing depends on the company. It’s best to contact them directly for pricing structures. It also depends on the city or state your in as prices may vary based on the market you want to work in.
Conclusion:
Now that you know everything you need to know about rental cars and Uber, you can now make a decision for yourself as to whether it is a good idea or not.
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