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Short- and long-term car rentals for Uber-ready vehicles give you a way to drive and earn with Uber without putting wear and tear on your own car. But a rental can take a big chunk out of your profits — or put you in the red if you don’t earn enough.
Does Uber rent cars to drivers?
No, Uber doesn’t directly rent cars to drivers. But it does partner with several rental companies. Uber drivers can rent a car through one of these partners to drive for Uber.
Uber used to have a leasing program called Xchange, but it was sold to Fair in 2018 after reportedly losing $9,000 per car on average.
Rental car options
Uber partners with several rental car companies, though your options may vary depending on where you live. Here’s how they break down:
- Renting through Hertz. The base rental rate is $214 per week, excluding additional costs such as taxes, gas and fees, as well as a $200 refundable security deposit. Drivers must be 21 years or older to qualify, and 25 in select locations. Check Uber’s website to see if Hertz is available in your city.
- Renting through Getaround. Hourly rates start at $4 an hour. You can also rent a car for $239 a week, or $219/week if you rent for at least four weeks. Additional fees include a 3% booking fee for each trip, a $10 license fee and an insurance fee for drivers under the age of 25. You can find out if Getaround is available where you live by visiting its website.
- Renting through Fair. Rates start at $195 per week, in addition to a refundable $195 deposit and a $500 start payment. Fair is partnered with Uber in more than 20 states — you can download the Fair mobile app to see if yours makes the list.
- Leasing through Maven Gig. If there are no rental solutions in your area, you can lease a car through Maven Gig. The minimum lease period is 28 days, and you may be responsible for bringing the car in for repairs. Read our review of Maven Gig to learn more.
*Rates checked 10/21/19
Can I use a different car rental service?
No. Uber’s website states that using an unapproved rental car — like one from a rental company it doesn’t partner with — can result in permanent deactivation from the platform.
How to rent a car for Uber
Drivers can compare offers through Uber’s website.
- Sign up as a driver on Uber’s site.
- Sign into your account to check which rental options are available in your city.
- Choose a provider.
- Follow the instructions to book and pick up your rental car.
What should I look for?
When comparing rental providers, factor in:
- How it’s priced. If you just need something while your car is in the shop, look for a provider that charges by the hour or day. But if you need a long-term solution, you can save by renting by the week or month.
- Cost. Factor in both ongoing cost for the car and any upfront fees.
- Minimum and maximum rental periods. Make sure you won’t be locked into a contract that’s longer than you need.
- Types of cars available. If you’re planning on driving for UberXL, Black or Lux, you’ll have stricter requirements for renting.
- Limits. Some rideshare car rental agreements may stipulate a maximum number of miles you can drive per week. Once you reach this limit, you may need to pay more per mile.
- Eligibility. Check for age requirements and locations where the provider is available.
Would I be better off just buying a car?
If you plan on driving for Uber long-term, you may be better off just buying a car or signing a year-long lease. Financing a car for Uber is a bigger financial commitment, but can save you money in the long term.
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Updated November 17th, 2019
Bottom line
If you don’t have a car that’s eligible for Uber, or if your car is currently out of commission, you can rent a vehicle from one of Uber’s partners to stay on the road. But if you’re looking for a long-term solution, you may be better off financing a car for Uber.
For more information on getting started as a rideshare driver, check out our guide to ridesharing for drivers and riders.
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