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Your Guide to How to Become an Uber Driver
If you’re thinking about going self-employed, becoming an Uber driver is a great option.
Learn everything you need to know how to become an Uber driver with this handy guide.
In the era of the side hustle, chances are that you’ve at least thought about how to become an Uber driver.
Whether you’re interested in supplementing your income, or if you’ve thought about driving for Uber full times, there are a few things that you need to know before you take the plunge.
Depending on the city where you’re planning to drive, the amount that you take home can vary greatly.
You’ll also need to factor in expenses like car maintenance, gasoline, and even the cost of passengers damaging your car.
Of course, there are a lot more things to think about than just how much you can expect to earn.
Sometimes, we know it can be difficult to get started when you want to become an Uber driver.
This guide will help you.
In it, we’re telling you everything you need to know about how to drive for Uber, visit Limo Find to discover about the party buses, and charter buses.
The Basics
If you want to become an Uber driver, there are a few basic things that you need to take into consideration first.
You need to be at least 21 years old, and you also need to have been driving (whether commercially or just for yourself) for a minimum of three years.
You also need to make sure that your driver’s license is up-to-date and in-state.
Depending on the city in which you plan to drive, you may also need to have a car with four doors.
If you’re interested in driving for another type of Uber service, like Uber Black, you may need to follow certain make and model requirements.
You might also have to have a car that’s no more than ten to fifteen years old (again, that exact number varies according to the city.)
You’ll need a social security number, current license plates that are in-state, and in-state car insurance where you are the policyholder.
Again, depending on the city where you’d like to drive, you may need to make sure that you have a commercial license from a Taxi and Limousine Commission in your city. You’ll also need to register your car with this agency.
Above all, you’ll need a clean driving record, and you’ll also likely have to pass a background check.
With crimes committed by Uber drivers making headlines, this last step is especially important in today’s world.
More About your Car Insurance
Now that you know a little more about the basics of driving for Uber, it’s time to talk in more detail about one of the most important aspects: your car insurance.
The last thing that you want to have happened once you decide to start driving — especially if you’re driving full-time — is to have to pay for damages to your car or injuries sustained in a crash yourself.
As of this writing, Uber only offers insurance when you’re logged on and have a passenger in your car (or are on your way to pick one up.)
This means that when you’re logged on and looking for passengers, Uber’s insurance coverage drops significantly. Usually, you’ll only actually be covered for things that your initial car insurance policy can’t cover.
However, if you have a passenger in your car or are on your way to pick one up, that coverage increases.
You’ll have a million dollar limit on commercial liability insurance, as well as bodily injury coverage of up to $1 million.
If you have your own collision coverage, you’ll get a certain amount of coverage from Uber. However, you need to be aware that you’ll need to pay your own $1,000 deductible out of pocket.
Should you add to your Plan?
If you want to become an Uber driver, you need to understand that the coverage that Uber gives you may not always be enough.
Keep in mind that, depending on the city and state that you’re driving in, Uber may not always require you to have commercial insurance.
Yes, that sounds like an awesome way to save a little bit more money every month. That is until you get into an accident. This is why many Uber drivers also look into what’s known as rideshare insurance.
Not only is it usually incredibly affordable, it will also help to fill in the blanks between your personal car insurance policy and the coverage that is offered by Uber.
In some cases, you may be able to get rideshare coverage for as little as $20 each month.
Rideshare insurance is especially well-liked because it covers you when you’re just driving around, looking for a passenger to pick up. It may also cover more of the damage that passengers inflict on the interior of your car.
48 out of 50 states currently offer rideshare insurance — so there’s already a good chance that you’re eligible.
The good news?
There are lots of different rideshare policies and coverage options available to you. To learn more about how to pick the policy that’s the right fit for you, view here to study up on what you might need.
Other Information About Driving for Uber
So, we’ve covered the insurance that you should consider before you become an Uber driver and the basic requirements that you need to be aware of.
However, there are quite a few other things that you should take into serious consideration before you start driving.
The Income
Lots of people are woefully misinformed about how much money they can actually make driving for Uber.
If you’ve done your research, then you’ve probably already come across the promise of roughly $20.00 per hour of driving.
Remember that you’ll need to calculate Uber’s commission, as well as the maintenance of your car. This means things like gas and keeping your vehicle nice and clean.
You’ll also need to remember to take out a percentage of your income for taxes.
You’ll also be charged a booking fee, so you need to make sure that the ride will actually be worth it before you pick anyone up. In general, the commission that Uber takes out is, as of this writing, somewhere around 25%.
If you have a lower fare, this may mean that you’re not going to be able to net enough of a profit to make driving a passenger worthwhile.
Tipping and Uber
The good news?
With Uber, just as with the traditional Yellow Cabs, your passengers will have the option to leave you a tip.
However, unlike the Yellow Cabs, the tips aren’t calculated off of a percentage of your fare. Instead, the passenger will be shown options for amounts, like $1 or $3.
Depending on the length of your ride, you may end up feeling like you’re getting ripped off.
Customers also have the option to tip you in cash before the exit of your vehicle. However, be aware that most choose to tip online after your ride — if at all.
Your Personality
Yes, this is an important thing to think about when becoming an Uber driver.
While many drivers love the flexibility and freedom that driving offers them, it also means that, at the end of the day, no one else is really responsible for your income except you.
Are you truly able to make a commitment to driving without a set schedule? Are you able to stick to things, to push yourself, and to drive during peak times because that’s when you’ll be able to make the most money?
Do you enjoy talking with people, and are you comfortable with people leaving reviews for you as an Uber driver? What about offering people advice who are visiting a town, or just dealing with more difficult and demanding personalities?
These things might seem small now, but they can end up making or breaking your entire driving experience.
Ready to Become an Uber Driver?
If you’ve been wondering whether or not you have what it takes to become an Uber driver, we hope that you’ve found this post helpful.
Before you make any decisions, make sure that you take the time to review the specific Uber driver requirements in the state where you plan to drive.
You should also consider getting rideshare insurance if you can make enough to pay for your lifestyle, and whether or not driving meshes with your current schedule and personality.
Looking for additional advice about how to learn a little extra income?
We’ve got you covered.
We invite you to spend some time on our website and blog to learn more ways that you can rake in the cash — whether it’s getting a new full-time job or just finding a side gig.
