Uber is one of the many ridesharing apps that have taken the market by storm and put many taxis to rest. It seems like a relatively simple job to have, as all you have to worry about is picking up and dropping off passengers. Although, sometimes looks can be deceiving and there are some things you should know before jumping into a career change.
It might look like sunshine and roses on the outside, but before you sign your life away to become a driver for Uber, you should think about several factors. Keep reading to learn about the ten things to consider before driving for Uber.
10 You Won't Make as Much as They Tell You
It might seem like cash will be flowing out of your ears, but the reality is that most people make little more than minimum wage. There are various factors to consider when attempting to calculate how much money you will make each week, like big events in the city, different promotions, how many trips you made in a given week, and so much more.
This also indicates that your overall income will fluctuate each week depending upon the situation in your city where you plan on driving. If you are living by yourself, then you should consider another career as a sole source of income, because this won't pay enough to support you.
9 Insurance Costs Can Add Up
When you drive for a rideshare company, you should add an additional insurance policy called rideshare insurance. Your car will not be covered by standard insurance when you have your Uber light on but are not accepting any passengers.
Uber will help you cover some of the costs if an accident does happen, but it is always better to be safe then sorry when it comes to the health and safety of your vehicle. It is not mandatory to have, but it can save you some big headaches and protect your source of income if you intend for driving to become your fulltime job.
8 Your Vehicle Should Be in Tip-Top Shape
All cars that drive for Uber must pass a vehicle inspection check to ensure that your vehicle is safe enough to take out on the road. They want to ensure that the passengers who enter your vehicle will be taken care of, and that starts with the state of your vehicle. There are several inspection centers that have partnered with Uber and they look at everything from your lights to the speedometer.
The biggest things most drivers fail is the tire tread test and the brake inspection test, as those are the two things most drivers let go. If you do have to replace any broken part in order to pass, then you can write them off as expenses at the end of the year, which will save you some money when it comes to your taxes.
7 You Are Working as a Contractor
The extra pay and flexible hours might make it appear to be the perfect side gig to supplement your income, but you should be aware that you are not technically an employee. This means that you will not receive a W2 at the end of the year and are responsible to hold yourself accountable for pulling out your own taxes and reporting all of your income.
It is also a good idea to open your own retirement plan if you plan on pursuing this full-time, and you will also be held accountable to find and pay for your own health insurance plan. These are all important expenses to consider before making the leap into this industry.
6 You Must Be a People Person
Every time a new passenger enters your car and is given a ride from place to place, they are given a survey at the end of their venture. This can significantly hurt how many times you are called upon to drive for the company, as customers can opt for people with specific ratings.
If you come across as standoffish or rude, then chances are that your ratings will tank within the first week. Customers like bubbly and friendly personalities who care about their experience and want them to feel at home, which is why this rating was incorporated in the first place.
5 Do You Have A Record?
Uber, like any company, runs a background check and looks it over to ensure that you are a safe and reliable choice for a driver. Any criminal activity that includes violence or jail time will most likely automatically disqualify you from being approved as a driver.
The company also puts a high priority on your driving record, so if you have any major moving violations or more than three minor violations, then this job isn't for you. They also don't let anyone under the age of 23 drive for them if they have had a license for less than 3 years. This company does not perform credit checks, so any bad debt or poor financial decisions you have made won't impact your ability to drive for them.
4 Passengers Have Accidents
It is not unheard of for a customer to vomit in a vehicle from time to time, as many of the people who use these apps are trying to get home after a night of drinking. You are not required to drive during peak party hours in your city, but it does mean you will probably miss out on quite a bit of pay. Luckily, there is an $80 cleaning fee that customers are charged if they happen to vomit or spill any drinks inside of your vehicle.
This amount can increase to $150 if it is determined the damage is severe and needs extra attention from professionals. Many drivers carry trash bags in their cars for this purpose, but it is always something to consider before taking the plunge into Uber driving.
3 You Must Have a Smartphone and a Data Plan
Uber was made possible because the world invented cell phones and data plans so you could take the internet on the go. You must have a phone in order to drive with them, because that is how you find all of your potential riders.
This app also helps the company correspond with you in case there is some sort of emergency or a miscommunication. Your phone must also have the most recent updates, because any old technology has a tendency to interfere with the app and delay service.
2 There is More Than One Way to Drive for Uber
UberX is the basic way to drive for this company, but they do offer other more frivolous opportunities for drivers to earn extra cash. You have the option to sign up for Uber Eats, UberBLACK, and UberSUV, but there are certain rules that apply to each of them.
Uber Eats is basically the same as ridesharing except you transport food instead of people. UberBLACK is for the higher-end crowd and your car has to match their aesthetic with a black paint and luxury model vehicle. UberSUV is similar to UberBLACK, as it is again focused on wealthier customers, but this time it is for larger groups of people.
1 Do You Meet The Vehicle Requirements?
There are several things to take into account when driving for Uber, and it all starts with your car. Your car needs to be a four-door vehicle, whether it is a car, truck, or SUV. There are different requirements for different cities, but the general rule of thumb is that your vehicle must be newer than 2006.
The company also has car leasing and buying options to make it possible for everyone to have a chance to drive with them. The programs are flexible and offer options where you can pick up a car only when you need it.