So I am a frequent rideshare user. Been great for multiple years now. I've always wanted to try driving but I cannot meet the most basic of the requirements, which is to own a car.
So I was thinking... Can I rent a car from a cheep rental car place or borrow someone's car to drive for Uber or Lyft? Why not, right? You'd think it'd be expensive, but I wouldn't have to pay expenses, car payments, car depreciation, maintenance, etc.
So I went to Craigslist, and man! People are looking for drivers for their cars. Is this legit?
Nope, not legit.
You are not allowed to drive any car for your rideshare business. You have to first meet the car requirements set forth by the company, and most often you have to have proper license. See this recent post on how that works.
https://ride.guru/lounge/p/can-i-drive-someone-elses-car-for-uber-or-can-my-friend-drive-my-car-for-uber
There is actually a growing but less known problem where people are cheating the system, by using any car out there. They sign up with one official car, but they take their app and drive in any car they can get their hands on. People have attempted to use ZipCar, Enterprise, Turo.com, etc. Very creative!! but not legit! (CAUTION to RIDERS: If you would like to avoid illegitimate drivers or vehicles, make sure to check the car model, license plate, VIN, etc. that's displayed on your app, and check when the car arrives.)
With that said, here's the good news. You can look for private fleet owners who are looking for drivers to drive their cars. With the regulations being looser than taxis and limos, they are willing to employ you. Different owners/companies have different requirements, such as livery or CDL licenses...but many don't as rideshare companies often have looser regulations around these requirements.
Uber Driver, CEO of TaxiFareFinder and Unleashed, LLC
Last updated Dec 20, 2016
RIDEGURU
Comments
You need to own your car or at least have your name on the insurance. at least for uber in new york. no free lunches there. i think a lot people do it though.
Trust me, the math works. Look on Turo.com