Uber Driving 101
Ever considered driving for Uber?
My roommate used to drive after work a couple years ago. I had considered it at the time, but I had other side jobs at the time so I didn’t deem it worth it. This summer, however, I returned from France both job-less and broke as a joke. With the help of friends, I found a job pretty quickly. In between arriving home and starting at the restaurant, I drove Uber to fill the gap of employment. Then, recently I found myself in another little “gap of employment” and began driving again. I now drive part-time after work and on the weekends for extra cash!
While I am happy not to depend on Uber as my sole source of income, I’ve found that it’s a really convenient way to make extra money. If you drive strategically, it can also be quite lucrative. This week, I got a lil electronic-badge congratulating me on getting 100 5-star rides! There’s obviously a lot of things to consider before driving for a car service. Below are some of my main points of concern:
Car Insurance
Uber supposedly provides some type of coverage in case something happens while you are driving for them. I had personal coverage through GEICO, so I changed my policy with them to cover both personal and commercial driving. Nothing has happened as of yet, but it’s better to be safe than sorry! Needless to say, commercial driving coverage is a lot more expensive than regular personal. I used my quote to determine whether or not it was worth it to drive or not. Increased car insurance and gasoline costs should definitely be taken into consideration. I decided that as long as I am driving relatively regularly, the insurance and gas are taken care of. The insurance cost, however, is not worth it if I drive less than a couple times weekly because then I won’t really making a profit.
Potential Danger
The most frequent comment I get from my riders right off the bat is: “Oh, wow! I never get a female Uber driver!” Some riders have asked me if I ever get nervous driving, as a girl. Despite the annoying fact that no one would ever ask a male Uber driver if he ever feels unsafe, I understand this is a real concern. For peace of mind, and to appease my parents, I keep mace with me just in case. But, to be honest, I have never actually felt uncomfortable with any passengers thus far. I don’t drive late at night that often, but when I have it hasn’t been a problem. Just as riders review their drivers, drivers review riders. Before I accept a ride request, I can see what rating the rider has – if someone has an unusually low rating I probably won’t accept the request.
Hours
The flexibility of driving whenever you want is definitely the best perk. Uber also has instant cash out – you can either wait for the regular paycheck (Monday to Sunday, I believe, paid out the following Wednesday/Thursday) or you can cash out whatever you’ve earned to your bank/debit card (for 50 cents). It’s not like Venmo, where there is a day delay – when I press cash out, I can open my online banking and the deposit is already there.
Incentives
People are always curious about the pay rates for drivers. Individual rides don’t pay very much, so you don’t make much unless you are driving consecutive rides. Uber provides various incentives that help you earn more during certain timeframes. Uber Pool rides provide very little pay individually, but each passenger counts as a separate “Ride” for Quest incentives. Each week/weekend Uber gives a Quest – saying if you drive XX amount of rides between Monday-Thursday/Friday-Sunday, then you get XX bonus on top of the commission.
Some drivers choose to drive for multiple companies – Uber, Lyft, Via, what-have-you. I have only tried Uber thus far, but I have talked with other drivers who do multiple. In a way, it’s smart. Double the chance for demand, and you can choose to drive for whichever brand is offering the best incentive that day/week. For now, I’m good with just one.
As I said before, I haven’t experienced any customers who’ve made me uncomfortable yet (unless you count stinky ones lol). Because I drive to work in DC, I usually drive after work for a bit because I would sit in traffic regardless – might as well get paid to sit in traffic! There is always a surge when everyone gets off work as well. Driving in DC is pretty entertaining because I get a variety of passengers. I get tourists, locals leaving work/happy hour, yesterday I even drove two Congressmen!!
The above pictures were taken while I was stopped at traffic lights and stop signs (I promise!) in DC.
If after reading this you find yourself considering driving for Uber, you should use my code . 😉
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20 Comments
Ruth
I would definitely consider driving for Uber if I could drive. It must be such an interesting job, going to all different places and meeting different people.
Cindy B
I’ve def thought about driving for Uber!
floridforest
This seems like a good job, but I think I would get fired for my directional challenge :/
Adventures with Shelby
The driving app provides pretty decent directions! I was really nervous about driving in DC because there are a lot of one-way streets but the GPS is really helpful
ellypaunoska
Learning someting new, uber is not availible in my coutnry yet.
daddy realness
Thanks for the insider scoop on the life of an Uber driver. Some of the comments in your post, like how safe it is driving, I’ve wondered about, too, so thanks for addressing that.
ukeveryday
That is such a great idea for extra income. I am sure some people would love this job.
serenarogers19
Never thought of this myself, but I bet it’s a great way of earning some extra cash!
Elizabeth O
That is a great way to earn extra income .Wishing you all the best.
Aanya
This was such a nice piece of information a very few know about it.
Joanna
Very interesting, I never thought of joining Uber so that I can boost my income. That is actually a great idea!
Christopher Mitchell
I haven’t actually considered driving for Uber, but I’m happy to read about it, as it’s always great to consider new income streams.
Sadia Munir
I sure have consider Uber for riding, but not for driving.
aisasami
The thing about Uber here in Japan that is it maintained by the taxi drivers. Only taxi drivers get to be uber drivers because Japan is afraid that people will start taking Uber and abandon taxis (and that is a full-time career for many). Though, I could work for Uber Eats but I can do it by bicycle.
Paige
We thought about it but didn’t really have the extra time to do it.
Jackline A
I have heard of a few people who drive for uber and they love it. Thank you for sharing.
Mila R
Did you know that you can even drive borrowed car for Uber?
D'ondra Howard
I used to drive for Uber. I enjoyed it when I drove.
arun
Kudos to you for being the star driver. Thank you for sharing how the system works. This is a good part time job. I am going to recommend to my friend about it.
LaTese
Thanks for the read. Uber is a great way to earn money.