With over 10 million active riders, it’s likely estimated that an Uber is called or used nearly every five minutes. That’s around five million rides in one day. The rideshare business is both necessary and in demand, and for many of their drivers, it can also be lucrative.
That’s why around 50,000 new drivers sign up every month. You may be thinking about becoming one of those 50,000 drivers this month and applying for a job as an Uber driver.
However, when it comes to Uber, it’s more of an acceptance process rather than an application. That would mean ensuring you fill all the Uber Driver Requirements they will throw your way. From there, it’s up to you to make the best of your ridesharing career. Consider this your guide to fulfilling all the Uber Driver Requirements and how to be a competent, independent contractor.
Uber Driver Requirements that every driver must have
You need to be prepared for two areas to be successful in your Uber driver acceptance process -personal and vehicle.
The personal Uber Driver requirements to be an Uber driver are:
- At least 21 years old
- Licensed to drive for at least one to three years
- Have auto insurance
- Clean background to pass the test
- Social security number
- Adequate driving history
Uber Driver Requirements for Your Vehicle
Uber also has a standard for the vehicles used by their clientele. However, the Uber Driver requirements may differ from one city to another. Uber’s website has a page that lists all of its eligible vehicles, including any zip code or vehicle make and model.
General Uber Driver Requirements for your vehicle are:
- Ten years old or newer
- Must have at least four doors
- No salvage or restored title
- License plates are valid and registered
- Not a full-sized van
- Not a taxi
- Minimum of five total seat belts
Uber X Requirements
Uber offers different rideshare services based on the number of passengers and service speed. The type of car a driver has can also affect which service they are placed in. Uber X is the standard Uber service that services up to four riders. This service would be for many mid-sized cars like the Toyota Prius, Honda Accord, or Civic.
These are the types of vehicles that are qualified for Uber X:
- The car is ten years or newer; some states may draw the limit at 15
- At least five total seatbelts
- Has four doors.
Uber XL Requirements
Uber XL is a service for larger groups of passengers looking for a ride. Rates are naturally higher because of this. Because of their storage space, XL Uber vehicles are often used for trips to the airport. This includes car models such as the GMC Acadia, Jeep Cherokee, and GMC Yukon XL, which can seat six people.
These cars must also satisfy the following Uber Driver requirements for vehicles:
- The car is 10 or 15 years old or newer
- At least seven total seatbelts
- No vans or trucks
Uber Green Requirements
Uber Green is for electric or hybrid cars. If their carbon footprint is smaller than a standard car, they will qualify as Uber Green vehicles. This service is unique because passengers are given a surcharge of $1, which is split between the driver’s and Uber’s efforts to reduce their emissions. These cars are typically the same size as Uber X cars. Keep in mind that Uber Green may only be available in some places.
Uber Green cars are typically:
- The vehicle is a hybrid or electric model
- At least five total seatbelts
- Newer than ten years old
Uber Black Requirements
Drivers with high-end, luxury vehicles are placed into the Uber Black service once their acceptance process is completed. This is the highest standard Uber sets for their cars and applies to regular-sized vehicles and SUVs.
Uber Black and Uber Black SUVs usually include:
- Black paint job
- Leather seats and interior
- Commercial car insurance and registration
- Airport permits
- Newer than ten years
Uber Lux Requirements
Uber Lux is an exclusive service in New York and California. It features high-end car makes and models from Porche, Mercedes, and Lexus.
They usually must be full-sized vehicles with the following features:
- Four to six doors
- Commercial car insurance
- New than ten years
Uber Eats Requirements
Uber Driver Requirements for food couriers are less stern than those of their other services since no passenger will be using them.
Virtually any vehicle can be used for Uber Eats as long as it has the following:
- Minimum of two doors
- 20 years old or newer
Everything About the Uber Car Inspections
Part of the acceptance process is bringing your car into one of Uber’s activation centers for inspection. An Uber inspection can be done at a body shop, where you would have to pay the mechanic a fee of around $30.
The inspections will cover features of your car, such as:
- Mechanical Features
- Safety features
- Hygiene
- In line with the city’s Uber Driver Requirements
However, only some cities may require a car inspection before hiring Uber drivers. Some locations may also allow a 30-day grace period before an inspection is required. Uber’s app has an inspection center locator with which every new user interacts.
Uber Driver Requirements for Car Insurance
You can only understand Uber drivers' auto insurance by first understanding it. Nearly every state has car insurance requirements for its drivers -often called liability auto insurance. This type of insurance covers damages and injuries to another driver or party in a car accident. Every state sets its coverage amounts differently, but there is an average.
The following coverage is the minimum liability insurance required:
- Bodily injury per person - For every single person injured in an accident you caused, this coverage will help pay for it. A driver’s average amount carried is $15,000 to $50,000.
- Bodily injury per accident - For every person injured in an accident you caused, this coverage will help pay expenses. A driver’s average amount carried is $50,000 to $100,000.
- Property damage per accident - For any car or property damaged in an accident you caused, this coverage will help cover the repairs. A driver’s average amount carried is $15,000 to $25,000.
Uber typically requires their drivers to carry the outlined coverage. However, drivers may also have to carry rideshare auto insurance regarding Uber Driver Requirements and other ridesharing companies.
What is Rideshare Insurance?
Basic auto insurance doesn’t fully cover drivers when they are on the clock. The time would start the moment a passenger steps into your car. While commercial auto insurance is required for some Uber services, it would be a little extreme for a simple rideshare car. Uber does insure their drivers with its rideshare insurance, but its coverage may be limited during certain times.
Here’s how Uber’s rideshare works based on the following phases of ridesharing:
- Period 0 - In your car with your app turned off. At this point, your personal auto insurance policy is covering you.
- Period 1 - You’ve turned on your app and are waiting for a rideshare passenger. Even during this phase, Uber’s rideshare insurance provides only liability coverage. Your personal auto insurance is null at this point.
- Period 2 - A customer’s request has been accepted, and now the rideshare company’s insurance takes full effect.
- Period 3 - You are fully covered while driving the passenger around in the car.
To provide coverage for the gray area of period 1, some drivers purchase rideshare insurance from their auto insurance provider, so they are consistently covered for all periods of ridesharing.
How Much Does Rideshare Insurance Cost?
The good news is that rideshare auto insurance is one of the cheapest auto insurance policies on the market. A policy can cost anywhere from $9 to $27 per month. Depending on circumstances, It may even cost as much as $500 per day.
This would be added to the costs of your auto insurance premium. Uber drivers aren’t required to have their rideshare insurance, but paying the extra rates can help them if they get into an accident while waiting between rides.
How Much Do Uber Drivers Make?
Because Uber drivers are independent contractors, their earnings, how they manage them, and expense are all their responsibility. That being said, on average, an Uber driver makes anywhere from $10 to $20 an hour. Drivers also utilize earnings tracking apps and work as their accountants.
Examples of expenses that drivers will be responsible for are:
- Gas
- Car maintenance
- Taxes
- Car payments, if leased
What Are Ways Uber Drivers Can Increase Their Earnings?
Another reason you’re reading this article is that you want to know how to be a financially intelligent Uber driver.
Here are some tips on how to make more as a rideshare driver:
- Use a hybrid vehicle - A hybrid car won’t just put you in a unique Uber category. However, it also shaves a couple hundred dollars off your monthly gas bill.
- Drive during a passenger surge - Driving when rates are doubled due to high demand is an excellent way for Uber drivers to earn extra.
- Ask about sign-on or referral bonuses - Some rideshare companies, including Uber, may offer bonuses for new hires or referring a friend. Ask about them when you start.
- Side hustle with Uber Eats - If your car has been approved for rideshare services, it more than meets the Uber Driver requirements for an Uber Eats vehicle. You can always move their food for extra money when not moving people.
How do Rideshare Drivers Pay Taxes?
As independent contractors working on their own time, Uber does not deduct taxes from their driver’s pay. Therefore, they are responsible for their taxes. This means that you would have to set aside some of your earnings at the end of every year when Uber sends a 1099 form to include with your tax return for that year. This is also the standard tax practice for freelancers. You can also write off car maintenance or gas as business expenses. This is why keeping track of your car’s mileage and gas station receipts is essential.
Again, you have to take note of everything Uber does not cover for you. Also, check your state government for minimum wage laws for independent contractors like Uber drivers. Some states, like California, have laws that mandate workers' compensation and health insurance. In California, rideshare drivers are considered employees and entitled to such benefits. Consider state laws or consult an accountant for a more personalized tax approach.
What Does Uber Cover For Their Drivers?
While the previous sections on what you will be responsible for may be off-putting, the good news is that there are some costs that Uber covers for their drivers. If a passenger damages the interior or exterior, Uber will charge them a fee. The fee is based on the cleaning cost and then passed to the driver for them to use.
Another expense of driving that Uber covers for their drivers is accumulated tolls. The toll is added to the passenger’s ride bill as they are charged before getting in the car. This charge will also be visible to the driver.
Do Uber Drivers Have to Pay Anything to Uber?
Uber notably charges its drivers a service fee for each trip they complete. This would be the difference between how much the rider paid and how much you earned. Taxes or any surcharges are not included.
What Are Ways to Go Above And Beyond Driving For Uber?
Lastly, Uber is a customer-based service, so how much money you make reflects how much your customers value you -especially regarding your Uber driver profile rating. It’s possible that you can make a steady income from Uber by following these practices:
- Become one with the app - Familiarize yourself with all the functions of the Uber app. This can make navigating or troubleshooting while a customer is in your car more accessible and a better experience for them.
- Know the area you service - Especially in a city; it helps to know the peak hours when you can get the most riders. Think about the morning or evening rush when everyone goes to and from work. It also helps to navigate the area with little to no GPS assistance.
- Be an overly good host - Keeping your vehicle clean, making it smell-friendly with an air freshener, or even offering complimentary water bottles can create a memorable experience for your riders. Sometimes going the extra mile is worth it.
- Ease access to a phone with accessories - It always helps to have your phone on a charger. Phone mounts for the dashboard are also a brilliant idea -approach it like a taxi driver, with the dashboard acting as your monitor.
