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Can You Uber With a Leased Car? Yes you can, here’s how

If you’ve ever had to call a taxi, you know how difficult it can be to find one that is available, can get you to your destination on time, and will show up. Uber found a way to solve many of these problems by connecting everyday people with everyday drivers. However, the many conditions that the company places on its drivers might lead some people to ask, can I drive for Uber with a leased vehicle?

If your vehicle is in your name, you have the correct insurance, and you meet all the minimum requirements to become a driver, you can drive for Uber with a leased vehicle.

If you are interested in becoming an Uber driver, or just want to know more about the company, read on to get all your questions answered.

Uber car

What is Uber?

Uber was founded in 2009. Despite them making history with one of the worst first dollar day losses of all time, the company quickly became one of the world’s highest-valued start-up companies. It had such a simple idea—connect everyday drivers with people who needed rides at much lower prices than a taxi—and people couldn’t help but love it.

Although Uber has hit its fair share of bumps in the road, they have no plans of slowing down, and the company launched Uber Eats in 2014. Uber Eats was yet another ridiculously simple idea—connect people who wished that their favorite restaurant offered delivery with drivers who would deliver takeout to them. As you can imagine, it was a tremendous success.

Today, Uber has their hands in everything from self-driving cars to freight shipping.

How Much Do Uber Drivers Make?

In a landmark ruling from the Supreme Court early in 2021, Uber must now classify its U.K drivers as employees and pay them minimum wage. However, everywhere else, drivers are still considered “gig workers”, “freelancers”, or “contractors”.

As a contractor, Uber drivers make money from trips, tips, referral awards, cancellation fees, and price boosts. Exactly how much they make depends on several factors, and of course, Uber takes its cut. This content is owned by moc.sotuaytsur. However, most Uber drivers still make above minimum wage, while setting their own schedule.

Is Driving for Uber Worth It?

Just like any job, there are pros and cons to working as an Uber driver:

Pros

  • Flexible schedule: Who doesn’t want to set their own schedule?
  • Pick your gigs: You get to choose what rides you take or food you deliver, and once you get the hang of which ones pay more, you can maximize your earnings.
  • Daily pay: Need money today? Uber now has an app that allows their drivers to cash out their money up to five times a day, and drivers have access to funds as soon as a ride completes.
  • Supplemental income: You don’t have to dedicate a certain number of hours to this employer, and it can easily be a side hustle.
  • Taxes: You can use your mileage as a standard deduction on your taxes.

Cons

  • Safety: You never know who is going to get into your car. True, Uber does screen riders and has a rating system that allows people to get a general idea of who they are picking up based on other drivers’ ratings of that person, but you still just never know.
  • Wear and tear: You are driving your own personal vehicle and any mileage or wear is your responsibility.
  • Insurance: This one is debated among some people. Some say Uber supplies insurance, others say that you must upgrade to commercial insurance individually. Uber’s website lists insurance as a pre-requisite for the job, so I’m assuming they don’t provide it.
  • Location: Some locations are busier than others, and if you live in a rural area, you may not get many fares.

How Do I Become an Uber Driver?

Becoming a driver is as easy as meeting the requirements and signing up. However, there are a few other things you should know.

  1. Uber does not always have positions available in every area. However, as they continue to expand the services they offer, new positions become available every day, so keep checking back.
  2. Before you start the sign-up process, you’ll want to make sure that you and your vehicle meet all the requirements (they are listed below).
  3. Since Uber offers many different services, you should decide what kind of service you want to provide? Do you want to offer rides? Do you want to deliver food? Do you want to do both?
  4. In addition to the type of service, you might want to decide what type of rides you will offer based on your vehicles’ space and cargo. Larger groups can often be more profitable but there is also a chance you will end up with a rowdy group.

What Are the Requirements for Becoming an Uber Driver?

According to Uber, to become a driver, you must:

  • Meet the minimum age requirement in the location where you live.
  • Have at least one year of experience as a licensed driver.
  • Have three years of experience as a licensed driver if you are under the age of 23.
  • Hold a valid driver’s license.
  • Have an eligible 4-door vehicle.

You will also need:

  • Proof of residency that shows your city, state, or province.
  • Proof of vehicle insurance.
  • A Driver profile photo that is forward facing, shows your entire face, and has no one else in the photo.
  • A clean driving history.
  • A clean criminal background.

What Type of Vehicle Do I Have to Have to Drive for Uber?

According to Uber, vehicles must meet the following requirements to be used by a driver.

  • The vehicle must have 4 doors and be able to seat at least 4 passengers.
  • The vehicle must be 2006 or newer.
  • The vehicle must have a clean title. It cannot be salvaged, reconstructed, or rebuilt.
  • The vehicle must be owned by the driver and cannot be a rental (unless it is part of Uber Xchange). If not owned by the driver, the driver must be listed as a driver on the insurance.
  • The vehicle must be in excellent condition inside and outside. It must be free from dents, rust, or other cosmetic damage both to the interior and exterior.

You may still be able to drive for Uber eats if your vehicle does not meet all the requirements above.

You may find the following posts helpful:

Can you Uber with a two-door car?

Can I put a hitch on a leased car?

Car rental – things you should and should not do