How the Avis Uber Rental Program Works & Is Worth The Cost?

An Introduction to the Avis Uber Rental Partnership

The Avis Uber Car Rental Program is a partnership between Uber and Avis, one of the largest (and oldest) car rental companies in the United States.

Under the program, drivers can rent a car directly from Avis for a reasonable cost. Weekly rates are as low as $260 per week without taxes, depending on the area.

The cost includes basic maintenance and liability insurance, with a deductible of $1,000.

Launched in 2018, the partnership was implemented in response to the ever-growing list of aspiring drivers who wanted to work for Uber but didn’t have access to a vehicle.

What the Avis Uber Rental Program Offers

The Avis Uber Rental Program offers a few perks that add value and convenience for Uber drivers.

For one, Uber rentals come with unlimited mileage.

Full-time Uber drivers can easily put in over 2,000 miles per week, and with unlimited miles, they won’t have to constantly keep track of their mileage allowance or risk paying more at the end of a work day.

The program also has roadside assistance available, allowing Uber drivers to get help whenever and wherever they are at reasonable rates.

The program likewise addresses downtime concerns for Uber drivers. If your car or the car you rented through the program requires maintenance, it offers immediate replacement so you can get back on the road as soon as possible.

And, finally, the cost. As part of the rental program, Avis offers drivers competitive and transparent pricing.

Rates are set according to the location, the type of car rented, and the rental period. If you opt for a long-term contract, you may receive additional discounts by claiming an Uber promotion.

For example, the cost to rent a vehicle in my city is $260 per week. This includes vehicle insurance, maintenance, and unlimited miles.

Another cool little touch is the $40 credit that Uber offers. I can use this credit to take a one-way trip to pick up the vehicle.

How to Take Advantage of the Avis Uber Rental Program

Signing up for the Avis Uber Rental Program is a straightforward and uncomplicated process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Meet Eligibility Requirements

To rent a car with Avis under the Uber Rental Program, you must be at least 25 years old and own a valid driver’s license, a national ID, and a credit/debit card.

Avis typically doesn’t accept pre-loaded and paycheck cards. Some drivers have reported being able to do so, but then pay a very large deposit.

I suggest ensuring you have a credit card if possible to avoid any issues.

2. Create an Uber Account

Sign up through the official Uber platform to become an Uber driver. Create an account and submit the required documents and background checks.

3. Pick a Rental Car

Once your account is ready to go, navigate to Uber’s Vehicle Marketplace.

If you’re logged out, you’ll see an index of all the types of vehicles that Uber offers.

You’ll see some pretty cool cars. But, don’t get your hopes up too quickly. When you log in, you’ll only see the vehicles that are available in your city.

Select the vehicle you’d like to rent.

Prices vary depending on your location, the vehicle you wish to rent, and the rental period.

Compact, mid-sized cars typically cost $260 per week, while electric models, like the Tesla Model 3 and the Hyundai Kona Electric, cost between $273 to $334 per week.

4. Confirm Reservation

Once you’ve selected your vehicle, confirm your reservation through the Uber website by selecting the “Reserve” button.

It is worth noting that taxes and fees are calculated after reserving the vehicle. 

In addition, bookings ask for a one-time refundable deposit of $200, so make sure you have at least $600 in your bank account when booking a car.

An intermodal box will appear on the screen. This is a notice that basically just outlines how Uber will share your data with the vendor – in this case, Avis.

Read through this. If you agree, you’ll be taken to the next step.

5. Reserve Pickup

Next, you’ll see a calendar that allows you to select a time to pick up the vehicle.

I suggest going at a time that allows you to fully maximize the $40 Uber credit that you’re given for the trip to the pickup location. Personally, I would avoid busy times like rush hour.

Also, schedule the ride with enough time to factor in delays like traffic. The last thing you want to do is schedule a ride and then have the location be closed once you arrive.

6. Pick Up the Vehicle

At this point, you’ll see all of the vehicle details, including taxes and fees.

Confirm the details like pickup location, date and price. If all looks good, reserve the vehicle.

7. Pick Up the Vehicle

Upon submitting the required information, you’ll automatically receive a $40 Uber ride credit to ride to the rental location.

From there, all you need to do is to head to the designated Avis pick-up location and claim your rental vehicle. Carry the necessary identification to complete the claiming process.

Benefits of Renting with Avis for Uber Driving

Getting a car with Uber comes with several benefits, including:

1. No Recurring Deposit or Long Term Commitment

When renting a vehicle through Uber, you only have to pay the security deposit once.

After the first time, you won’t need to worry about recurring deposits. The deposit costs $200, which is refunded to your bank account after the safe return of the vehicle.

Renting a car through the program involves no long-term commitment or binding contracts. You can cancel anytime, and a full refund is available as long as you request it before the pick-up time.

2. Liability Insurance and Basic Maintenance

The weekly payment not only covers the base rate of the car you rented but also liability insurance and basic maintenance, such as regular oil changes.

Avis also offers rideshare insurance, which covers additional aspects like comprehensive and collision insurance.

3. Convenience

If your car gets damaged or requires repairs, the Uber Rental Program is a reliable and hassle-free solution to avoid work downtime. With the program, you can maintain your income stream even when your vehicle is temporarily out of service.

4. Can Be Cheaper than Using Your Vehicle

If you’re a full-time driver who’s already met vehicle requirements, you might find it more financially beneficial to rent a car than to use your personal vehicle.

Driving full-time can cause a lot of road-related damage to your car, which can depreciate its resale value. Not only that, but you’ll also have to pay out of pocket for basic maintenance fees.

If you’re planning to sell your personal car in the long run, relying on a rental can help preserve the condition and value of your vehicle, ultimately saving you money on maintenance and retaining its resale worth.

You might also find renting an electric vehicle cheaper than using your gas-powered vehicle.

Renting an electric vehicle can cut your refueling expenses in half, which is especially beneficial for full-time Uber drivers who work six to eight hours a day.

The average cost of charging an EV from almost empty to almost full is between $10 to $30.

In comparison, filling up a gas tank can cost you $40 to $60, depending on the vehicle’s fuel efficiency and current gas prices.

5. Unlimited Mileage

Another great advantage of the Avis Uber Rental Program is that, regardless of the vehicle you rent, you get unlimited mileage.

With unlimited mileage, you won’t have to worry about paying extra when you reach a certain distance threshold.

This is great because full-time Uber drivers usually cover between 100 to 300 miles a day or around 700 to 2,100 miles per week.

Experiences from Real-World Uber Drivers

At face value, the Avis Uber Rental Program is a convenient and cost-effective solution for Uber drivers.

It offers a straightforward rental process with competitive rates, inclusive weekly payments covering insurance and maintenance, and the flexibility of unlimited mileage.

However, these perks mean nothing if they don’t hold up in real-world situations.

We’ve spoken to Uber drivers and looked through discussions on platforms like r/Uber and Uber Driver Forum to gather insights into people’s experiences with the Avis Uber Rental Program.

The general consensus is that the program offers convenience and flexibility, but it would require you to earn a minimum of $800 per week for it to be financially advantageous.

Many see the Avis Uber Rental Program as a way to protect their vehicle from the long-term damage associated with ridesharing. By leasing a vehicle instead, they can effectively extend the longevity and resale value of their property.

That said, drivers have experienced their fair share of challenges and concerns. Some of the most common issues reported include delays in vehicle availability, dissatisfaction with the condition of the rented car, and high rates (especially with EVs).

Booking through the website is straightforward but when it’s time to claim the vehicle, many have experienced delays of over five hours to process the paperwork.

Most of the rental vehicles had high mileage, too. You can change the car to a newer model whenever you wish, but it isn’t always guaranteed because it depends on the availability of the car.

Cost Analysis: Is Renting Worth It?

Now that we’ve discussed the advantages and disadvantages of the Avis Uber Rental Program, the important question remains: is renting worth it?

In most cases, yes.

One of the biggest advantages of renting is that it protects your personal vehicle from the wear and tear of constant ridesharing. This not only preserves its value but also potentially saves you from future maintenance issues.

And since the program includes comprehensive insurance, you wouldn’t have to pay for a  rideshare insurance policy on your vehicle on top of the regular insurance.

Let’s not forget fuel efficiency, either—if you choose an electric vehicle, you could be cutting down on your gas expenses.

The only scenario where renting might not be worth it is if you’re not consistently covering the rental charge.

You need to earn at least $500 a week (excluding any potential fees or percentages charged by Uber) for the program to be viable and $800 for it to be financially beneficial—which isn’t always possible for part-time drivers.

The Avis Uber Rental Program is more catered towards full-time drivers because they can easily surpass the minimum income threshold needed for the program to be worth the cost.

Full-time drivers can also leverage the program’s inclusive features, such as unlimited mileage, insurance, and fuel savings in the case of electric vehicles.  

Making the Decision: When to Use Avis Uber Rental

When deciding to use the Avis Uber Rental Program, take into consideration your driving habits, income goals, and priorities.

For example, if you consistently earn more than $1,000 a week driving your personal vehicle, the rental program can be beneficial because it easily covers the rental cost.

If the weekly rental charge is, let’s say, $260, you’re left with around $740 in profit.

The rental charge may seem like it eats a large percent of your earnings, but keep in mind that this covers expenses such as insurance and maintenance, sparing you from additional out-of-pocket costs.  

Conclusion: Maximizing Your Uber Driving Experience

The Avis Uber Rental offers a viable solution for Uber drivers who don’t have or don’t want to use their personal vehicle in exchange for ride-sharing services.

The program is especially advantageous for full-time drivers who consistently earn above $800 per week. Part-time drivers may find it less cost-effective.