Becoming a rideshare driver isn’t as complicated as people think.
If your current vehicle fits the Lyft or Uber vehicle requirements, you’re able to pass the background check, and you meet the other driver requirements, then you should be good to go.
The rideshare companies want to ensure they’re approving drivers who will behave professionally, safely, and most importantly, operate their rideshare business with a safe and reliable vehicle.
But how do you ensure approval if you don’t have an eligible vehicle?
Enter short-term car leasing companies.
In the past, we explored the Lyft Express Drive program and covered the now-defunct Uber XChange car leasing initiative.
Today we’re going to cover one of the newest players on the scene: HyreCar.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know about this new short-term car rental option.
What Is HyreCar?
HyreCar is a peer-to-peer car sharing company that enables drivers to secure a vehicle to drive for a rideshare service.
By renting a vehicle through this company, Uber and Lyft drivers are able to ensure they have a car that meets the requirements set in place for new drivers.
The process is simple:
- Vehicle owners list their personal vehicles on the site
- Potential drivers find a vehicle they like on the platform, then rent the vehicle for a certain amount of time
A good majority of the vehicles on this platform have already been through an Uber or a Lyft vehicle inspection, saving the renter the time, money, and headache of getting approved.
The HyreCar process allows drivers to get on the road in as little as 24 hours and offers an incredibly wide variety of vehicles to choose from.
Why Choose HyreCar?
Before anything else, why do people consider HyreCar as a rideshare vehicle leasing option?
People who rent a vehicle from HyreCar don’t drive their own vehicle, because the one they own probably doesn’t meet the standards of Uber, Lyft, or another on-demand company.
Instead, the company provides them a qualifying car at an affordable rate.
The rideshare driver gets a vehicle they can use, and the owner of the car gets to earn passive income (up to $14,000 per year, according to HyreCar’s website).
Therefore, the whole rental process involves four parties:
- HyreCar
- The driver
- The owner of the vehicle
- The rideshare company
So how do drivers get started?
Before a car rental can take place, HyreCar will ask for necessary information from the applying driver.
If the driver passes, they will then choose their vehicle from a variety of cars.
HyreCar Driver Requirements
In order to rent a vehicle from HyreCar, drivers must meet a few basic requirements.
- Drivers must be at least 21 years of age
- Drivers must possess a valid in-state driver’s license
- Drivers must have had the license for at least one year in the state the driver is looking to obtain a rental car
- Drivers must have a mobile phone in their name, to allow HyreCar to communicate through text messages
- Drivers must have an existing Lyft, Uber, or other on-demand rideshare or courier account
In addition to the basic HyreCar requirements, drivers must also be clear of a set of violations that will disqualify them from renting a vehicle.
- Drivers should not have a major violation from the past three years (DUI, reckless driving, etc.)
- Drivers must not have more than two minor violations in the last three years
How Much Does HyreCar Cost?
There is no set price for HyreCar vehicle rentals.
Since it is a marketplace allowing individual owners to list their own vehicles, prices vary by listing.
On average, however, prices typically range from $25-40 per day, based on location.
Most listings also offer lower prices and discounts for longer rentals, which typically run around $200 per week.
To give you an idea of pricing, we checked available vehicles in Chicago, Ill.
The results came back a little more than we expected, but this gives you a basic idea of pricing.
| Vehicle Type | Cost Per Day | Cost Per Week | Cost Per Month |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 Hyundai Sante Fe | $55 | $450 | $985 |
| 2015 Dodge Grand Caravan | $55 | $399 | $1,299 |
| 2013 Ford Fiesta | $55 | $320 | $1,200 |
| 2010 Toyota Prius | $50 | $300 | $925 |
After looking at the prices, it’s clear that the best deal here appears to be the favorite among rideshare drivers: the Toyota Prius.
One cool thing about HyreCar pricing is that it includes a 100 percent refundable $200 deposit on first-time rentals.
This not only protects both parties involved, but the deposit will be returned to the renter once the vehicle is returned on time and in good condition.
HyreCar Insurance
According to the company’s website, “all vehicle rentals include approved insurance at a cost of $10 per day.”
The Hyre insurance policy appears to operate in a similar fashion to other TNC insurance, basically covering drivers when they are directly working for the rideshare company.
The diagram below shows that the coverage is most robust during Period 2 and Period 3, and offers basic liability protection during Periods 0 and 1.
According to therideshareguy.com, if you were to get into an accident when using a rental HyreCar vehicle, this is what would happen:
HyreCar’s insurance policy is pretty similar to a standard rideshare insurance policy although the deductible may be a bit higher than what you’re used to. And remember if you get into an accident while you’re on a trip or en route to a passenger, you would go through the TNCs for coverage (Uber has a $1,000 deductible and Lyft has a $2,500 deductible).
For more information on the specifics of this insurance policy, check out HyreCar’s official website.
Who Should Use HyreCar?
A short-term vehicle rental service like HyreCar should be used as such.
Meaning, there should only be select cases in which a driver will acquire a vehicle through a method like this.
HyreCar is a unique alternative to vehicle ownership, but really only appeals to special circumstances, such as drivers looking to test out rideshare before diving in full time, or existing drivers who have gotten into vehicle trouble and need a bridge until they get their other vehicle back.
If you take the rental cost of a reasonably-priced vehicle on the exchange, then break down an estimate of what you would make off the vehicle giving rides, the numbers come back pretty low, by most estimates.
For example, the vehicle cost alone of our 2010 Toyota Prius from Chicago (in our example pricing above) means we would have to give quite a few rides to pay the car off.
And this isn’t including other expenses such as gas, a rideshare gap insurance policy, or snacks along the way.
As you can see, drivers should use this as a short-term solution.
What Are the Responsibilities of a HyreCar Driver?
In the general sense, a driver should take care of both the rental car and the passengers.
That means adhering to traffic rules, HyreCar’s rules, and any special requests made by the car owner.
If a car gets damaged, and if proven that the driver is responsible, penalties will be imposed.
Of course, there will be some cases where a driver is blamed for existing car damage.
To avoid such incidents, take photos of the vehicle before receiving keys from the car owner.
Drivers may also request a video from the car owner confirming the car is fit for travel.
If the two parties are in agreement, the car owner will hand over the key and click the “confirm pick-up” on the dashboard.
Doing so will then activate the insurance coverage that HyreCar places on both driver and vehicle.
HyreCar Review
For drivers looking into this option, a HyreCar review is one of the first places to start.
We found the most popular YouTube video on the subject, created by Real Tito, and have summarized it below.
HyreCar Review Summary
- Overall, HyreCar has good customer service, but sometimes they take a while to get back to drivers with resolutions to their problems.
- HyreCar is a great way to try a new service. For example, an UberX driver could test their hand at UberBLACK by renting an UberBLACK-approved vehicle from the exchange.
- HyreCar is a convenient option for rideshare drivers but is not for everyone. This review outlines that it is a great option for drivers that get into trouble, such as accidents, or something of the like.
HyreCar Tips
- Use a credit card when renting a car with HyreCar. If you don’t use a credit card, you’ll get charged a $200 security deposit, making your rental much more expensive than it normally would be. This is refundable after a week of returning the car but can take longer than usual in some cases. This will leave you with $200 less in your pocket during that time.
- Select a vehicle at a location within 30 minutes of you. Picking up and dropping off a vehicle farther away than that can become a headache.
- Take many pictures of your vehicle before and after pickup and dropoff. This ensures vehicle owners cannot make a claim that you caused damage that you actually did not.
HyreCar In Summary
Overall, the HyreCar vehicle rental process is pretty easy and is a really good way for drivers who don’t have a working, eligible vehicle to get into rideshare.
However, acquiring a vehicle using this method is expensive and doesn’t make sense for full-time drivers.
It is a great option to rely on in case of an accident, vehicle breakdown, or simply to test the waters of rideshare, but you should be wary and understand the full expenses.
Overall, no matter what stage of rideshare you’re in, keep HyreCar in mind as a tool that you can rely on.
With the ease of HyreCar in mind and the potential profits calling your name, what are you waiting for?
Are you interested in becoming a HyreCar driver? Or are you already a HyreCar driver yourself? Let us know your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
BEWARE – If you are an owner thinking about renting your car on HyreCar, DON’T DO IT. I recently did for the first time. It seemed simple enough (even though their website and app are terrible), but I found out unfortunately three days after the driver returned my car that he had broken the sideview mirror and affixed it back with double sided tape. My mechanic showed my how it had been fixed, and it was very recent. Hyrecar determined that they would not help, because it was after the rental. They wasted my time though with needless back and forth and requesting multiple estimates, and then came back with that determination.
If you do rent out on HyreCar, you better check every single moving piece of your vehicle upon return, because you are at the mercy of the driver and HyreCar. They do not have their act together and will probably be out of business before long.
BEWARE – If you are an owner thinking about renting your car on HyreCar, DON’T DO IT. I recently did for the first time. It seemed simple enough (even though their website and app are terrible), but I found out unfortunately three days after the driver returned my car that he had broken the sideview mirror and affixed it back with double sided tape. My mechanic showed my how it had been fixed, and it was very recent. Hyrecar determined that they would not help, because it was after the rental. They wasted my time though with needless back and forth and requesting multiple estimates, and then came back with that determination.
If you do rent out on HyreCar, you better check every single moving piece of your vehicle upon return, because you are at the mercy of the driver and HyreCar. They do not have their act together and will probably be out of business before long.
I could understand why they would not pay since there is a $1000.00 deductible and the mirror wouldn’t cost that much. Part of the “buyer beware” caveat. Also, what if the App is down and the user of the car doesn’t return it for several days later? Meanwhile racking up miles on your car. What is the penalty for late return? How is it monitored? What leverage does Hyre have to make a person return the veh on time?
IDK about this…
Application was rejected. I reviewed their requirements page and was astounded especially given that Lyft and Uber both approved me. No criminal record. 2 minor traffic citations in the last 3 years which did not occur close in time. 100% payment history on my credit. I called their customer service number and was lied to. Told that the verification team was gonna review my case and give me a response which they never did. Called in a second time after not receiving a response and this time the guy transferred me to his “superior” who then said this is the wrong department, he asked for my number (I gave it to him assuming he was looking up my account) and then said he would transfer me to the right department. Instead of transferring me to another department he just sent back into the main phone menu; where you first call in. Later after waiting on hold for an unreasonable amount of time I realized that the reason he asked for my number was to block me from getting in contact with them via phone. Wonderful.
Unfortunately I have to say car owners DON’T consider it. The customer support is terrible, and so is the claim processing.
My car was damaged during a rental. I took photos and filed a damage report to hyrecar immediately. What I got was just automated email saying things were received. I waited about half a month to hear from a real person from hyrecar. And I couldn’t believe that agent’s first question was: What’s the name of the renter? That info was not only included in my report but also in their system. While I really wanted the claim processed asap, I just replied the agent with the name. Then, another long wait about a few days. I asked them for an update but they asked me for the renter’s name, AGAIN!? Fast forward, they asked me just the name for about 5 times. And time past, 1month and 3 weeks.
About 2 weeks ago, they said: “You know what, we recently changed our policy that we don’t handle claims ourselves anymore. There’s NOTHING I could do for you now. Here’s our insurance xxx. Please call them directly, only they can help you.” I was about to go insane… but even worse after I got hold with their insurance. The insurance had no idea who I am, what’s my claim. There’s no claim number, no any file for me or my car.
Now, I’m trying to talk with the hyrecar agent to ask what’s the claim number or if they can pass on my claim files. Been trying for another week now. The customer support number is like a fake. No one answers and kicks me off the line. The only way to talk with someone simultaneously is the live chat, yet they told me I must call the claim department, which is just same with the customer support number.
Can’t imagine this is the experience at a public traded company. Will only stay contacting till my claim finish, then Goodbye forever..
ATTENTION ALL OWNERS CONSIDERING TO RENT YOUR VEHICLE WITH HYRECAR!!!! DO NOT DO IT.
DO NOT rent or give your vehicle out to be rented using this platform. I rented out a vehicle using this platform and the renter was involved in a rollover accident. She left the scene of the accident. This was 4 months ago and to this date I have not been able to resolve my claim with HyreCar. The customer support is horrible. You literally can not get hold of anyone. When you call they put you on hold, no one answers the phone and then they hang up on you. You can’t even leave a message.
DO NOT USE HYRECAR! I rented a car from here the engine failed on me around 11:30pm and the car had to be towed to my home because it was immobile. I provided proof of the tow I requested and Hyre had their own tow truck pick it up and take it to the owner the next day early in the morning and still charged me! I made them aware of the situation thinking, maybe they made a mistake.. HyreCar refused to give me my money back for the rental even though I didn’t use the car, I had to go through my bank and file an item not as described. I waited for 3 days for them to “investigate” and the issue still was unresolved. (When they investigate they lock you out of your account too so you are not able to work Uber or Lyft if you don’t have another car). Prior to the 3 day wait time, it took me two days just to get in contact with someone after I kept being hung up on by their automated system and when I finally got in contact with someone they transferred me back to the que to hold again! It takes them weeks to respond to an email. I thought it was just me having a hard time getting in contact with someone but they accidentally CC’d me on an email from another customer who responded saying “I SENT THIS EMAIL A WEEK AGO”! This all happen in April of 2019!
Also, the owners are not trustworthy. An owner wanted his vehicle back although I wasn’t finished using it and he made a deal (via text message) stating he would pay the tickets I accrued on the car if I gave the car back that day. I agreed and let hyrecar know in advance that this verbal agreement happened. The owner went back a month later and opened a claim for the tickets. Hyre Car did not contact me they immediately debited the money from my bank account. I had to continuously call and email for a response and they tried to refuse the refund. However, my bank forced them to issue it since I was able to provide proof that the owner made this arrangement. The other owner didn’t want to pay for his maintenance he tried to convince me to do it and reimburse me later which is against Hyre Car’s policy, I had to report him…I WARNED YOU, NOW STAY AWAY FROM THIS COMPANY. It’s not worth the stress. No managers are ever available, nobody cares about the paying customer.
They have a grade of F with the Better Business Bureau too! Most complaints are similar to mines.
Use Uber or Lyft’s rental program it’s cheaper and it’s a reputable brand! You will be provided with actual customer service and resolutions and it won’t take you forever to reach someone.
I agree. I had up to 4 cars on Hyrecar but the insurance and protection plan is highly inadequate, if not completely useless. They really do not have a customer service. I have lost too much money due to unpaid tickets, impound fees, damages, blown engine late returns, etc. All within 6 months of being on the platform. I gave up and unlisted all my cars. They have an “F” rating with the BBB and several “one star” reviews on several rating platforms due to excessive complaints about the company.
They recommend you wait 72 hours for a renter to bring back the vehicle. After 72 hours you can report it stolen. My vehicle was 24 hours over due and I just went and picked it up myself on a early Saturday morning. I gave multiple requests for the renter to bring back the vehicle which she ignored. Hyrecar reimbursed be for that day, but the vehicle was trashed. The renter was smoking in the car and had leftover food and trash all throughout the vehicle. She also racked up $71 in toll charges which Hyrecar never fully reimbursed me for because I couldn’t prove the Ezpass was associated to the rented car.
I think we should all get together and post on facebook and youtube to get the word out. This company needs to be put out of business ASAP!
They recommend you wait 72 hours for a renter to bring back the vehicle. After 72 hours you can report it stolen. My vehicle was 24 hours over due so I just went and picked it up myself on a early Saturday morning. I gave multiple requests for the renter to bring back the vehicle which she ignored. Hyrecar reimbursed me for that day, but the vehicle was trashed. The renter was smoking in the car and had leftover food and trash all throughout the vehicle. She also racked up $71 in toll charges which Hyrecar never fully reimbursed me for because I couldn’t prove the Ezpass was associated to the rented car. They ask that you first contact the renter to work out payment and if you can’t they will get involved. Because I went and got the car, the renter kept my key and never returned it, she also didn’t reimburse me for the toll charges. I didn’t really lose, because I made roughly $1500 for the time she had the car (minus the cleaning fee, key and tolls).
Hyrecar would be great if they had much better protection for the owners at $0 deductible. At the same time, they need to enforce coverage when incidents like these happens. The way Hyrecar currently treat their partners they will lose some of their best owners because they cannot afford to lose thousands of dollars due to high deductible insurance and very poor customer service. Simply said, Hyrecar scares away owners by not protecting them.
Have you tried filing a complaint with the Better Business Bureau? I did and they contacted me two weeks later with a promise to solve my issue. I’m in the middle of the process now so we’ll see if they will keep their word to reimburse me.
My friend who recommend them (we both did Turo also) pulled all his vehicles off the site as well. I was able to walk away ahead and fortunate enough to find reviews afterwards that confirmed I should take my car off. I was also fortunate she didn’t get in any accidents or parking tickets on the vehicle when she had it. Somehow the company will go bankrupt or go under if enough lawsuits are filled against them. Not paying out insurance claims is going to cause them to go under quick.
The short version, I was a car owner with HyreCar for almost 3 years. Made some money for a while. For the hours I’ve spent nagging them over every single thing they were supposed to help me with, I could’ve made more working at McDonald’s.
HyreCar’s a shady company and if you work with them, they will hide behind their carefully worded contracts and user agreements and screw you over in every way they possibly can. Please, for the love of God, don’t give them any business.
In order to create an account, you have to sign an agreement to never sue them no matter what. And that sure bit me in the a**.
They have no customer service and will just ignore you until they get you to stop trying.
Legally, as stated in the contract, they directly owe me $781 (various drivers owe me at least another $3,500) and there’s nothing I can do about it.
I tried to sue them. There’s a clause in the User Agreement that you’re not allowed to.
Thanks for your testimony I was a about to get a rental car for Uber/Lyft