Driving for Uber Without Owning a Car
Not everyone who wants to drive for Uber owns a qualifying car. That’s exactly why Uber’s rental car program exists to help drivers start earning quickly without buying or leasing a vehicle.
Through Uber’s Vehicle Marketplace, drivers in the U.S. can rent cars from approved partners like Hertz, Avis, Getaround, and KINTO Share. These cars meet Uber’s standards, come with insurance and maintenance, and can often be rented weekly or even hourly.
Why Uber Allows Rental Cars
Uber allows rental cars because it helps more people start driving without the large upfront cost of ownership. By partnering with established rental companies, Uber ensures vehicles are safe, insured, and rideshare-ready.
This setup benefits everyone:
- New drivers can start earning immediately.
- Uber gains more driver availability.
- Rental partners gain steady demand.
As Uber’s official site explains, drivers can “get a ready-to-go car with low commitment” directly through the app — eliminating the need for personal car ownership.
How Uber’s Rental Program Works in 2025
In 2025, Uber’s rental options are integrated directly into the Driver app under the “Vehicle Marketplace.” Once approved as a driver, you can browse available rentals, compare prices, and book a vehicle for as little as a few hours or a week.
Each partner handles pricing and deposits differently, but most include:
- Insurance coverage
- Unlimited mileage
- Basic maintenance and 24/7 roadside assistance
For example:
- Hertz for Uber: Weekly rentals start around $240/week, including insurance and maintenance.
- Avis for Uber: Typically around $260/week, with unlimited miles and liability insurance.
- Getaround for Uber: Hourly rentals for short-term flexibility, great for part-time drivers.
Can You Rent a Car and Drive for Uber?
Yes, you can rent a car and drive for Uber but only through Uber’s approved rental partners. Standard retail rentals from agencies like Enterprise or Budget (booked directly) typically don’t qualify for Uber driving unless arranged through the Uber Vehicle Marketplace.
Uber-Approved Rental Partners
As of 2025, Uber lists these official partners in the U.S.:
- Hertz Rideshare Rental – Weekly rentals with unlimited mileage, insurance, and Tesla options in select markets.
- Avis Rideshare Rental – Weekly rentals, includes liability insurance, and refundable or no-deposit options.
- Getaround – Hourly rentals for Uber, great for occasional or part-time drivers.
- KINTO Share – Toyota’s mobility platform offering flexible rentals in select states.
- Zipcar (limited markets) – Occasionally listed for short-term urban drivers.
How to Drive for Uber with a Rental Car
Driving for Uber with a rental car is easier than most people think. Once you’re approved as a driver, Uber walks you through every step in the app.
Step-by-Step Process to Start
- Apply to Drive with Uber
Complete your background check and upload documents (license, insurance if applicable, and photo). - Access the Vehicle Marketplace
In the Uber Driver app, tap Vehicles → Find a car to see rental options available in your city. - Choose a Rental Partner
Compare weekly or hourly options from Hertz, Avis, or Getaround. - Reserve and Pick Up the Car
Complete the rental agreement, pay your deposit (if required), and pick up your car from the designated location. - Start Driving and Earning
Once the rental is linked to your Uber account, you can immediately begin accepting trips.
Documents and Verification You’ll Need
- Valid U.S. driver’s license
- Proof of residency (sometimes requested)
- Payment card for deposit or rental fees
- Uber driver account in “Active” status
Uber Rental Car Programs Explained
Hourly Rental Options (Getaround, KINTO, etc.)
For part-time or occasional drivers, hourly rentals through Getaround or KINTO Share make sense.
- Getaround for Uber: Book cars by the hour directly in the Uber app, insurance included. Perfect for Uber Eats or short driving bursts.
- KINTO Share: A Toyota-owned program available in select U.S. cities, offering daily and hourly options for rideshare drivers.
Weekly Rental Options (Hertz, Avis, Enterprise)
- Hertz for Uber: Around $240/week before taxes; includes unlimited miles, maintenance, and insurance. You can extend up to 3 times before returning.
- Avis for Uber: Around $260/week, unlimited miles, insurance included, and no deposit for eligible drivers.
- Enterprise: While Enterprise is not a main Uber partner, some U.S. locations participate in local programs via Uber Marketplace.
Requirements to Drive for Uber with a Rental Car
Driver Age, License, and Background Check
- Age: 21+ (Hertz), 25+ (Avis).
- License: Valid, active U.S. driver’s license.
- Background Check: Mandatory via Uber before rental eligibility.
Vehicle Standards and Partner Approval
All Uber rental vehicles meet Uber’s minimum vehicle requirements — year, model, safety, and condition. Only rentals booked through Uber’s official partners qualify for rideshare use.
Using a non-approved rental car may result in account deactivation.
Cost of Renting a Car for Uber
Deposit, Taxes, and Hidden Fees
- Hertz: $200 refundable deposit required at pickup.
- Avis: Often no deposit, but drivers are responsible for a $1,000 deductible if the vehicle is damaged.
- Taxes & Fees: Vary by location (sales tax, airport fees, local surcharges).
- Fuel: Always your responsibility, regardless of partner.
Insurance Coverage for Uber Drivers with Rental Cars
What’s Included in Partner Rentals
Uber-approved rental partners include insurance specifically for rideshare use:
- Hertz for Uber: Includes standard liability and collision coverage while driving.
- Avis for Uber: Includes liability coverage up to state minimums, maintenance, and 24/7 support.
- Getaround for Uber: Insurance automatically covers you during each rental period.
Extra Coverage You Might Need
While these rentals include base coverage, drivers may still want:
- Rideshare gap insurance (for extra protection).
- Personal injury coverage if not included.
- Collision damage waiver (CDW) if not already provided.
Always read the rental agreement carefully to understand your deductible and what’s excluded.
Benefits of Using a Rental Car for Uber
No Wear and Tear on Your Personal Vehicle
Renting saves your personal car from heavy mileage, depreciation, and maintenance. If you’re driving full-time, this can mean thousands saved in long-term wear costs.
Flexible Short-Term Commitment
Most Uber rental programs are week-to-week, allowing you to return or extend as needed.
If you’re testing out Uber driving or want flexibility, this setup is ideal. Hourly rentals like Getaround make short gigs even easier.
Can You Use Any Rental Car for Uber?
Why Non-Approved Rentals May Not Qualify
Only cars rented through Uber’s approved rental partners are allowed on the platform.
Using a standard retail rental (like booking directly through Enterprise.com) may violate Uber’s policy and void insurance coverage.
Uber’s official Help Center clearly states:
“Only use rental vehicles from Uber’s approved rental company partners.”
Want to understand your coverage better? Read our guide on Car Rental with Insurance: What’s Included and What’s Not.
How to Check If a Car Is Uber-Eligible
You can confirm eligibility directly in the Uber Driver app:
- Go to Vehicles → Find a car
- Browse rentals listed through official partners
- If it doesn’t appear in the app, it’s not Uber-approved
Is Uber Car Rental Without Deposit Possible?
Partners Offering No or Refundable Deposits
- Avis for Uber: Offers no deposit required for qualifying drivers.
- Hertz for Uber: Requires a refundable $200 deposit on most rentals.
Things to Know Before Choosing a No-Deposit Option
Even if there’s no deposit, be sure to check:
- Are gas and taxes included? (Usually not.)
- What’s the damage deductible? (Avis: up to $1,000.)
- Are there renewal limits? (Avis: up to 8 weeks with the same vehicle.)
Looking for deposit-free options? Here’s a detailed breakdown of Which Car Rental Company Has the Lowest Deposit.
Alternatives to Renting a Car for Uber
Leasing or Buying a Used Uber-Approved Vehicle
If you plan to drive long-term, buying a used Uber-approved vehicle may be more cost-effective than weekly rentals. You’ll avoid recurring fees and can keep profits higher over time.
Exploring Uber Vehicle Financing Programs
Uber also partners with certain dealerships and lenders to offer rideshare vehicle financing. These programs are designed for drivers who want to own rather than rent, though they require credit checks and longer commitments.
If you’re exploring other delivery gigs, find out How to Do DoorDash with a Rental Car.
Tips for Driving a Rental Car with Uber
Managing Maintenance, Insurance & Fuel Costs
Even though Uber rentals include maintenance, you’re still responsible for fuel, tolls, and cleanliness. Keep receipts and track mileage for tax deductions.
Pro tip: Use Uber’s in-app trip summary to estimate your cost-to-earning ratio weekly.
Curious what happens during maintenance? Here’s what to expect if Your Rental Car Needs an Oil Change.
Extending Rentals and Returning Cars Smoothly
- Hertz: Extend up to 3 times before mandatory vehicle swap (every 28 days).
- Avis: Keep the same car for up to 56 days (8 weekly renewals).
- Always return on time and in clean condition to avoid late or cleaning fees.
Conclusion — Is Renting a Car for Uber Worth It?
Who Should Consider a Rental Car for Uber
Renting a car through Uber is best for:
- New drivers who don’t own a vehicle.
- People testing Uber before committing to full-time driving.
- Drivers who want flexibility and no long-term loan or lease.
Key Takeaways and Final Advice
- Use only Uber-approved rental partners like Hertz, Avis, and Getaround.
- Expect to pay around $240–$260 per week (plus fuel and taxes).
- Insurance and maintenance are included — but always read the fine print.
- Hourly rentals work great for Uber Eats or part-time driving.
- Buying or leasing may be cheaper long-term if you plan to drive full-time.
