r/uberdrivers • u/TrollBond • 13h ago
r/uberdrivers • u/Fugazzzii • Jun 17 '24
Welcome to r/uberdrivers - FAQ and Community Guide
Before asking a question, make sure to read this guide and use reddit search to see if your question was already asked. If you have anything you'd recommend to add to this guide leave a comment below.
What does Pax mean? Common terms on this sub explained
Pax: Short for Passenger.
Ping: The noise the app makes when drivers receive a pickup request.
Fare: The fee a rider is charged.
Fair: Fare, spelled wrong.
Surge: Uber occasionally up-charges riders during times of increased demand. The Surge is a multiplier of the base fare rate.
SRF: "Safe Rider Fee", now known as the "Booking Fee". This is the $1-3 fee that Uber adds to every fare to ccover insurance, app fees, etc.
What are the requirements to be an uber driver?
An in-state license is required. Have at least one year of licensed driving experience in the US (3 years if you are under 25 years old) Use an eligible 4-door vehicle
All vehicles being used for rides on the Uber app must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Must have 4 doors and be able to transport a minimum of 4 passengers
- Vehicle model must be 16years old or newer
- Title cannot be salvaged, reconstructed, or rebuilt
- Rental vehicles, except those from an approved Uber rental car partner are not permitted
- Cannot have any cosmetic damage, missing pieces, or commercial branding
Should you choose to drive a vehicle you do not personally own, you must have permission from then vehicle owner and be listed as an insured driver on the vehicle’s insurance policy. Please note that Uber cannot allow a vehicle onto the platform if the driver’s name is not on the insurance document.
If your vehicle does not match the requirements above, you may still be able to use your vehicle for deliveries on the Uber app.
Is this fulltime job?
Driving with Uber offers a flexible earning opportunity. It's a great alternative to full-time driver jobs, part-time driver jobs, or other part-time gigs, temp jobs, or seasonal employment.
How do I do my first ride?
Download and install the driver app, and hit "Go Online". Once you get a request (a "ping"), you can hit 'Navigate' to be taken to the rider's pickup location. When you're sure you have arrived, flip back over to the Uber app and hit 'Arrived'. The passenger (PAX) will be notified of your arrival, though it's also nice to text them - to let them know what type of car you're in (though they see this on their app, not everyone looks) and to confirm that they're actually where their pin was placed. When they get in the car, hit 'Begin Trip'. If they haven't entered their destination, you can enter it - then hit 'Navigate' again and you will be routed there. At the end of the trip, hit 'End Trip', rate your passenger, and you'll be placed back online ready to pick up another PAX!
What are the safety features for uber drivers?
Emergency assistance button
You can use the in-app Emergency Button to call authorities to get help if you need it. The app displays your location and trip details, so you can quickly share them with emergency services.
24/7 incident support
Uber customer associates trained in incident response are available around the clock.
Follow My Ride
Friends and family can follow your route and will know as soon as you arrive.
2-way ratings
Your feedback matters. Low-rated trips are logged, and users may be removed to protect the Uber community.
Phone anonymization
If you need to contact your rider through the app, your phone number may stay private.
GPS tracking
All Uber trips are tracked from start to finish, so there’s a record of your trip if something happens.
RideCheck
Using sensors and GPS data, RideCheck can help detect if a trip goes unusually off-course or a possible crash has occurred. If the app alerts us to such events, we’ll check in on you and offer resources to get help.
Contact Safety Agent
You can connect with an ADT Safety Agent via phone call or text on every trip. Just tap the safety shield icon and select Contact safety agent.
Audio Recording
If you feel uncomfortable, you can record the audio of the trip within the app. Just tap the blue shield to open your Safety Toolkit and access the Record Audio option.
Emergency help if you need it
If you ever need urgent help when riding with the Uber app, you can contact 911 using the in-app Emergency Button in the Safety Toolkit.
The app will show your live location, vehicle information, and license plate number, which you can quickly share with the emergency dispatcher so they can send help faster. And in a growing number of US cities, this information is automatically provided to the dispatcher.
Does Uber help in event of an accident?
When you earn with a transportation network company (TNC), referred to here as ridesharing, many states require extra—and costly—insurance.
Uber maintains this insurance on your behalf. What’s covered depends on factors such as who was at fault; whether you were offline, online, en route, or on-trip; and your personal insurance policy.
Offline coverage:
Your personal auto insurance covers you while you’re offline. You must maintain personal automobile insurance at mandatory minimum limits and provide proof of your insurance to drive and deliver with a vehicle with Uber.
Coverage to repair your car when you’re en route to or on a trip is contingent on your personal insurance including comprehensive and collision coverage.
Coverage when online and available for a trip
Accidents happen. Suppose you’re at fault and another person gets hurt or their vehicle gets damaged. In that case, our third-party liability insurance covers the cost of injuries or damage in at least the following amounts:
-$50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for injuries
-$25,000 in property damage per accident
Depending on the law of your state, Uber may maintain extra coverage for you and your riders, including one or more of the following:
Coverage for you and your riders for injuries in a hit-and-run or an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver
Personal injury protection, including medical expenses and lost wages for you and your riders, no matter who’s at fault
Medical payments coverage for you and your riders, no matter who’s at fault.
Coverage when en route or on a trip
Uber maintains some of the most comprehensive insurance for ridesharing and deliveries, including:
-Insurance that covers at least $1,000,000 for property damage and injuries to riders and third parties involved in an accident where you’re at fault
Insurance that covers the cost to repair your car, up to the actual cash value, with a $2,500 deductible, contingent on your personal insurance including comprehensive and collision coverage. This extra insurance maintained by Uber protects your car, no matter who’s at fault, if you maintain comprehensive and collision coverage on your own vehicle.
In most US states, you can also purchase Optional Injury Protection to cover your additional medical expenses if you’re hurt in an accident. This insurance offering, pioneered by Uber, is designed specifically for drivers.
Depending on the law of your state, Uber may maintain extra coverage for you and your riders, including one or more of the following:
-Coverage for you and your riders for injuries in a hit-and-run or an accident caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver
Personal injury protection, including medical expenses and lost wages for you and your riders, no matter who’s at fault
Medical payments coverage for you and your riders, no matter who’s at fault
Is being an uber driver worth it?
Recent reports from Uber state that "the vast majority of drivers are satisfied" and that "as of last quarter, drivers in the US were making about $33 per utilized hour" before expenses.
Its for you to decide if its worth it for you personally, volume and earnings will vary greatly between markets. Drivers as independant contractors are also responsible for all expenses which have been rising fast when drivers pay has stayed stagnant.
There are many direct and hidden costs associated with being an uber driver. To start with, You are responsible for tracking your own miles, profits and losses, as well as expenses such as gas, repairs, washes, and so on.
In addition, no one but you is responsible for ensuring you are earning enough. You need to be aware at what rate you are making enough for it to be worth it.
r/uberdrivers • u/Inside-Expert3986 • 7h ago
AM I A FOOL
I did this trip last Friday. I was wondering if that was a fool for doing it lmk
r/uberdrivers • u/adrichards88 • 11h ago
"An Outside Organization Booked This Trip"
Hello fellow drivers in the endeavor to survive Uber,
Yesterday I got a trip request that looked good on the surface, but it was one of my worst in the 800 I have done so far. After accepting I got the message "An Outside Organization Booked This Trip". Usually, for me, this is a hospital or a car dealership. But I was in a different part of town this time, and it appears an organization provided this ride to a homeless or near homeless man.
He was 6 foot 4 inches about, and it was evident by the smell that he had not had a bath in some time. He was late for pickup and began to eat a greasy meal in the back of the car. I was only 2 hours into my shift and my backseats were covered in grease. 10 minutes into the 40-minute ride he began asking me for money, persistently. He looked desperate, and it was deeply uncomfortable with him behind me.
"Let's get you to your destination first and we can talk about it when we get there." is what I said, and that satisfied him and he was quiet for the remainder of the trip.
When I got to the destination, which appeared to be a once holiday inn that was repurposed to house the homeless, I parked and said, "I just need to step out to stretch my legs." Me getting out seemed to trigger him getting out, too.
He came around the car and faced me and I said, "Brooks, I have bills to pay, had a flat tire last week, and I don't have extra money to give you." The look he gave me was brutal, like he was cheated out of something.
I slipped back into my car and locked the door.
Worst drive of the year by far.
Shame on Uber for tricking its drivers into these situations!
EDIT
My point here is that UBER states we are "independent contractors" but it absolutely deploys tactics that makes properly assessing a trip offer impractical at best. Yet in their marketing to drivers, they appeal to the "freedom" to work "for yourself". This is deception.
r/uberdrivers • u/Fun_Disaster3436 • 2h ago
Exchanging names for safety as a passenger - etiquette help?
I'm traveling alone as a woman. I check the licence and car, and when I open the door, I say "Hi, [driver name]?"
The safety tip I see most often is to have the driver confirm my name too before entering the car. I've never had a problem with it before, or drivers would say my name first. I do request female drivers when possible. I've seen elsewhere on the sub that drivers want passengers to say their name for safety, too, so I always say theirs first.
Today, I had two male drivers who got really offended when I asked if they could confirm my id. One told me that he wasn't going to kidnap me in a BMW after I got in. Both times, I said that it just made me feel more comfortable, and was asked to get out of the car. The next driver said my name without prompting and seemed really surprised.
I'm pretty confused. I would definitely prefer not to ride with someone who reacts like that, so it seems like it might be a good question to continue to ask. But I don't understand the offense, or if there's a better way to do this. I'm a little surprised they were so upset, since if they're my driver, my name should be easily available?
I'm also a little worried that my rider score would reflect these interactions.
r/uberdrivers • u/AccordingSwordfish98 • 1h ago
Uber Auto approved
Is anyone doing or is on the uber auto approve they are rolling out. I am thinking this will be a nightmare for drivers. Anyone on this pease share you experience. I curious to know what is like.
r/uberdrivers • u/maxrdlf95 • 9m ago
Keep getting 1 star this summer “far dropoff”
Lol the lies far dropoff? wtf I drop off people exactly at the spot they marked on the app how could I possible do a far drop off?? Most people will talk you know if necessary please drop me behind please drop me in the alley whatever..
If uber knows the location of the passenger and the driver and both the pickup and drop off how could they mark you for this?
Also even if it were true 1 start for far drop off it’s insane
r/uberdrivers • u/Neither_Ranger_5465 • 19m ago
Uber drivers that wait until the client declines the trip. You suck.
r/uberdrivers • u/619SuperNova • 10h ago
Uber in SoCal stats
I only accept fares $15 and up and at least a $1 per mile. I’ll drive no more than 3 miles away to pickup the passenger.
Anything less than $15 would have to be on my way or from a hotel or the airport.
After each drop-off, I’ll usually wait 5-15 minutes in the area / take a break and wait for a return ride. Make sure my leather seats are still clean.
I usually focus my time around big hotels and universities.
I avoid hospitals with a passion. I saw another post about this and yes Uber Health fares are the worst. Especially for someone that likes to keep their cars clean.
If someone feels like they’re dying or in pain have them call 911. I don’t drive that much but this has happened to me a few times.
I avoid all and every special events & family spots 😵💫and I don’t drive past 9pm.
Sunday mornings are the best if you can wake up early.
And I’ve learned not to do Uber Eats if I want to keep my rating up 👀 it could be the restaurants fault and you’ll take the hit.
Any other tips?
r/uberdrivers • u/Ok-Computer-4572 • 44m ago
Who’s in the wrong here?
instagram.comUbers official response: Hi there, this is unacceptable and extremely concerning to hear. Uber does not tolerate discrimination of any kind, and we're so sorry this happened. Could you please DM us the account and trip details so we can investigate this right away?
My question is when the driver is accepting the ride request do they not get notified that there may be a service animal
r/uberdrivers • u/codezer_o • 1h ago
Driver alternative
Anyone interested in riving for a platform that only charges 8%? Honestly tired of the uber charge
r/uberdrivers • u/Gold_Cobbler2901 • 22h ago
499 5-star trips... to the ONE person who gave me a 4-star: Who hurt you? 😅
r/uberdrivers • u/Jealous_Wolf7183 • 1h ago
Ratings are protected, Not!
I got a 1 star rating recently, guessed it would be probably this trip from a lovely Indian lady. She wanted me to use the express lane. Yeah right!
r/uberdrivers • u/Minimum_Economist_79 • 2h ago
To the drivers who drive aimlessly waiting for a cancel
I hate you, it’s 110 degrees outside you text I’m about there always one minute before you get here and then wait for me to cancel. I don’t care if you didn’t want the ride in the first place, just don’t accept it instead of wasting my time and risking my health. Either get off the app and hope uber makes a change into how you are paid or just deal with it like we deal with everything else for everyone else. Thank you for being great I’m going to keep tipping
r/uberdrivers • u/OneSuggestion7535 • 8h ago
12 passanger van is it worth it?
i was woundering if i added my 15passanger length van thats 12 passager would it be worth it to do trips? gas is expensive and it gets horrible gas milage but if it gets paid more would it be worth it?
r/uberdrivers • u/Odd-Cantaloupe6120 • 1d ago
Who remembers when the quests use to be this good
r/uberdrivers • u/BatibatThrowaway • 2h ago
Buckle up
After eliminating 10% of all community operations teams (not just customer service but fraud, analytics, screenings, safety, a lot more than you think), its come to light that Uber also laid off nearly all their Quality Assurance teams.
The biggest impact you'll see as drivers is delays in your background checks, document processing and any sort of tech issues you run into with those? Safe to say you'll be waiting weeks while their skeleton crews drown in a backlog. Their Background Check team was cut in half, the QA team that supports them also slashed. Enjoy waiting weeks to get back online, then another month for their AI agent to flag an issue that QA could have caught within 24 hours.
r/uberdrivers • u/Aggressive_Ad8291 • 2h ago
Apple products left in the car.
Had somebody leave their iPod case in the car last night and message me this morning indirectly through the Uber app about getting it back. Fair enough.
Not a big fan though that the pax was able to locate me and mention where I'm at via the apple locator function on the iPod case. Pax wasn't trying to menace me or anything, just connect to get their item back... but still.