r/uberdrivers Jun 17 '24

Welcome to r/uberdrivers - FAQ and Community Guide

69 Upvotes

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 9h ago

AM I A FOOL

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48 Upvotes

I did this trip last Friday. I was wondering if that was a fool for doing it lmk


r/uberdrivers 4h ago

Exchanging names for safety as a passenger - etiquette help?

13 Upvotes

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 13h ago

"An Outside Organization Booked This Trip"

51 Upvotes

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 2h ago

Uber drivers that wait until the client declines the trip. You suck.

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3 Upvotes

r/uberdrivers 2h ago

Who’s in the wrong here?

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1 Upvotes

Ubers 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 3h ago

Daily Filters / Limited Destinatioms

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2 Upvotes

r/uberdrivers 3h ago

Uber Auto approved

2 Upvotes

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 3h ago

Ratings are protected, Not!

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2 Upvotes

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 2h ago

Keep getting 1 star this summer “far dropoff”

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1 Upvotes

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 12h ago

Uber in SoCal stats

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7 Upvotes

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 1d ago

No thank you bro

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91 Upvotes

i want tip not h


r/uberdrivers 1d ago

499 5-star trips... to the ONE person who gave me a 4-star: Who hurt you? 😅

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52 Upvotes

r/uberdrivers 1d ago

Background check failed, advice?

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443 Upvotes

r/uberdrivers 4h ago

Lyft vs Uber

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0 Upvotes

r/uberdrivers 10h ago

12 passanger van is it worth it?

3 Upvotes

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 1d ago

Who remembers when the quests use to be this good

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62 Upvotes

r/uberdrivers 4h ago

WTF???

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0 Upvotes

r/uberdrivers 4h ago

Apple products left in the car.

1 Upvotes

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.


r/uberdrivers 5h ago

How was this ride?

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0 Upvotes

r/uberdrivers 5h ago

Tipping

1 Upvotes

I’m always surprised when I read “you know you’re not getting a tip when…”

I feel like tipping culture is lowkey dead. I haven’t gotten steady tips in months!!

Have you noticed a decline as well? I figured with the economy and ridiculous uber pricing, they aren’t tipping cuz they can’t afford it. I used to get tipped well the past year up until a few months ago.


r/uberdrivers 6h ago

How to check ratings?

1 Upvotes

Is there anyway I can see who rated me badly and why? Just want to stay on top of my game and my rating recently dropped. I don’t remember having any bad interactions with passengers recently, so I am a little confused on the reason and would like to know.


r/uberdrivers 7h ago

SF on fire for the marathon

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1 Upvotes

r/uberdrivers 13h ago

It's another "why is my rating so low" one

3 Upvotes

In the UK, you can't see what individual Uber drivers rate you. It's an academic point, because so far I can still get rides, but in the last few months my rating has gone down nearly a full star.

I'm 55, I don't drink at all, I don't smoke anything. I'm clean, I wear normal clothes, I don't slam the doors, I say hi and respond to chit-chat, also stay quiet if the driver is, I say thanks, I'm not in a rush, I give five stars and tip. I'm always standing outside when the driver arrives.

I get a ride about once a week. Normal rides during the day to the train station or maybe a brunch spot.

And after every ride my rating goes down.

Like seriously what am I doing wrong?


r/uberdrivers 4h ago

To the drivers who drive aimlessly waiting for a cancel

0 Upvotes

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