For those who drive for Uber but don’t own a vehicle—or simply want a flexible alternative to traditional car rentals—Zipcar’s dedicated program for Uber drivers offers a compelling solution. With daily rentals, unlimited mileage, and a wide selection of vehicles including electric and hybrid options, Zipcar for Uber is designed to make life easier for rideshare drivers who need a car on short notice, without long-term commitments or the burden of hidden fees.
What is Zipcar for Uber?
Zipcar, the global leader in car-sharing for over two decades, has tailored a specific rental program for Uber and Uber Eats drivers. Known as Zipcar for Uber, this service allows drivers to rent vehicles by the day, with no upfront membership fees or long-term contracts. All maintenance, insurance (with a $1,000 deductible), parking, and even cleaning are included in the cost of the rental.
The program is currently available in 16 major U.S. cities, including Los Angeles, Chicago, New York/New Jersey, Boston, Miami, Seattle, and others. Whether you’re picking up airport passengers or delivering food during the lunch rush, Zipcar for Uber offers a self-service experience that makes getting behind the wheel as simple as opening an app.
Why Choose Zipcar?
1. True Daily Flexibility
Unlike other vehicle rental programs that lock drivers into weekly or monthly rates, Zipcar stands out for allowing single-day rentals. This makes it ideal for part-time Uber drivers, weekend side-hustlers, or anyone testing the waters of the gig economy. You only pay for the days you drive, making it a cost-effective solution for short-term needs.
2. Unlimited Miles
Rideshare work often requires a lot of driving. Zipcar removes the stress of mileage limits by offering unlimited miles when driving for Uber. This feature can help maximize earnings potential, especially for drivers who plan to work full shifts or longer.
3. EV and Hybrid Options with Free Charging
Zipcar also supports sustainable driving. In select cities, drivers can rent electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids. What’s more, Zipcar covers EV charging costs, which can lead to significant savings—especially in areas where gas prices are sky-high. Charging is easy with a prepaid charge card found in the vehicle’s visor.
4. Streamlined, App-Based Rental Process
One of Zipcar’s biggest advantages is its completely self-service model. Forget the traditional rental counter or coordinating with a third party. Everything—from signing up and verifying your license to locating and unlocking the car—is handled through the Zipcar app. Rentals are available 24/7, and vehicles are parked conveniently in urban areas, often near public transportation.
How the Program Works
Getting Started:
- Sign up online through the Zipcar for Uber page.
- Upload your driver’s license and a selfie for identity verification.
- Add a payment method—no deposit required, but you will prepay for reservations.
Booking Your Ride:
- Use the app to search for available vehicles in your city.
- Choose from a variety of gas, hybrid, or electric cars.
- Pick up the car at the designated location and start driving immediately.
For example, in Los Angeles, drivers can rent a Chevy Bolt EV for a day at about $98.56 (not including taxes and fees). This vehicle offers around 220 miles of range—perfect for a full day of Uber driving with plenty of trunk space for luggage.
What’s Included
In addition to the core rental, drivers enjoy:
- 24/7 roadside assistance
- Insurance coverage
- Professionally maintained vehicles
- Permits for Uber and Uber Eats use
And if your schedule changes, you can extend your rental in the app—though be aware, if someone else has reserved the vehicle, it might not be available beyond your original booking window.
What to Watch Out For
While Zipcar for Uber offers excellent flexibility, it’s not without limitations:
- Cost Over Time: Renting daily is great for short stints, but if you plan to drive full-time for weeks or months, costs can add up. In that case, a weekly or monthly lease might be more economical.
- Timely Returns Required: As a car-sharing service, the vehicle must be returned clean and on time, with the same fuel level or at least 20% battery charge remaining.
- Age Restrictions: Drivers must be at least 25 years old to participate in the program.
Who Is Zipcar for Uber Best Suited For?
- Part-time drivers who don’t need a vehicle every day.
- New Uber drivers exploring the gig economy without committing to buying a car.
- EV-curious drivers who want to test electric models before buying or leasing.
- City dwellers without easy access to their own vehicle or public transit alternatives.
Final Thoughts
Zipcar for Uber offers one of the most convenient and flexible solutions for rideshare drivers in need of a reliable, short-term vehicle. Whether you’re looking to earn extra cash on weekends or scale up during peak holiday demand, Zipcar provides a low-commitment entry point—with the added perks of unlimited mileage, included maintenance, and access to EVs with free charging.
It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, but for many drivers—especially those in major cities—it strikes the perfect balance between affordability, convenience, and flexibility.
