Simple Advice for Making Rideshare Driving Your Full-Time Job

Listen in! Pick up some expert advice to a reader's question that we selected from CyberSchmooz.

It’s no secret that ride sharing has become ubiquitous with city life. Even outside the city limits, ride sharing platforms like Uber and Lyft are commonplace. As these platforms grow and new platforms emerge to fill gaps in the market, it’s no wonder that many individuals want to secure their place as five-star drivers. After all, becoming a driver offers full autonomy, the ability to generate your own income on your own schedule, and make a healthy living.

The average income for drivers varies, but it goes without saying that in the right location and with dedication, you can turn a generous profit. Ride sharing platforms have become the epitome of the gig economy, and you can join the movement. Here are five tips for becoming a full-time ride sharing driver:

Ride for Uber & Lyft

When it comes to making money, don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Although you’ll choose one platform to start with, you should eventually switch to both platforms as you grow more comfortable with driving passengers. Over time, you may find that you like one platform better than the other, perhaps for its user-friendliness or income potential. Perhaps you like to drive for Uber during the week and Lyft during the weekends. And after you’ve learned both platforms well, you might even decide to start experimenting with delivery services within those apps.

Maintain a High Rating

It goes without saying that maintaining a high rating will help you excel at your job. Think of high ratings like performance reviews, and each performance review illustrates your ability to successfully complete your job. Fortunately, there are several ways to maintain a five-star rating. One way is to offer complimentary items, like water, gum, phone chargers, and mints. Keep your car nice and clean, and make sure it smells good, too. Lastly, many drivers give riders the option to control the radio—if you want to go the extra mile for your service, you should make this a perk of riding in your vehicle.

Your driving capabilities also enforce your score. Be a good driver and be willing to go the extra mile to be convenient for them. For instance, do a U-turn so they don’t have to cross the street. Call them if you’re confused about their location. And don’t feel obligated to have conversation with them—most riders appreciate a smooth, quiet ride where they can listen to their headphones or be in peace. Know how to gauge the mood; you can usually tell when riders are in the mood to talk and when they want to be left alone. Either way, always be polite, friendly, and professional.

Take Care of Your Insurance

The insurance topic is tough when it comes to ride sharing, because many auto insurance companies don’t expect drivers to use their vehicles as their full-time job. First and foremost, you should invest in premium insurance that covers your vehicle in any situation. For example, if you drive an Escalade, you might want to look into a Cadillac extended warranty. Furthermore, you should double check your auto insurance to ensure that your policy covers you if you use your vehicle to provide a service. Many of the mainstream policies now accept drivers, though you’ll likely pay a premium.

But it’s not just auto insurance that you need to take care of—your health insurance should be at the top of your priority list, too. Because companies like Uber consider their drivers independent contractors, they do not offer health insurance. If you do not qualify for public state health insurance, or aren’t happy with those options, you can research insurance for independent contractors. Full-time Uber drivers also have access to Stride Health, a service designed to connect drivers with health insurance plans that align with their lifestyle and income.

Keep a Record

As an independent contractor, you’re responsible for your own taxes, and as such, it’s important for you to keep a detailed record of your business expenses. Tolls, gas, and mileage should be thoroughly tracked so you can use them for deductions later on. You can even deduct car maintenance, car washes, depreciation, and repairs. Check out this dedication guide for drivers to learn more about your tax season opportunities.

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