For Uber drivers seeking a flexible, short-term rental with unlimited miles while driving for Uber, Zipcar has a great offering.
Unlike other programs that require week or even month-long commitments, Zipcar is one of the only options available that offers daily rentals to Uber drivers with unlimited miles while driving for Uber. And they also have a wide selection of EVs that come with free charging.
Let’s dig into the program and learn more.
What is Zipcar for Uber?
Zipcar is the world’s leading car-sharing network and has been in business for 25 years! Their Zipcar for Uber program provides daily rentals to Uber drivers and is tailored specifically for rideshare and Uber Eats drivers.
There are no membership fees or hidden costs, so drivers can rent a vehicle for as little as one day with maintenance, parking and cleaning included to keep out-of-pocket costs low. And all of this is done through a seamless self-service Zipcar app experience, making the process fast and smooth.
Zipcar for Uber is currently available in 16 major U.S. cities: Los Angeles, San Francisco, Boston, Baltimore, Washington D.C., Chicago, Miami, Denver, Atlanta, Seattle, San Diego, Sacramento, Detroit, Dallas, Milwaukee and New Jersey.
Daily rental rates are:
- Weekday: $90 daily rate excluding taxes and fees (Monday–Friday)
- Weekend: $104 daily rate excluding taxes and fees (Saturday–Sunday)
You can also read more about the full details of the program on Zipcar’s ‘Zipcar for Uber FAQ’ page. It’s important to note that Zipcar also offers a similar car-sharing program for personal use, which is different from the ‘Zipcar for Uber’ option.
Why Choose Zipcar?
Unmatched Flexibility
Unlike other options, Zipcar allows drivers to rent by the day, or longer. So you only pay for what you need. That way, whether you’re driving part-time or need a car on short notice, Zipcar has you covered.
It’s also a great option for drivers who want to dip their toe into the gig economy or try out an electric vehicle (EV). Zipcar covers charging so it’s low-cost to try out.
Unlimited Miles
If you’re going to rent a car to drive with Uber, you’ll need to be ready to drive and take advantage of Zipcar’s unlimited mileage offering. I’d recommend driving at least an 8-hour shift if you’re going to rent a vehicle from this program.
Lots of EV and Hybrid Options
Gas is expensive these days and what I love about the Zipcar for Uber program is that they have a number of EV rental options in select cities that all come with free charging. Just use the charge card placed in the visor to pay for electric charging costs.
The cost of fuel is not covered by Zipcar.
Hassle-free Rentals
Zipcar’s self-service app allows you to skip going to a rental counter or meeting with anyone in person. Instead, you can book directly from your phone. They also have 24/7 access so that you can find a car near you. Zipcars are conveniently located in and around cities and public transportation, so it’s easy for drivers to access the cars without owning one.
Zipcar also allows you to extend your rental with ease through the app. But remember, the car could be booked by another renter, so it’s best to plan ahead for how much time you’ll need the car for.
Other Benefits/Perks
All rentals also come with the following perks:
- 24/7 roadside assistance
- Insurance coverage (with a $1,000 deductible)
- Professionally maintained vehicles
- Appropriate permitting for Uber use
How it works 
- Signup: You can sign up for Zipcar right here. If you use the Rakuten plugin, you’ll get an additional $5 off your rental. And new Rakuten users will get a $40 bonus. So you could get up to $45 off your first rental from Zipcar!
- Onboarding: From here, you select the market in which you drive for Uber and verify your identity by uploading your driver’s license and a photo of your face (I liked the verify by phone option). Once your photo is verified against your driver’s license, you can add a form of payment to your account’s wallet; no deposit is required. You do need to pay upfront for a rental reservation.
- Search: Once you sign up, you can search for available Uber rentals in your area. One thing that stood out to me is that here in Los Angeles, they have a number of EV rentals and multiple pick-up locations all over the city. The EV option is great if you live in a state with high gas prices, and the multiple pick-up locations are especially handy if you don’t have a vehicle or transportation since you’ll need to go to/from the rental vehicle.
The total cost for a one-day Chevy Bolt EV rental was $98.56. I’m a big fan of the Bolt since it has a 220-mile range and plenty of trunk space for airport rides. Here’s a video review of the Bolt we published in the past.
Potential Downsides
Zipcar makes a lot of sense for short-term or daily rentals since they offer a flexible product with unlimited mileage while driving for Uber. If you’re going to be renting for a longer term, though, the costs will start to add up.
You will also need to remember that this is a shared rental, so you’ll need to return it on time, and make sure it’s clean for the next Uber renter, with the same level of gas you picked it up with or above a 20% charge.
If you’re ready to give the Zipcar for Uber program a try, you can sign up here.
FAQs
How do I sign up for the Zipcar for Uber program?
All you need to do is head to the Zipcar for Uber landing page on Zipcar’s website, sign up, select a vehicle and then book your rental. The whole process took me less than 5 minutes.
Is Zipcar legit?
Yes! They are the world’s leading car-sharing network.
How old do I need to be to rent a car through Zipcar?
Drivers must be 25 years or older.
Can I drive for personal matters in the Zipcar for Uber program?
No, the Zipcar for Uber program is specifically for Uber driving purposes only. If you want to use Zipcar for personal use, you may do so by signing up for their Standard membership plan.
Is EV charging or fuel included in my Zipcar for Uber reservations?
EV charging is covered by Zipcar – just use the charge card placed in the visor to pay for electric charging costs.
What cars are available?
A variety of gas-powered, hybrid and EV cars will be available depending on your market.
