Driving for a rideshare company such as Lyft or Uber can be a great way to earn extra money or even earn a living if you’re in the right location. You can set your own hours and work as much or as little as you want, but there are a few downsides to the position.
One major issue you may experience is with your vehicle’s warranty, which generally does not extend to vehicles used in business. If this is the case for you, there are options available in the form of extended warranties for rideshare drivers. Let’s take a closer look.
Is an Extended Warranty Available for Rideshare Drivers?
Not all that long ago, it was nearly impossible for individuals to purchase an extended warranty for vehicles used in rideshare driving, but that has changed. Now, several companies offer extended warranties for rideshare drivers, including some companies that are exclusively operating in the rideshare vehicle warranty space.
Pros and Cons of Warranty for Rideshare Drivers
Covers your vehicle when the manufacturer’s warranty does not
Can prevent costly maintenance as your vehicle racks up miles
Can sometimes be purchased after the vehicle has accumulated many miles
Can be costly
Not always as user-friendly as a manufacturer’s warranty
Some warranties limit how and where you can get your vehicle serviced
How Much is an Extended Warranty?
The costs you pay for an extended warranty depend on factors that include the make and model of the vehicle, the age of the vehicle, and on the type of coverage you select. Companies sampe advertised pricing starts at:
Rideshare Knight: $36 per month
Protect my Uber: $100 per month
It’s worth noting that Protect my Uber is owned by CarShield Reviews, Cost and Pricing 2021, a popular extended warranty company. Another company, Endurance, offers coverage for Uber and Lyft drivers at the same cost as their normal extended warranty coverage services.
Not all companies operate in all states and there is a wide variety of coverage options and exclusions. It’s important to understand what is available to you and to be aware of any restrictions on use of the warranty before hitting the road.
Is an Extended Warranty Worth It for Rideshare Drivers?
An extended warranty can be worth its weight in gold for the right driver and the right vehicle, but they won’t offer the same value to every customer. If you rely on the vehicle you use for ridesharing as your personal everyday vehicle, it could be well worth the cost to add an extended warranty to prevent you from being without wheels if something breaks.
On the other hand, if your rideshare vehicle is a spare or not used regularly otherwise, the choice may tilt the other way. No matter how you use the vehicle outside of ridesharing, you’ll be racking up miles at a faster pace running rideshare or delivery services, so your vehicle will likely need maintenance earlier and more frequently than if it was for personal use only.
What Type of Plans are Available?
Just like extended warranties for non-rideshare vehicles, the plans that are available for rideshare drivers typically come in a few different flavors. In general, you will find coverage broken down into tiers, such as:
Bronze/Basic: Powertrain components, such as the engine, transmission, drive axle, and transfer case
Silver: Powertrain plus seals and gaskets, electrical, steering, air conditioning, suspension, and brakes
Gold: All previous coverage items, plus electronics, climate control functions, and fuel delivery systems
CARCHEX is one of the largest, most highly-rated providers of vehicle extended warranties in the market. They have been a trusted name in the business for 20 years.
autopom! is well known in the industry for customer service and responsiveness. The company works directly with 2600 certified repair facilities and has a dedicated customer advocacy program.
Endurance Extended Car Warranty company is one of the most popular and trusted providers in the business. Endurance coverage is accepted at any dealership and at any ASE-certified mechanic, and features a 30-day money back guarantee.
In many cases, the answer is yes. Most manufacturers’ warranties include language that make them invalid for vehicles used for commercial purposes, including for rideshare services. The best thing to do is check your policy before becoming a ride-share driver.
Both companies can provide you with commercial insurance for the use of your vehicle, but you are still required to maintain your own personal insurance. Car insurance minimums vary by state, so make certain that you have the insurance required for the state in which you reside.
This is a personal choice. In general, the amount of wear and tear on your car from ride sharing work can be significant. An extended warranty tailored to Uber and Lyft drivers might come in handy, in the long run.
We have found that almost all manufacturers' warranties are voided by commercial use. This means any ridesharing work. Make certain to read your policy carefully. If you want extra protection for your car, while ridesharing, you can check out Protect My Uber by CARCHEX or Endurance, who both offer coverage for Uber and Lyft drivers.
Yes, Carshield offers this. But make certain to read your policy fully and do your research before purchasing. You can see our review of Carshield here.
Editor's note and disclaimer: Car Talk is supported by our fans, readers and listeners. When you click on some of the links on our website, we may receive referral compensation. However, you should know that the recommendations we make are based on our independent editorial review and analyses.
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