What the Audi-Uber partnership actually is
Audi and Uber partnered to let drivers rent Audi vehicles through Uber's app while driving for the platform. The program is called Audi emobility, and it operates in select U.S. cities. Drivers do not own the cars — they lease them from Audi for a weekly or monthly fee, and the lease includes insurance, maintenance, and roadside assistance.
This is different from bringing your own car to Uber. You pay Audi a fixed rental cost each week or month, and Uber takes its commission from your fares on top of that. The goal is to let drivers without a car, or drivers whose car does not meet Uber's standards, still drive for the platform.
The program is not available everywhere. As of now, Audi emobility operates in a handful of cities including Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Washington D.C. Availability changes, so check the Uber app or contact Uber directly to see if the program is active in your area.
Key Takeaways
- Audi emobility lets you rent an Audi vehicle through Uber's app instead of using your own car, with insurance and maintenance included in the weekly or monthly lease fee.
- You pay Audi a fixed rental cost, and Uber still takes its standard commission from your fares — so your earnings are reduced by both costs.
- The program is only available in certain cities, and you must meet Uber's driver requirements (age, background check, valid license) before you can rent a car.
- Lease terms vary by city and change over time, so the weekly or monthly cost in one location may differ from another.
- If you stop driving or return the car, the lease ends and you are no longer responsible for payments.
How much the weekly or monthly lease costs
Audi does not publish a single national price. The weekly rental fee varies by city and by the specific Audi model available in that location. In some cities, a weekly lease might run $200 to $300; in others, it could be higher or lower. Monthly leases are also offered and typically cost less per day than a weekly rate, but the exact amount depends on where you are.
The lease price covers the car itself, insurance (usually comprehensive and collision), maintenance, tire replacement, and roadside assistance. You do not pay separately for these things. However, you are responsible for gas and tolls, and you may be charged for damage beyond normal wear and tear.
To find the current price in your city, open the Uber app, go to the vehicle rental section (if available in your area), and look for Audi emobility. The app will show you the weekly and monthly rates for your location. Prices can change, so check before you commit to a lease.
Who can rent an Audi through Uber
You must first meet Uber's basic driver requirements: you need to be at least 21 years old (or 18 in some places), have a valid driver's license, pass a background check, and have a Social Security number or tax ID. Uber runs these checks before you can drive at all, so if you are already an active Uber driver, you have already cleared these hurdles.
If you are not yet an Uber driver, you will need to go through Uber's sign-up process first. This includes uploading your license, insurance information (if you have a car), and passing the background check. Only after you are approved as an Uber driver can you access the Audi rental option.
Some cities may have additional requirements — for example, proof of income or a minimum number of hours you plan to drive per week. Check with Uber support or the Audi emobility section of the app to see if your city has extra rules.
How to rent an Audi and start driving
First, make sure you are an approved Uber driver in a city where Audi emobility is available. Open the Uber app and look for a vehicle rental option or a link to "Audi emobility." If it appears, tap it and follow the prompts to select a weekly or monthly lease term.
You will need to provide payment information (usually a debit or credit card) and agree to the lease terms. Audi will run a soft credit check — this does not hurt your credit score. Once approved, you can pick up the car at a designated Audi location or have it delivered to you, depending on the city.
After you have the car, you drive for Uber as normal. Your earnings go into your Uber account, and Audi automatically deducts the weekly or monthly lease fee from your bank account on the due date. If you want to stop renting, you return the car and the lease ends — you are not locked into a long-term contract.
What happens if you damage the car or get into an accident
The lease includes insurance, so minor accidents and damage are usually covered. However, you are responsible for the deductible, which is typically $500 to $1,000 depending on the city and the type of damage. You must report any accident or damage to Audi and Uber right away.
If the damage is severe — for example, the car is totaled — the insurance covers the repair or replacement, and you do not have to pay out of pocket beyond the deductible. However, if you cause damage through reckless driving or violate the lease terms, Audi may charge you additional fees or end your lease.
Normal wear and tear (worn tires, small scratches, interior stains from regular use) is covered. Damage from abuse, racing, off-road driving, or using the car for purposes other than Uber driving is your responsibility. Read the lease agreement carefully to understand what counts as your liability.
Comparing Audi emobility to driving your own car for Uber
If you own a car that meets Uber's standards, driving your own vehicle is usually cheaper than renting an Audi. You avoid the weekly or monthly lease fee, though you pay for gas, insurance, maintenance, and repairs yourself. Over time, your own car depreciates, which is a cost you absorb.
Renting an Audi makes sense if you do not have a car, your car does not meet Uber's requirements, or you want to avoid the hassle of maintenance and repairs. The trade-off is that you pay a fixed rental fee whether you drive a lot or a little. If you only drive a few hours a week, the lease cost may eat up most of your earnings. If you drive full-time, the cost per hour is lower and may be worth it.
Some drivers use Audi emobility as a temporary solution while they save money to buy a car. Others use it long-term because they prefer not to own a vehicle. There is no single right answer — it depends on your income, how much you plan to drive, and whether you have access to another car.
What to know about insurance and liability
The Audi lease includes commercial auto insurance that covers you while you are driving for Uber. This is important because personal auto insurance does not cover rideshare driving. Audi's insurance covers liability (damage you cause to other people or property) and collision (damage to the Audi itself).
You are still liable for the deductible if you cause an accident. You are also liable if you use the car for something other than Uber driving — for example, personal errands or deliveries for another service. The insurance is only active when you are logged into the Uber app and driving passengers or waiting for a ride request.
If you are in an accident, report it to Audi and Uber immediately. Do not admit fault at the scene. Audi will guide you through the claims process, and the insurance company will investigate. Keep all documentation — photos, police reports, witness information — for your records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent an Audi if I have a bad driving record?
Audi and Uber both run background checks that include your driving history. A few minor violations may not disqualify you, but multiple accidents, DUIs, or reckless driving convictions will. Contact Uber support to ask about your specific record before you try to rent.
What if I want to stop renting the Audi after one week?
You can return the car and end the lease at any time. There is no long-term contract. However, you are responsible for the full weekly or monthly fee for the period you have the car — you cannot get a refund for unused days. Check the lease terms in your city for the exact return process.
Does Audi emobility work in my city?
The program is only available in select cities. Open the Uber app, look for the vehicle rental section, and see if Audi emobility appears. If it does not, the program is not yet available where you are. You can contact Uber support to ask if it is planned for your area in the future.
Can I use the Audi for personal driving, or only for Uber?
The lease is for Uber driving only. Using the car for personal errands, other rideshare services, or delivery work violates the lease agreement. If Audi or Uber discovers unauthorized use, they can charge you additional fees or end your lease immediately.
What if the Audi breaks down while I am driving?
The lease includes roadside assistance and maintenance. If the car breaks down, call Audi roadside assistance (the number is in your lease documents or the app). They will tow the car to a repair facility or send a technician to fix it on the spot. You do not pay for repairs — they are covered by the lease.