Uber's rental cars let you book a vehicle by the day or week through the Uber app, with insurance and roadside help included

Uber Eats and Uber rides are ride-sharing services where you request a driver. Uber Car Rental (called Uber Rent in some markets) is different — you rent a car yourself and drive it. You book through the Uber app, pick it up at a location, and return it when you're done. The rental includes insurance, roadside assistance, and a tank of gas. Pricing varies by city and vehicle type, and availability depends on local demand.

This service exists in select US cities and some international markets. It's designed for people who need a car for a day or longer but don't want to visit a traditional rental counter or sign a long contract. The cars are typically newer vehicles maintained by Uber's partner rental companies.

Key Takeaways

  • Uber Car Rental lets you book and pay through the Uber app, with pickup and return at designated locations in your city.
  • Rental periods range from one day to several weeks, and the price includes basic insurance and roadside assistance.
  • You must have a valid driver's license, be at least 21 years old, and pass a background check to rent through Uber.
  • Fuel, tolls, and parking are your responsibility, though you get a full tank at pickup and can return it empty or partially full.
  • Uber Car Rental is available in only some US cities, so check your area before assuming it's an option.

How to book an Uber rental car

Open the Uber app and look for the "Rent" tab at the bottom of the screen (this appears only in cities where the service operates). Tap it, then enter your pickup date, time, and return date. The app shows available vehicles, prices per day, and pickup locations near you.

Select a car, review the total cost, and confirm your booking. You'll receive a confirmation with a pickup address and time window. On the day of pickup, go to the location, check in through the app, inspect the vehicle for damage, and take photos. The app will unlock the car remotely. Return it to the same location by your scheduled time, lock it through the app, and take a final photo of the odometer and fuel gauge.

What's included in the rental price

The daily rate covers the vehicle, basic insurance (usually collision and liability), roadside assistance, and a full tank of gas. You don't pay separately for these. The insurance typically has a deductible — usually $500 to $1,000 — that you would owe if you damage the car. Some Uber rentals offer the option to reduce or waive the deductible for an additional daily fee.

Tolls, parking fees, and traffic violations are your responsibility. If you incur tolls or parking tickets during the rental, Uber will charge your payment method. Fuel used beyond the full tank you receive is also your cost — if you return the car with less than a full tank, Uber charges a per-gallon rate to refill it.

Who can rent and what you need to provide

You must be at least 21 years old, have a valid driver's license, and have an active Uber account with a payment method on file. Uber runs a background check on all renters, which typically takes a few minutes but can take longer if there are questions. A history of serious traffic violations, DUIs, or at-fault accidents may disqualify you.

At pickup, bring your driver's license and be prepared to show proof of insurance if Uber requests it (though their insurance covers the rental). Some locations may ask for a credit card to hold as a security deposit, though this is not standard across all cities.

Pricing and how it compares to traditional rental companies

Uber's daily rates vary widely by city, vehicle type, and demand. A compact car might cost $40 to $60 per day in one city and $70 to $100 in another. Weekly rates are usually discounted compared to daily rates. Prices are higher during peak travel seasons and lower during slow periods.

Traditional rental companies like Enterprise or Hertz often have lower base rates, but they charge separately for insurance, add facility fees, and may require a credit card hold. Uber bundles insurance into the price, which can make it simpler and sometimes cheaper for short rentals. However, traditional companies offer more vehicle choices and more pickup locations in most areas. The best option depends on your city, how long you need the car, and whether you want to avoid a rental counter visit.

Damage, insurance, and what happens if something goes wrong

If you damage the car during your rental, Uber's insurance covers it up to the deductible you agreed to. Report damage through the app immediately — take photos and describe what happened. Uber will assess the damage and either charge your deductible or, if the damage is minor and covered, charge nothing.

If you're in an accident, call 911 if anyone is injured, then report it through the app. Provide Uber with the police report number and photos. Roadside assistance covers towing, lockouts, and flat tires at no extra cost. If the car breaks down, call the roadside assistance number in your app or through Uber support, and they'll arrange a tow or repair.

If you return the car late, Uber charges an hourly overage fee, which varies by location. If you return it significantly late or don't return it at all, Uber will attempt to contact you and may report it as a missing vehicle.

Where Uber Car Rental is available

Uber Car Rental operates in select US cities including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Miami, and others, but not nationwide. Availability also depends on local partnerships with rental companies. The service is expanding but remains limited compared to traditional rental chains.

To learn about it's available in your area, open the Uber app and look for the Rent tab. If you don't see it, the service isn't offered in your city yet. You can also check Uber's website for a list of active markets, though this list changes as the service expands or contracts in different regions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent an Uber car if I have a poor driving record?

Uber runs a background check that includes driving history. Serious violations like DUIs, multiple at-fault accidents, or suspended licenses will likely disqualify you. Minor speeding tickets usually won't. Contact Uber support if you're unsure whether your record will pass their screening.

What happens if I return the car with an empty tank?

Uber charges a per-gallon refueling fee if you return the car with less than a full tank. The fee varies by location but is typically higher than what you'd pay at a gas station. You can avoid this by filling the tank yourself before returning it, or by returning it with a full tank and paying nothing.

Is Uber's insurance the same as a traditional rental company's insurance?

Uber's insurance covers collision and liability with a deductible. It's similar to what traditional rental companies offer, but the coverage details and deductible amounts vary by location and rental type. Your personal auto insurance may also cover rental cars — check your policy before renting to understand your total coverage.

Can I extend my rental if I need the car longer?

Yes, you can extend through the Uber app if the car is available and you haven't reached your return time. Extensions are charged at the daily rate for your rental period. If you need to extend significantly, it may be cheaper to end the rental and book a new one, depending on pricing that day.

What if the car has mechanical problems during my rental?

Report it through the app immediately. Roadside assistance will help with towing or repairs. If the car can't be safely driven, Uber will arrange a replacement vehicle or end the rental and refund your unused time. You're not responsible for mechanical failures that occur during normal use.