What Uber Rentals are and who can use them
Uber Rentals is a car-rental service built into the Uber app that lets you rent a vehicle by the day, week, or month instead of booking a ride. You pick up and drop off at Uber's rental hub locations, not at traditional rental counters. The service is available in select US cities — currently including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, and others — and the list of cities changes over time.
To use Uber Rentals, you need an active Uber account, a valid driver's license, and to meet the rental company's age requirement (usually 21 or older, sometimes 25 depending on the vehicle type and location). You book through the Uber app under the "Rentals" tab, the same way you would book a ride.
The rental period begins when you pick up the car at the hub and ends when you return it. You pay through your Uber account using the same payment method you use for rides. Insurance, roadside assistance, and basic maintenance are typically included in the rental price, though the exact coverage depends on which rental partner operates in your city.
Key Takeaways
- Uber Rentals operates only in certain cities and through partnerships with local rental companies, so availability depends on your location.
- Daily, weekly, and monthly rates vary by city, vehicle type, and demand, and you can see the exact price in the app before you book.
- You must pick up and return the car at a designated Uber hub, not at a traditional rental office, and the rental period runs from pickup to dropoff.
- Insurance and roadside assistance are included in most Uber Rentals bookings, but you should review the specific coverage details for your location before renting.
- Damage, fuel, and late-return fees apply if you return the car in poor condition, with an empty tank, or after your rental period ends.
How pricing works and what's included
Uber Rentals pricing is shown in the app before you complete the booking, so you know the total cost upfront. Rates vary by city, vehicle type (economy, mid-size, premium), and how far in advance you book. Demand pricing can apply during peak travel times, similar to how Uber ride prices work.
The rental rate typically includes basic insurance coverage, roadside assistance (towing, lockout service, fuel delivery), and routine maintenance. You do not pay separately for these services if they are needed during your rental. However, you are responsible for fuel — you must return the car with a full tank or pay a refueling fee, which is usually higher than the cost of gas at a pump.
Additional charges apply if you return the car late, incur damage beyond normal wear and tear, or rack up toll or parking violations. Some locations charge a cleaning fee if the car is returned in an unusually dirty state. Check the rental agreement in the app for the specific fee structure in your city.
Where Uber Rentals are available
Uber Rentals operates through partnerships with local car-rental companies, so availability is limited to certain metropolitan areas. As of now, the service is available in cities including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, Denver, and others, but the list is not fixed — Uber adds and removes cities based on demand and partnership agreements.
To learn about Uber Rentals is available in your area, open the Uber app and look for the "Rentals" tab. If the tab appears and shows available vehicles, the service operates in your city. If you do not see a Rentals tab, the service is not yet available where you are.
Availability can also vary by time of day and season. During peak travel periods, rental inventory may run low or prices may increase. Booking in advance usually gives you more options and can lock in a lower rate.
How to book a rental through the Uber app
Open the Uber app and tap the "Rentals" tab at the bottom of the screen. Enter your pickup date and time, and your return date and time. The app will show you available vehicles, prices for each option, and the pickup and dropoff location (the Uber hub in your area).
Select the vehicle you want and review the rental agreement, which includes insurance details, fuel policy, damage policy, and late-return fees. Once you confirm, the booking is locked in and you will receive a confirmation in the app with pickup instructions and the hub address.
On your pickup day, go to the Uber hub at the time you booked. Bring your driver's license and the payment method linked to your Uber account. A staff member will walk you through the vehicle inspection, explain any existing damage, and hand over the keys. Take photos of the car's condition before you leave the lot — this protects you if a damage dispute arises later.
Insurance and what happens if there's damage
Uber Rentals bookings include basic liability insurance and collision coverage, which means damage to the rental car is covered up to a certain limit. The exact coverage amount and deductible depend on your location and the rental partner. You can view these details in the rental agreement before you book.
If the car is damaged during your rental, report it to the rental company as soon as possible. Take photos and document what happened. Minor damage (small dents, scratches) may be covered under the included insurance with little or no out-of-pocket cost. Major damage or damage caused by reckless driving may result in a higher deductible or denial of coverage.
If you have personal auto insurance, your policy may also cover rental cars, though this varies by plan. Check with your insurance company before renting to understand what is and is not covered. Having two layers of coverage can protect you if the rental company's insurance denies a claim.
Fuel, late returns, and other fees
You must return the car with a full tank of gas. If you return it with less fuel, Uber will charge you a refueling fee, which is typically $5 to $10 per gallon depending on your location — much higher than what you would pay at a gas station. To avoid this fee, fill up the tank at a gas station near the hub before you return the car.
Late returns incur a daily charge equal to the rental rate for that day, sometimes with an additional late fee. If your rental ends at 5 p.m. and you return the car at 6 p.m., you may be charged for a full extra day. Return the car on time to avoid this cost.
Parking tickets, tolls, and traffic violations incurred during your rental are your responsibility. Uber will pass these charges to you after the rental company receives the citation. Damage beyond normal wear and tear — broken windows, major dents, interior stains — can result in repair charges deducted from your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I extend my rental if I need the car longer?
Yes, you can extend your rental through the Uber app if the car is available and you have not exceeded the maximum rental period set by your location. Extensions are charged at the daily rate for the additional days. Contact Uber support if you cannot extend through the app.
What if I get into an accident?
Report the accident to the rental company immediately and to local police if there are injuries or significant damage. Take photos, get the other driver's information, and file a report with the rental company. The included insurance will cover the damage, though you may owe a deductible depending on fault and your location.
Do I need my own insurance to rent through Uber?
No, Uber Rentals includes insurance in the booking price, so you do not need your own auto insurance to rent. However, checking your personal policy beforehand can be helpful — some policies cover rentals and may offer additional protection or a lower deductible than the rental company's coverage.
What happens if I return the car dirty?
Minor dirt from normal use is expected. If the car is unusually dirty — mud caked on the exterior, stains on the seats, trash inside — the rental company may charge a cleaning fee, typically $25 to $75. Return the car in the condition you received it to avoid this charge.
Can I pick up and drop off at different locations?
No, Uber Rentals requires pickup and dropoff at the same hub location. You cannot pick up in one city and drop off in another. If you need to travel between cities, you would need to return the car and book a separate rental at your destination.