Considering signing up for Lyft’s car rental program, often known as Express Drive? It can sound appealing if you need a vehicle to start earning with Lyft but don’t have your own car readily available. However, before you jump in, it’s crucial to understand the real experience from someone who’s been there. This review dives into the nitty-gritty of the Lyft car rental program, based on a driver’s firsthand experience, to help you decide if it’s truly worth it for you.
The Crash That Started It All: A Silver Lining?
My journey with Lyft Express Drive began after I decided to drive for Lyft last September. To get started quickly, I opted for their rental program. Initially, there was a perceived benefit. Mid-October, I was involved in an accident – not my fault, but the other driver was uninsured. Panic set in as I worried about hefty deductibles, potentially $2500 at the time. However, after providing statements to the police, Hertz (Lyft’s rental partner), and their insurance company, I was relieved of any financial burden. Turning in the damaged vehicle the next day and getting into another rental felt like a win in that stressful situation. Dealing with the aftermath of an accident caused by an uninsured driver was handled by Hertz, which was a definite pro.
Alt text: Wrecked car after an accident, highlighting the benefit of the Lyft car rental program where drivers are not responsible for damages caused by uninsured drivers.
The Cars: Mileage, Condition, and Disappointment
My first rental through Express Drive was a Nissan Sentra with around 25,000 miles – a decent, fuel-efficient car. However, the second vehicle, a Hyundai Elantra with approximately 29,000 miles upon pickup, was a significant step down in terms of condition. It lacked basic amenities like floor mats, which I had to purchase myself. The interior showed wear and tear, with a tear in the carpet under the driving heel and stained seats that only worsened due to the light-colored fabric. The overall condition of the second rental was disappointing and detracted from the driving experience.
Alt text: Close-up of stained car seats and worn carpet in a Lyft rental vehicle, demonstrating the less-than-ideal condition of some cars in the Express Drive program.
The Pay Cut: A Major Deal Breaker for Lyft Rental Drivers
The most significant downside and ultimately the reason I turned in my Express Drive car was the drastically reduced pay. Lyft Express Drive renters, in my area, earn approximately 60% of what regular Lyft drivers make after a recent 10% pay cut. This pay disparity is substantial. It feels like an uphill battle to make a decent income when you’re earning so little per ride. The reduced earnings significantly diminish the financial viability of the program.
Hidden Costs and Inconveniences: Beyond the Weekly Rental Fee
Beyond the lower pay, there are other considerable drawbacks. You must drive a substantial number of hours, around 15 or more per week, just to cover the rental cost before you start earning any profit. This high bar to break even puts significant pressure on drivers.
Furthermore, car servicing is inconvenient. Maintenance, such as oil changes, can only be authorized and performed between 9 AM and 5 PM, Monday through Friday. This limited window makes scheduling appointments challenging, and a simple oil change can consume 5-6 hours due to the authorization process and wait times. You are mandated to bring the car in for maintenance every 28 days, or face threatening messages about potential vehicle repossession at your expense. Similarly, failing to complete a minimum of 20 rides per week triggers the same unpleasant warnings.
Finally, despite returning the car clean and with the same fuel level as when I picked it up, a staggering $210 was withheld from my $250 deposit. While not entirely unexpected, this felt like another hidden fee, further increasing the overall cost of the program and making it less appealing.
Alt text: Screenshot of a text message threatening vehicle repossession from Hertz to a Lyft Express Drive driver for not meeting the minimum ride requirements, showcasing the program’s strict policies.
Final Verdict: Steer Clear of Express Drive If Possible
My advice, based on personal experience, is to avoid Express Drive at all costs if you have any alternative. If renting through Express Drive is your only option to drive for Lyft, it might even be worth considering a different job altogether. The combination of significantly reduced pay, strict requirements, inconvenient servicing, and unexpected fees makes it exceedingly difficult to earn a sustainable income with Express Drive unless you work excessively long hours consistently. Even then, the financial rewards are likely not worth the effort and hassle. Explore every other avenue before committing to the Lyft car rental program.
