Driving for a rideshare service like Lyft can be a great way to earn extra income on your own schedule. But what if you don’t have a car, or your current vehicle doesn’t meet Lyft’s requirements? You might be wondering, Does Lyft Have A Rental Car Program to help aspiring drivers get on the road?
The answer is yes! Lyft understands that vehicle access can be a barrier for many potential drivers. That’s why they’ve partnered with car rental companies like Hertz through the Lyft Express Drive program to provide rental car options. This program is designed to make it easier than ever for individuals without eligible vehicles to start earning money with Lyft.
Let’s dive into the details of the Lyft rental car program, powered by Hertz, and explore how it can get you behind the wheel and earning.
How the Lyft Rental Car Program Works: A Step-by-Step Guide
The Lyft Express Drive program, in collaboration with Hertz, simplifies the process of renting a car to drive for Lyft. Here’s a breakdown of the steps involved:
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Apply to Drive with Lyft Express Drive:
If you’re new to Lyft, your first step is to apply specifically for the Express Drive program. You can do this through the Lyft website or Driver app. For existing Lyft drivers, check the “Vehicles” section of your Driver Dashboard to see if Express Drive is available in your city.
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Get Approved and Choose Your Rental:
Once your application is approved, you’ll be able to choose a pickup location and time for your rental car. The program often requires either a refundable security deposit or a non-refundable starter fee, depending on your location and market conditions. Be sure to understand these costs upfront.
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Pick Up Your Rental and Start Earning:
After completing the necessary paperwork and payment, you’ll get the keys to your rental car. The beauty of the Express Drive program is its seamless payment system. Lyft conveniently deducts the rental costs directly from your earnings, making payment straightforward and hassle-free. You won’t have to worry about separate bills or surprise charges.
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Flexible Rental Terms:
The Lyft rental car program offers great flexibility. You can return the car anytime after a minimum rental period of seven days. There are no long-term contracts or lease agreements, giving you the freedom to drive on your own terms. If you wish to continue renting, you can extend your rental in 7-day increments, up to 28 days, after which the car needs to be returned to the original rental branch to start a new contract.
Lyft Express Drive Partner Locations
The Lyft rental car program isn’t available everywhere. It operates in select cities across the United States. Here are some of the locations where you can find Lyft Express Drive in partnership with Hertz:
| Atlanta | Baltimore | Boston | Chicago |
|---|---|---|---|
| Las Vegas | Nashville | New Orleans | Orange County |
| Raleigh | Richmond | Sacramento | Salt Lake City |
Please note that program availability and specific locations may change, so it’s always best to check the Lyft website or Driver app for the most up-to-date information in your area.
Benefits of Renting a Car for Lyft Driving
Choosing to rent a car through the Lyft Express Drive program offers several compelling advantages for aspiring rideshare drivers:
- No Long-Term Commitment: Unlike car ownership or traditional leases, the rental program has no long-term contracts. This allows you to test out driving for Lyft without a significant financial commitment or being locked into a vehicle.
- Included Protection and Maintenance: Rentals typically include liability protection1 and standard maintenance. This means you don’t have to worry about routine car maintenance like oil changes or tire rotations, and you have some baseline liability coverage while driving.
- Unlimited Mileage: Enjoy the freedom of unlimited miles for both your Lyft driving and personal use. This is a significant benefit, especially for drivers who plan to drive extensively or use the car for personal errands as well.
- Vehicle Damage Protection: Damage protection2 is often included in the rental agreement, offering peace of mind in case of accidents or vehicle damage.
- 24/7 Roadside Assistance: Benefit from 24-hour roadside assistance, 365 days a year. This ensures help is available if you encounter any car trouble while on the road, providing added security and support.
Understanding the Costs: Lyft Rental Car Program Rates
The weekly rental base rate for the Lyft Express Drive program with Hertz starts as low as $219 per week. However, it’s important to remember that this base rate is exclusive of taxes, fees, gasoline, and any other potential additional charges. You will also usually be required to pay a refundable security deposit at the start of your rental period.
The exact cost can vary depending on your location, the type of vehicle, and any promotional offers available. Driving more with Lyft can sometimes reduce your weekly rental costs, as some programs offer incentives based on the number of rides you give.
Hertz Rideshare Program Requirements: Are You Eligible?
Before you can get started with the Hertz and Lyft Express Drive program, you’ll need to meet certain eligibility requirements:
- Hertz Account in Good Standing: You must have a Hertz account that is in good standing.
- Age Requirement: You must be at least 25 years old to participate in the program.
- Valid Driver’s License: A valid driver’s license is essential.
- Valid Credit or Debit Card: You’ll need a valid credit card or debit card3 for payment and security deposit purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lyft Rental Car Program
Q: What is the minimum and maximum rental period?
A: A minimum rental period of seven days is required. You can extend your rental up to three times, each for a seven-day period. Every 28 days, the vehicle must be returned to the original Hertz rental branch to initiate a new 28-day rental agreement.
Q: How do I sign up for the Hertz and Lyft Express Drive program?
A: You can start your application online by visiting lyft.com/expressdrive or by downloading the Lyft Driver app and following the prompts to apply for Express Drive.
Q: What are the qualifications to rent under the Hertz and Lyft Express Drive program?
A: To qualify, you must apply and be approved for Lyft Express Drive at lyft.com/expressdrive. Once approved, you must also meet the Hertz requirements, which include: having a Hertz account in good standing, being 25 years of age or older, possessing a valid driver’s license, and having a valid credit card or debit card3.
Still Have Questions?
For more detailed information and answers to other common questions, you can visit the Hertz Rideshare FAQs page: View All FAQs.
Disclaimer:
1 While driving off-app, Hertz provides minimum financial responsibility as required by law, but the renter is responsible for all other liability. Lyft provides additional coverage for on-app driving. Coverage details may vary by location. See full terms and conditions.
2 Hertz Loss Damage Waiver applies to vehicle damage exceeding $1,000 while off-app or on-app before accepting a passenger request. Lyft provides coverage for vehicle damage up to $50,000 (subject to a $1,000 deductible) during other on-app periods. Terms and conditions apply.
3 Debit cards are accepted, but certain conditions apply, including credit checks and presenting two forms of identification at rental. Prepaid cards are not accepted for qualifying for rental but may be used for payment upon vehicle return. Credit checks are performed through Equifax and are similar to credit checks for credit applications.
