So I just completed my first full week of driving for Uber (screw Lyft) and here's what happened:


Total Payout (after Uber takes it's cut): $295.53
Hours Online: 14.1
Trips: 30
Miles driven: approx 200-300 (didn't calculate exactly)
Customer Rating: 5.0 stars (out of 5)

That works out to about $20.95/ hr. Not bad for my first week. And I'm told I only drove 5 out of the 12 busiest hours.

Taxes @ 30% takes off $90 (is 30% about right?). I put about $40 into the gas tank, so that brings the true net earnings down to around $160 for the week....or $11.34/hr.

Not that great...but it is a part time job so I guess it's not too bad.

New strategy: only drive during those 12 busy hours (when rates are higher) and see how I make out.

feel free to ask any questions

d

When I turn the app on, I get nothing...waiting for 5 minutes or more. Uber pops off almost as soon as you turn on the app

And i'm annoyed that Lyft only allows 1 car at a time on your account. If you want to drive a different car, you have to submit a 19-point inspection. Uber let's you drive any approved car without all that, and you can have 2 or more on your account w/no hassle.

so yeah..for drivers, I feel that Uber is better. The only thing that makes me want to keep trying with Lyft is that passengers can tip via the app. That doesn't exist on Uber

d

i imagine that at some point extra and/or earlier than previously scheduled maintenance will cut into your pay as well

before Uber, I drove alot anyway, due to the fact that I live in NJ and everything is so spread out...going to supermarkets, and doctors and NYC and visiting family and road trips...etc....don't think the Uber Effect will be that much

d

How about insurance for car, the increased liability because you're using it commercially, and the damage to the seats that will occur through normal wear and tear over several months time?


I think - unless you're a super hustler uBer is going to end up being a minimum wage job. Or close to it.

And if your car gets damaged or needs accelerated maintenance it may even be less than that.

>How about insurance for car, the increased liability because
>you're using it commercially

they don't know that :)

and the damage to the seats that
>will occur through normal wear and tear over several months
>time?

I was thinking about buying seat covers for the back

>
>I think - unless you're a super hustler uBer is going to end
>up being a minimum wage job. Or close to it.

I'm trying to get on that Super Hustle :)

>And if your car gets damaged or needs accelerated maintenance
>it may even be less than that.

possibly. I'll keep you posted.

At the very least, it pays my car payment.

d

if they were to find out? god forbid you get in an accident even if it wasn't your fault.

but I feel you on the scared money line...

I said as much in the other thread when people were saying it's not worth it after gas, taxes and maintenance.

that shit just sounds like a way to talk yourself out of trying to make money.

I know those things are a factor but hand I drive for other shit or for leisure shit I ain't making any money and all the other things apply.

I could see if it was your full time gig tho.

"scared money don't make any" is a popular statement among ppl out on the corners hustling or flipping weight...yeah there is a potential to get in trouble but if you fear that you won't make any money. my statement is saying many people with that same mentality have gotten caught and ended up in jail.

now would Damali end up in jail? no. but she could end up with a fine if caught if she ever got in an accident. it's better to play it safe then have to come out your pocket a lot of money because you tried to get round the system to save some money. the fine or being dropped from insurance is more than what she is making...so why risk it.

but this isn't judgment. Damali is my girl. I'm just saying be careful out in these streets.

However I think we can both agree that Damali knows what she's doing.

>if they were to find out? god forbid you get in an accident
>even if it wasn't your fault.

first thing i'd do is delete the Uber app lol

however, if i have a passenger in the car, i'd only report the accident to Uber and their policy would cover me. no need to involve mine at all

d

theirs however they can. i'm sure uber has a cap on what they cover for passengers. if you are using your vehicle in a way that isn't in accord with your policy you could be assed out.

Just stuff to think about, you don't have to give me answers.

I work in insurance, and the first thing they'll try to do is deny the claim. Make sure you have a copy of their policy in the car at all times.

What I'm assuming is whatever goes to Uber when you drive only covers liability only, maybe bodily injury.

If you hit something, any physical damage might not be covered. Ask just in case.

And make sure they have a rider on the policy in case you get pulled over. All that says is that if you are pulled over because SOMEONE ELSE in the car is drunk, and the police hold you responsible, Uber will either pay the ticket, or pay all defense costs.

Good luck! I'm watching what you do with a hawkeye (cause I might be jumping in...looking to see how it goes first, from another NJ resident ;)

Uber's site promises seamless insurance... to passengers.

My assumption is that it covers only bodily injury to passengers.

>I work in insurance, and the first thing they'll try to do is
>deny the claim. Make sure you have a copy of their policy in
>the car at all times.
>
>What I'm assuming is whatever goes to Uber when you drive only
>covers liability only, maybe bodily injury.
>
>If you hit something, any physical damage might not be
>covered. Ask just in case.

Given the phrasing in the articles I found (just read one from IAB) I hadn't even thought that Uber's coverage might not contemplate physical damage to your vehicle or property damage liability to others.

>And make sure they have a rider on the policy in case you get
>pulled over. All that says is that if you are pulled over
>because SOMEONE ELSE in the car is drunk, and the police hold
>you responsible, Uber will either pay the ticket, or pay all
>defense costs.
>
>Good luck! I'm watching what you do with a hawkeye (cause I
>might be jumping in...looking to see how it goes first, from
>another NJ resident ;)

http://www.ibamag.com/news/uber-fights-against-onerous-insurance-requirements-despite-driver-ignorance-22024.aspx

http://qz.com/365854/a-coverage-dispute-between-uber-lyft-and-insurers-leaves-drivers-exposed/

Looking up that, I found this about the insurance....

http://www.nbcbayarea.com/investigations/Is-Uber-Keeping-Riders-Safe-256438921.html

We could get a ticket for anything...especially in NJ

Biggest thing is that if the police smell alcohol in the car, no matter how many times WE can tell the cops that we didn't drink, we could still possibly get detained (happened to me a few times before being a designated driver)

More pre-cautionary than anything else. And if she/we DO get pulled over and something stupid happens because of it, better to have someone else deal with some of that aggravation.

It SHOULDN'T happen, but when it comes to police and us black people, anything's possible

only because ppl be snitching.

i hear you tho. i didn't name my insurer

d

>>How about insurance for car, the increased liability
>because
>>you're using it commercially
>
>they don't know that :)

First off, misrepresentation (which is what you're doing) is just a bad idea and can have big consequences (of course, if something happens).

Among other things, my understanding is that Uber's coverage kicks in when you pick up a customer; if you are en route to picking up a customer, there is no coverage provided from Uber. If you don't have specific coverage targeting that, you might be essentially driving uninsured during that time.

Industry article I just looked at quoted a NY-area Uber exec who said optimistically that over half of claims involving app-on-but-no-passenger were covered by the personal auto insurer, like that was a positive. Which sounds cool but means that ALMOST HALF OF THE ACCIDENTS WERE NOT COVERED BY THE PERSONAL AUTO INSURER. That's not great odds.

Kansas and NJ apparently tried to set legislation requiring Uber to cover drivers for this situation and Uber fought it tooth and nail.

Unless you're comfortable driving around potentially uninsured, I'd suggest you look into coverages for that gap first by checking with your auto insurer whether it's covered on your policy and (if not) whether they offer it as an add-on (some offer the coverage already, charging for it of course) and subsequently with other insurers.

>Among other things, my understanding is that Uber's coverage
>kicks in when you pick up a customer; if you are en route to
>picking up a customer, there is no coverage provided from
>Uber. If you don't have specific coverage targeting that, you
>might be essentially driving uninsured during that time.

Uber has updated it's insurance policy to include not only the time when you are on the way to pick up a passenger, but also the time where you have the app on and waiting for a request. that one is called Phase 1.

>Industry article I just looked at quoted a NY-area Uber exec

i'm in NJ. different rules.
>
>Kansas and NJ apparently tried to set legislation requiring
>Uber to cover drivers for this situation and Uber fought it
>tooth and nail.

and gave in. I'm covered. Not to the degree of Phase two (accepted a passenger and on the way, up until they get out) but there is coverage, nonetheless. I read my partner agreement word for word.


>Unless you're comfortable driving around potentially
>uninsured, I'd suggest you look into coverages for that gap
>first by checking with your auto insurer whether it's covered
>on your policy and (if not) whether they offer it as an add-on
>(some offer the coverage already, charging for it of course)
>and subsequently with other insurers.

my insurer has added ridesharing options in other states, just not NJ yet. when they do, i'll jump on it. In the meantime, i'm covered in all phases. is there some risk on my part? definitely because the coverage is limited. but my eyes are wide open. i gotta do this right now

thanks for the advice, tho...appreciate it

d

>I think - unless you're a super hustler uBer is going to end
>up being a minimum wage job. Or close to it.

someone should do an evenly matched comparison. i feel like it might not be too far off.

how do the earnings help you earn more? do they take a smaller cut if you get a certain amount of 5 star ratings?

>how do the earnings help you earn more? do they take a
>smaller cut if you get a certain amount of 5 star ratings?

no. the ratings make sure you can keep driving. If you drop below 4.5, they reserve the right to cut you off. They you have to pay for some bizarre "driver training" to get back on the platform

d

https://www.getaround.com

i don't mind strangers in my car...when i'm in it WITH them..but to just have someone else driving it altogether? nah

d

or is that already factored into the money you have listed above?

but some are still compelled. so far I woman tipped me cuz we chatted alot about how much she hates her job...lol. this morning, i missed out on a $10 tip cuz i didn't have change for a $20 :(

Really cool old white executive dude..and we were jamming to classic rock all the way to NYC..he really enjoyed the music and said I was "delightful" (only white people use that word..i love it lol)

d

my aunt pulls to the corner downtown and drops my cousin off
2 white girls climb in her back seat talking about "16th and walnut please"

The woman didn't even apologize or anything, then her Uber came and blocked me in.

i have only used Uber for private cars a handful of times and each time i've feared this situation was happening. which is why i always have my phone visible.

>my aunt pulls to the corner downtown and drops my cousin off
>
>2 white girls climb in her back seat talking about "16th and
>walnut please"
>
>

>>my aunt pulls to the corner downtown and drops my cousin
>off
>>
>>2 white girls climb in her back seat talking about "16th and
>>walnut please"
>>
>>
>

This is totally unrelated to you personally (sorry) but I was wondering what sort of side services uber drivers could offer to bump their margins up and of course this came to mind.


**********
"Everyone has a plan until you punch them in the face. Then they don't have a plan anymore." (c) Mike Tyson


"One of the most important things in life is what Judge Learned Hand described as 'that ever-gnawing inner doubt as to whether you're

b/c all Uber rides are fairly-well tracked via GPS. plus all transactions happen via credit card.

too much tracking. too many receipts.

"Get ready..for your blessing..."

www.engadgethd.com - the other stuff i'm looking at

not necessarily conducting the business during the ride. More like "hey, yall are on your way to a bar. if you're looking to have a good time later tonight, call this number"

full time

all of them said it was a great way to meet new clients plus they can turn on the app in between showings

We end up in a airbnb on the outskirts of downtown (whole other story). We're taking Uber everywhere. One night we go out for drinks then head back to the airbnb at like midnight getting an Uber. Driver is this 40ish black woman. I'm the only black man in the car so play up the conversation (though others are talking to). So we start talking and I'm asking her about moonshine (I'm a connoisseur) and she's like let me give you my card. Give me a call afterward and I'll hook you up.

I'm not sure how the convo changed from that point (something a co-worker said), but I look out and notice we're not going the right way. She's like nah yall don't want to go there. I'm like yeah we do. She's like nah I know what yall is looking for tonight. I start laughing. I'm like nah it ain't like that at all. She's like oh, I just thought...

█▆▇▅▇█▇▆▄▁▃
Big PEMFin H & z's
"I ain't no entertainer, and ain't trying to be one. I am 1 thing, a musician." � Miles

"When the music stops he falls back in the abyss."

still think it's a good deal.

my background check is finished but I'm a little worried because my car has bucket seats in the back.

ii have heard people say Uber approves VW CC's but I also heard people get pissed when they have 4 riders and you only have 3 available seats.

>still think it's a good deal.
>
>my background check is finished but I'm a little worried
>because my car has bucket seats in the back.
>
>ii have heard people say Uber approves VW CC's but I also
>heard people get pissed when they have 4 riders and you only
>have 3 available seats.

that could be a concern and might cause you to get rated lower if you encounter that situation.

I really wish the ride requests included the number of passengers so we know ahead of time.

d

I wonder if I should use my wife's Sonata since it has the full back seat but I love driving my car.

..its the only true measure you'll have regarding wear & tear on your vehicle (outside of major/minor incidents).

this will make accounting for things like brakes/oil changes/tires/tune-ups a breeze and truly show the value of cost vs. profit/revenue.

again, kudos on the new gig. keep up the good work and be safe out there.


*skatin' the rings of saturn*


..and miles to go before i sleep...

just got to note it before and after i go out driving...

thanks, man :)

d


>..its the only true measure you'll have regarding wear & tear
>on your vehicle (outside of major/minor incidents).
>
>this will make accounting for things like brakes/oil
>changes/tires/tune-ups a breeze and truly show the value of
>cost vs. profit/revenue.
>
>again, kudos on the new gig. keep up the good work and be safe
>out there.
>
>
>*skatin' the rings of saturn*
>
>
>..and miles to go before i sleep...

(I think. How do they handle taxes? Are you considered an independent contractor, or are you an actualUber "emploee?")

independent contractor. we will be putting aside 30% of all earnings for taxes

Probably car washes too if you keep a record...or you can do the standard mileage ded7ction. Probably check with your acct to be sure

It really fucking helps when you doin' that 1099.