Uber's car rental service lets you rent a vehicle through the Uber app for trips longer than a few hours or when you need a car for multiple days

Uber Car Rentals is a service within the Uber app that connects you with rental cars from partner companies. You search for dates and location, see available vehicles and prices, and complete the rental through the app. The rental agreement is between you and the rental company — Uber acts as the booking platform. Pricing, vehicle types, and insurance options vary by location and rental partner.

This differs from Uber's ride-sharing service (where Uber connects you with a driver). With Car Rentals, you drive the vehicle yourself. The service is available in select cities and regions; availability depends on where you are and which rental partners operate there.

Key Takeaways

  • You book and pay through the Uber app, but the rental contract is with the rental company partner, not Uber.
  • Pricing includes the daily or hourly rental rate plus taxes, fees, and optional insurance; fuel and mileage charges vary by rental partner.
  • You must meet the rental company's age requirement (typically 18 or 21 depending on the company and vehicle type) and have a valid driver's license.
  • Cancellation policies and vehicle pickup locations depend on the specific rental partner, so check the details before you book.

How to book a car rental through Uber

Open the Uber app and tap the category menu at the top. Select "Rentals" (or "Car Rentals" depending on your app version). Enter your pickup location, return location, and the dates and times you need the car. The app shows available vehicles from partner rental companies, sorted by price and vehicle type.

Tap a vehicle to see the full price breakdown, rental terms, and what's included. Review the rental company's cancellation policy and insurance options before you confirm. Complete payment through your Uber account, and you'll receive a confirmation with pickup instructions. Most rentals require you to pick up the car in person at a rental location; some partners may offer delivery or mobile pickup in certain areas.

Pricing and what's included in the cost

The total price shown in the app includes the base rental rate (daily or hourly), taxes, and Uber's booking fee. It does not include fuel, parking, tolls, or mileage overage charges if the rental partner charges by the mile. Some rental companies include unlimited mileage; others charge per mile after a daily allowance.

Insurance is optional and adds to the cost. You can decline it if your personal auto insurance or credit card covers rental cars, but check your policy first — many personal policies exclude rental vehicles. The rental company's collision damage waiver (CDW) or loss damage waiver (LDW) typically costs $15 to $30 per day, depending on the vehicle and location. Read what each option covers before you choose.

Fuel is your responsibility. Some rentals require you to return the car with a full tank; others charge a refueling fee if you return it empty. The app shows the fuel policy for each rental before you book.

Age requirements and driver's license rules

You must have a valid driver's license to rent a car through Uber. The rental company sets the minimum age requirement, which is typically 18 for economy vehicles and 21 for larger or premium vehicles. Some companies charge an additional young driver fee for renters under 25.

Your license must be current and not suspended or revoked. International renters may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to their home country license; this varies by rental company and location. The rental company verifies your license information when you pick up the car, so bring the physical license with you.

Cancellation and changes to your reservation

Each rental partner has its own cancellation policy, shown in the app before you book. Some allow free cancellation up to 24 or 48 hours before pickup; others charge a cancellation fee regardless of timing. A few partners offer non-refundable rates at a lower price in exchange for no cancellations.

To cancel or modify a reservation, open the Uber app, go to your active or upcoming rentals, and select the booking. If cancellation is allowed under that partner's policy, you'll see the option to cancel. If you're within the free cancellation window, you'll receive a refund to your Uber account. If you're past that window or the rate is non-refundable, the cancellation fee will be deducted.

What happens at pickup and return

Arrive at the rental location at your scheduled pickup time with your driver's license and the confirmation from the Uber app. The rental company staff will verify your identity, review the vehicle's condition with you (documenting any existing damage), and go over the rental terms. You'll sign the rental agreement at this point — this is the contract between you and the rental company, not Uber.

Before you leave the lot, inspect the car for damage, check that all lights and wipers work, and confirm the fuel level. Take photos or video of the vehicle's condition if the rental company allows it. At return, bring the car back to the same location at your scheduled time, in the condition specified in your agreement. The rental company will inspect it, process any damage claims, and finalize the rental. Any additional charges (fuel, damage, late fees, mileage overages) will be added to your Uber account.

Insurance and damage liability

Your personal auto insurance may cover rental cars, but many policies exclude them. Check your policy or call your insurer before you book. If your policy does not cover rentals, you can purchase the rental company's collision damage waiver through the Uber app. This typically covers damage to the rental car up to the vehicle's value, though you may still owe a deductible.

If you decline insurance and damage occurs, you are responsible for repair costs. The rental company will assess the damage at return and charge you directly. Damage claims can take weeks to process, and the company may charge you for diminished value or administrative fees. Credit card rental car coverage (offered by some premium cards) may reimburse you after you pay, but read the terms carefully — many exclude certain types of damage or have limits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a car through Uber in my city?

Uber Car Rentals is available in select cities and regions. Open the Uber app, tap Rentals, and enter your location and dates. If no results appear, the service is not yet available where you are. Availability depends on which rental partners operate in your area.

What if I need to extend my rental after I've picked up the car?

Contact the rental company directly — their phone number is in your rental agreement and confirmation. They can extend the rental if the car is available and update your charges. Extending through the rental company directly is usually faster than trying to modify through the Uber app.

Am I covered if I get in an accident?

That depends on whether you purchased the rental company's insurance and what your personal auto insurance covers. If you bought the rental company's collision damage waiver, it covers damage to the rental car. If you declined it, you pay for repairs yourself. Your personal insurance may cover you, but most policies exclude rentals — check before you book.

What happens if I return the car late?

Late fees vary by rental partner and are outlined in your rental agreement. Most charge an hourly rate for the first few hours, then a daily rate if you're more than a few hours late. The fee is added to your Uber account. Call the rental company as soon as you know you'll be late — some may waive a small overage if you notify them in advance.

Can someone else drive the rental car?

The rental agreement is in your name, and you are the only person authorized to drive it unless you add an additional driver at pickup. The rental company charges a fee (usually $10 to $15 per day) to add a driver, and that person must meet the same age and license requirements. Do not let an unauthorized person drive the car — you remain liable for any damage or violations.