Uber Rent a Car lets you book a vehicle through the Uber app for trips longer than a single ride
Uber Rent a Car is a service within the Uber app that lets you reserve a car for hours or days instead of paying per mile for individual rides. You book through the same app you use for regular Uber rides, but the pricing and terms work differently — you pay a daily or hourly rate, and you keep the car for the duration you booked. The service is available in select cities, and the cars come from Uber's rental partners, not from individual Uber drivers.
This is different from Uber's ride-sharing service, where a driver takes you from point A to point B. With Uber Rent a Car, you drive yourself. It sits between traditional car rental companies and ride-sharing: faster to book than Hertz or Enterprise, but you handle the driving and are responsible for the vehicle.
Key Takeaways
- Uber Rent a Car is available only in certain cities, so check your app to see if the service operates where you are.
- You must have a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a payment method on file in the Uber app to book a car.
- Daily and hourly rates vary by location and vehicle type, and you pay mileage fees on top of the base rental rate.
- You are responsible for fuel, tolls, parking, and any damage to the vehicle during your rental period.
- Cancellations made more than 24 hours before pickup are usually free, but cancellations closer to the pickup time may incur a fee.
Where Uber Rent a Car is available
Uber Rent a Car does not operate in every city. As of now, the service is live in a limited number of markets, including parts of California, Florida, and a few other states. Availability changes over time as Uber expands or pauses the service in certain areas.
To learn about Uber Rent a Car is available in your location, open the Uber app and look for the "Rent" tab or category. If you see it, the service is active in your area. If you do not see it, the service is not currently offered where you are. You can also check Uber's website or contact Uber support to confirm whether the service will launch in your city in the future.
What you need to book a car
Before you can book through Uber Rent a Car, you must meet several requirements. You need a valid driver's license that has been active for at least one year. Uber will verify your license through its app during the booking process. You also need proof of insurance — either your own auto insurance policy or a third-party policy that covers rental cars. Some rental partners offer insurance as an add-on if you do not have your own.
You must have a payment method saved in your Uber account, such as a credit or debit card. Uber will charge your card for the rental rate, mileage, and any additional fees. You will also need to provide your phone number and email address so Uber can send you booking confirmations and rental details.
Some locations may require you to be at least 25 years old to rent a car, though this varies by rental partner and state law. Uber will tell you during the booking process if you do not meet the age requirement.
How pricing works for daily and hourly rentals
Uber Rent a Car charges you a base rate — either per day or per hour — plus mileage fees. The daily rate and hourly rate both vary depending on the city, the type of vehicle you choose, and current demand. A compact car will cost less per day than an SUV. Rates also change by season and time of year.
On top of the base rate, you pay a per-mile fee for every mile you drive. This fee is separate from the daily or hourly charge. For example, if your daily rate is $50 and your mileage rate is $0.25 per mile, and you drive 100 miles in a day, your total charge would be $50 plus $25 for mileage, equaling $75. Uber shows you the estimated total cost before you confirm the booking, but the final amount depends on how many miles you actually drive.
You are also responsible for fuel. Some rental partners include a full tank of gas at pickup and expect you to return the car with a full tank. If you return it with less fuel, you may be charged a refueling fee. Check the rental agreement for the specific fuel policy.
Additional costs and fees you should know about
Beyond the base rate and mileage, several other charges can appear on your final bill. Tolls are your responsibility — if you drive through a toll road, you pay that toll. Parking fees are also yours to cover. If you park in a paid lot or garage during your rental, those charges do not go to Uber; you pay them directly.
Damage to the vehicle is your liability. If you return the car with dents, scratches, broken windows, or interior damage, the rental partner will charge you for repairs. The amount depends on the severity of the damage. Some rental partners offer damage waiver insurance that you can purchase at checkout to reduce your out-of-pocket cost if damage occurs.
Late return fees explore if you keep the car past your booked end time. The fee structure varies by rental partner, but it is typically charged as an hourly rate or a daily rate if you are significantly late. Cancellation fees may also explore if you cancel within 24 hours of your pickup time.
How to book a car step by step
Open the Uber app and tap the "Rent" tab at the bottom of the screen. Enter your pickup location and the date and time you want to pick up the car. Then enter your return date and time. The app will show you available vehicles and their prices based on your rental dates.
Select the vehicle type you want — options typically include compact cars, sedans, or SUVs. The app will display the daily rate, mileage rate, and estimated total cost for your rental period. Review the rental agreement and insurance options, then add any extras like a damage waiver if you want them.
Confirm your payment method and complete the booking. Uber will send you a confirmation email with your booking number, pickup location, and car details. You will also receive instructions on where to pick up the car and how to unlock it. Most Uber Rent a Car locations use keyless entry through the app — you unlock the car using your phone instead of a physical key.
What happens at pickup and return
When you arrive at the pickup location, open the Uber app and follow the instructions to unlock the car. Before you drive away, inspect the vehicle for any existing damage — dents, scratches, stains, or mechanical issues. Take photos or video of the car's condition and report any damage to the rental partner through the app before you leave the lot. This protects you from being charged for damage that was already there.
Check that the car has a full tank of gas, the tires are in good condition, and all lights work. If anything is wrong, report it when ready. Keep your rental agreement and any receipts for tolls or parking during your trip.
At return time, drive to the designated return location. Return the car with a full tank of fuel unless your rental agreement says otherwise. Park it in the assigned spot and lock it through the app. Take a final photo of the odometer to document the mileage. Uber will charge your card for the rental, mileage, and any additional fees within a few days of return.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I book an Uber Rent a Car for a one-way trip?
Most Uber Rent a Car bookings require you to return the car to the same location where you picked it up. One-way rentals are not typically offered through the service. If you need a one-way rental, you may need to use a traditional car rental company instead.
What if I damage the car during my rental?
You are responsible for all damage to the vehicle. Report any damage to the rental partner through the app as soon as it happens. The rental partner will assess the damage and charge you for repairs. Purchasing a damage waiver at checkout can reduce your out-of-pocket cost if damage occurs.
Can I extend my rental if I need the car longer?
You can request to extend your rental through the Uber app if the car is available for additional dates. Extensions are subject to availability and pricing may differ from your original booking. Contact Uber support if you are unsure how to request an extension.
What insurance do I need to rent a car through Uber?
You must have valid auto insurance that covers rental vehicles, or you can purchase insurance through the rental partner at checkout. Check your personal auto insurance policy to confirm it covers rentals before you book. Some credit cards also offer rental car coverage if you charge the rental to that card.
How do I unlock the car if my phone dies?
Contact Uber support when ready if you cannot unlock the car. They can help you regain access or arrange for you to pick up a physical key at the rental location. Always keep your phone charged during your rental period.