What Uber Rentals are and who can use them
Uber Rentals lets you rent a car through the Uber app for trips that last hours or days, rather than booking a single ride. Instead of paying per mile like you do with Uber X or Uber Black, you pay a daily or weekly rate, pick up a car from a local lot, and return it when you're done. The service is available in select cities — not nationwide — and the cars come from Uber's own fleet or partner rental companies.
You need an active Uber account, a valid driver's license, and to meet the rental company's age requirement, which is typically 21 or older depending on your location. Some locations require you to be 25. You'll also need a valid payment method on file and a phone number where Uber can reach you.
Key Takeaways
- Uber Rentals charges a daily or weekly rate rather than per-mile pricing, and the rate varies by city and car type.
- You book and pay through the Uber app, pick up the car at a designated lot, and return it to the same location when done.
- Insurance, gas, and tolls are your responsibility unless you buy Uber's optional damage waiver or insurance add-on.
- Availability is limited to certain cities, so you need to check the Uber app in your area to see if the service operates there.
- Late returns, fuel charges, and damage beyond normal wear can result in additional fees on top of your rental rate.
How to book an Uber Rental through the app
Open the Uber app and tap the category menu at the top left. Scroll to find "Rentals" — it appears as a separate option alongside Rides, Eats, and other services. Tap it, then enter your pickup date, time, and return date. The app will show available cars, their daily rates, and any ongoing promotions.
Select the car you want and review the rental terms before confirming. You'll see the total cost broken down by day, plus any fees. Complete the booking by confirming your payment method. Uber will send you a confirmation with your pickup location, car details, and instructions for collecting your keys.
On pickup day, arrive at the designated lot at your scheduled time. A staff member will walk you through the car's condition, fuel level, and mileage, and you'll sign the rental agreement. Take photos of the car's exterior and interior before you leave the lot — this protects you if there's a dispute about damage later.
Daily and weekly rates and what they include
Daily rates vary by city and car type. A compact economy car might cost $35 to $60 per day in one city and $50 to $75 in another. Larger vehicles or premium models cost more. Weekly rates usually offer a discount compared to paying daily rates for seven days — for example, a car that costs $50 per day might cost $280 for a week instead of $350.
The rental rate covers the car itself, basic insurance (liability only, in most cases), and roadside information. It does not include gas, tolls, parking fees, or damage beyond normal wear. You are responsible for returning the car with a full tank of gas. If you return it empty or partially empty, Uber charges a fuel refill fee, which is typically higher than what you would pay at a gas station.
Optional add-ons are available at checkout: a damage waiver (usually $15 to $25 per day) that reduces your liability for accidental damage, and additional insurance coverage if your personal auto policy does not cover rentals. Read the damage waiver terms carefully — it typically covers collision and theft but may have a deductible or exclude certain types of damage.
Insurance, damage, and what happens if something goes wrong
Uber Rentals includes basic liability insurance, which covers damage you cause to other vehicles or property. It does not cover damage to the rental car itself. If you hit another car or damage the rental, you are liable for repairs unless you purchased the optional damage waiver at booking.
Before you drive away, inspect the car thoroughly and document its condition with photos or video. Note any existing dents, scratches, or interior damage on the rental agreement. When you return the car, the rental company will inspect it again. If they find damage that was not on the original inspection report, they will charge you for repairs. Disputes over damage can take weeks to resolve and may appear on your Uber account or credit card statement.
If you are in an accident, contact Uber when ready through the app and file a police report if there are injuries or significant damage. Do not admit fault or agree to pay for damage on the spot. Uber will guide you through the claims process, but you may still be responsible for a deductible or out-of-pocket costs depending on your damage waiver coverage.
Late fees, fuel charges, and other costs beyond the rental rate
Return the car on time to the same location where you picked it up. If you return it late, Uber charges an hourly late fee — typically $10 to $15 per hour, though this varies by location. A two-hour delay could add $20 to $30 to your bill. Some locations cap late fees at a certain amount per day.
Fuel is your responsibility. Return the car with a full tank. If you don't, Uber charges a fuel refill fee, which is usually $5 to $10 per gallon depending on the city — significantly more than you would pay at a pump. You are also responsible for any tolls you incur during the rental period. Tolls are charged to your payment method on file after the rental ends.
Parking tickets, traffic violations, and towing fees are your responsibility. If you receive a ticket or your car is towed while rented, you will be notified and charged. Some cities allow Uber to pass these costs directly to your account.
Where Uber Rentals is available and how to check your city
Uber Rentals operates in a limited number of cities, including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, and Washington D.C., but the list changes. Availability depends on local regulations, demand, and Uber's partnerships with rental companies in each area.
To see if the service is available where you are, open the Uber app, tap the category menu, and scroll down. If "Rentals" appears as an option, the service is active in your city. If it does not appear, the service is not yet available in your area. You can also check Uber's website or contact Uber support to ask about future availability in your location.
Uber Rentals versus traditional car rental companies
Uber Rentals and traditional rental companies like Enterprise, Hertz, or Budget differ in booking, pricing, and convenience. Uber Rentals lets you book when ready through an app you already use, with no phone call or separate website. Traditional rental companies often require you to visit a counter, show your license in person, and complete paperwork on site.
Pricing can favor either option depending on the city and dates. Uber Rentals may be cheaper for short rentals in cities where it operates, but traditional companies often have more locations, wider vehicle selection, and established insurance partnerships. If you need a rental in a city where Uber Rentals is not available, or if you want to compare rates, traditional rental companies are your only choice.
Damage liability and insurance work differently too. Traditional rental companies often bundle damage coverage into their rates or offer it as a clear add-on. Uber Rentals makes the damage waiver optional, which can save money upfront but leaves you exposed if something goes wrong. Read the terms of both before booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I book an Uber Rental for someone else to drive?
No. The person whose name is on the rental agreement must be the one who picks up the car and drives it. Uber requires the driver's license of the person booking to match the person at pickup. If someone else drives the car, you are liable for any accidents, damage, or violations.
What if I need to extend my rental?
Contact Uber through the app before your return time. If the car is available and there are no other bookings, Uber can extend your rental and charge you the daily rate for the extra days. If the car is already booked by another customer, you cannot extend and must return on time.
Do I need my own insurance to rent through Uber?
Uber Rentals includes basic liability coverage, so you are not required to have your own auto insurance. However, your personal policy may cover rentals, and using it could be cheaper than buying Uber's damage waiver. Check your policy or call your insurer before booking to see what is covered.
What happens if the car breaks down while I'm renting it?
Uber provides roadside information as part of the rental. Call the number on your rental agreement or use the Uber app to report the problem. Uber will arrange a tow or repair. You are not charged for mechanical failures, but you are responsible for damage caused by misuse or neglect.
Can I drive the rental car out of state?
This depends on the rental company and your location. Some Uber Rentals allow out-of-state driving; others do not. Check the rental terms at booking or contact Uber support before you book if you plan to cross state lines. Crossing state lines without permission can void your insurance coverage.