Uber Rent lets you book a car directly through the Uber app for trips that need a longer rental period
Uber Rent is a car rental service built into the Uber app that lets you reserve a vehicle for hours or days rather than requesting a ride. Instead of a driver taking you somewhere, you get the car itself — you drive it, return it, and pay a daily or hourly rate. It operates in select cities and works alongside Uber's ride-hailing service in the same app.
The service sits between traditional car rental companies (which require you to visit a lot and sign paperwork) and ride-sharing (where someone else drives). You need a valid driver's license, a payment method on file, and to be at least 21 years old in most locations. The rental period, pricing, and vehicle availability change by city.
Key Takeaways
- Uber Rent books directly through the Uber app and charges by the hour or day, with prices varying by location and vehicle type.
- You pick up and return the car at Uber's designated lot or hub, not at your home, and you are responsible for damage, fuel, and tolls during the rental.
- The service is only available in certain cities — check your Uber app to see if Rent is offered where you live.
- Insurance coverage through Uber Rent is limited; you may need your own car insurance or to purchase additional coverage to be fully protected.
How to book a car through Uber Rent
Open the Uber app and look for the "Rent" tab at the bottom of the screen (it appears alongside Uber X, Uber Eats, and other services). Tap it, then enter your pickup date, time, and return date. The app shows available vehicles, their daily rates, and any fees — such as a young driver fee if you are under 25, or a cleaning fee if you return the car dirty.
Select the car you want and confirm the booking. You will receive a confirmation with pickup instructions, usually telling you to go to a specific Uber hub or lot at the time you booked. Bring your driver's license and the payment method you used to book. Some locations require you to upload a photo of your license before you arrive.
At pickup, an Uber staff member will inspect the car with you, document its condition, and show you how to unlock and start it (many Uber Rent vehicles use keyless entry through the app). You will sign a rental agreement and receive information about fuel, tolls, and damage responsibility. Return the car to the same location by your scheduled time, or you will be charged for additional hours or days.
What you pay and what is included
Pricing varies by city and vehicle type. A compact car might cost $15 to $25 per hour or $50 to $80 per day, while larger vehicles cost more. These rates are shown in the app before you book. The daily rate usually includes a set number of miles; extra miles cost between $0.25 and $0.50 per mile depending on your location.
You pay for fuel yourself — the car comes with a full tank, and you return it full or pay a refueling fee (typically $5 to $15 plus the cost of the fuel). Tolls, parking tickets, and traffic violations are your responsibility. If you damage the car, Uber charges you for repairs; minor damage might cost $100 to $500, while major damage can cost thousands.
Some locations offer optional damage waiver coverage for $10 to $20 per day, which reduces your out-of-pocket cost if the car is damaged. This does not cover everything — it usually has a deductible and does not cover theft or loss of the vehicle.
Where Uber Rent is available
Uber Rent operates in a limited number of cities in the United States. As of now, it is available in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Miami, and a handful of other metropolitan areas. Uber regularly expands the service, but availability changes. The easiest way to check if Uber Rent is available in your city is to open the Uber app and look for the Rent tab — if it is not there, the service is not yet offered in your area.
Even within cities where Uber Rent operates, it may only be available during certain hours or from specific hubs. The app shows you the exact pickup and return locations available to you when you search for a rental.
Insurance and liability when you rent through Uber
Uber Rent's insurance coverage is limited. Uber provides liability coverage (which pays for damage you cause to other people or property), but it does not cover damage to the rental car itself unless you purchase the optional damage waiver. This means if you hit another car, Uber's insurance covers the other driver's repairs — but if the Uber Rent car is damaged, you pay for it unless you bought the waiver.
Your personal car insurance may or may not cover a rental car. Some policies extend to rentals; others do not. Before you book, call your insurance company and ask whether you are covered while driving a car rented through Uber Rent. If you are not covered and do not want to buy Uber's damage waiver, you are taking on significant financial risk.
If you are in an accident, report it to Uber when ready through the app. Uber will ask for photos, a police report (if law enforcement responded), and details about what happened. Do not admit fault or sign anything at the scene except the police report.
Differences between Uber Rent and traditional car rental companies
Traditional rental companies like Enterprise, Hertz, and Avis require you to visit a physical location, show your license, and sign a contract in person. They offer a wider range of vehicle types and longer rental periods (weeks or months). Their insurance options are more detailed, and they have established damage and loss procedures.
Uber Rent is faster to book (it takes minutes in the app), has no in-person paperwork, and works well for short-term rentals of a few hours to a few days. However, it is available in fewer cities, offers fewer vehicle choices, and has less transparent insurance terms. If you need a car for a week or longer, or if Uber Rent is not available in your area, a traditional rental company is usually your better option.
Uber Rent also does not offer the loyalty programs, corporate discounts, or roadside information that traditional rental companies provide. If you rent cars frequently, those benefits might save you money over time.
What happens if you damage the car or return it late
If you damage the rental car, Uber will assess the damage at return or contact you later with photos and a repair estimate. You are responsible for the full cost unless you purchased the damage waiver. Minor damage like a small dent or scratch might cost $200 to $500 to repair; major damage like a broken window or collision damage can cost $1,000 or more.
If you return the car late, Uber charges you for the additional time. Hourly rentals are charged by the hour; daily rentals are charged by the day. If you are 30 minutes late on a daily rental, you may be charged for an additional full day. Check your rental agreement for the exact late-return policy in your city.
If the car is stolen or totaled in an accident, Uber's liability is limited. You may be charged the full value of the vehicle, which can be $20,000 or more. This is why checking your personal insurance coverage before you rent is critical.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need my own car insurance to rent through Uber Rent?
Not necessarily, but it is strongly recommended. Uber Rent provides liability coverage (for damage you cause to others), but not comprehensive coverage for the rental car itself. If your personal policy covers rentals, you have better protection. If it does not, you should buy Uber's damage waiver to avoid paying thousands out of pocket for repairs.
What if I run out of fuel during my rental?
You are responsible for keeping the tank full. If you return the car with less than a full tank, Uber charges a refueling fee (usually $5 to $15) plus the cost of the fuel at their rate, which is typically higher than a gas station. To avoid this, fill up at a regular gas station before you return the car.
Can I rent an Uber Rent car if I am under 21?
No, you must be at least 21 years old in most locations. Some cities may allow drivers as young as 18 with an additional young driver fee, but this varies. Check the app or contact Uber support to confirm the age requirement in your area.
What if the car breaks down during my rental?
Contact Uber through the app when ready. Uber will either send a replacement car or arrange a tow. You are not responsible for mechanical failures that occur during normal use. Do not attempt repairs yourself or take the car to a mechanic — Uber will handle it.
Can I book an Uber Rent car for someone else to drive?
No, the person who books the rental must be the one who picks it up and drives it. The rental agreement is tied to your driver's license and identity. If someone else needs to drive, they must book and pick up the car themselves.