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- Uber and Lyft provide flexible work for millions of drivers with a very low barrier to entry.
- But despite the benefits, many say there are things they wish they had known before starting to drive.
- Everything from insurance, to taxes, to vehicle wear and tear make driving for the companies more complicated than you might think.
- Visit Business Insider’s homepage for more stories.
More than two million people have signed up to drive for Uber and Lyft around the world.
That ride-hailing explosion has unlocked new travel (and dining) options for billions of people, while providing flexible work and additional income for the independent contractors who power the apps’ services.
But for some drivers, the job ended up being different than what they expected. From the loneliness that comes from having no boss or coworkers, to unforeseen wear and tear on their vehicles, drivers have plenty of advice for those who might also be thinking about firing up their phones and hitting the road.
Here’s what more than 20 drivers told Business Insider they wish they would have realized sooner:
Vehicle damage can add up quickly
Hillsboro Chamber/Flickr
Everyday wear and tear on cars by people who only drive to work and home can add up quickly. And when your car is providing many of those same trips every single day, with dozens of passengers, that damage can grow exponentially.
"I wish I would have known how much damage customers were going to do to my vehicle and the wear and tear and how much it would cost to maintain it," Barb M., a driver in Michigan, told Business Insider. "If you’re not having a good week the gas and maintenance alone can blow all your profit."
Sometimes, damage can easily top Uber’s $250 credit for repairs and cleaning, multiple drivers said. If a ride isn’t currently in progress, Uber’s third-party insurance providers likely won’t provide coverage.
"I was surprised to learn about this after an accident," Nick, a driver in Washington DC, said. "Now I’m stuck paying out of pocket for something I thought the insurance I pay for would cover."
Riders will take their time
REUTERS/Desmond Boylan
"I wish I’d known ahead of time that customers are typically in no hurry to get into your car," Barb said.
Drivers are paid in most markets to wait on customers, but it’s not nearly as much as the per-mile rate that serves as the biggest source of income.
"You hit the button to request the ride. What are you doing?," Jeff, a driver in Colorado, said, referring to riders who are slow to get in the vehicle.
Figuring out a schedule that works for you can be tricky
Anindito Mukherjee/Reuters
People are on the move at very specific times of day, and that affects when demand for rides peaks.
"I try to advise new drivers on the best times to drive," Jenny, an Uber driver in New Jersey, said. "Where I am, morning airport runs are really good, but the middle of the day can be slow."
See the rest of the story at Business Insider
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SEE ALSO: Uber and Lyft drivers reveal the things you should never do while taking a ride
Source: Business Insider – grapier@businessinsider.com (Graham Rapier)