Gridwise blog

We’ve all been there. You’re out at the right time of day for peakrideshare and delivery business, but … you must not be in the rightplace. The volume you were looking for just isn’t showing up.

Your rideshare and delivery apps probably show where theythink the peak places are, but that doesn’t mean they’re accurate – nordoes it mean those locations won’t already be swamped with otherdrivers.

Let’s look at the issue of “where to drive,” and a solution to theproblem that you can get from your Gridwise app. In this article we’llcover:

• What knowing where to drive does for you
• How to get the data you need
• Where to Drive: a great new feature for Gridwise drivers
• What drivers are saying about Where to Drive from Gridwise

How knowing where to drive benefits you

At any given moment, you can scan your app’s map and see where the“hot” areas might be. They’ll be marked as places where the rates arehigher, crowds are more dense, and/or where there’s a bigger need fordrivers.

This can help you a lot, but surge maps on gig platform apps don’talways offer consistent, reliable information. Drivers who’ve played“chase the surge” can tell you that at best, driving to a high-volumearea might work only half the time. All too often, drivers waste timeand gas driving to a hot area, only to watch the surge prices evaporateas soon as they get there.

What you really need is historical data that lets you knowwhere high-demand areas are – not just once in a while, but all thetime. When you see the parts of town, or your suburban area, get themost traffic and yield the highest earnings on a regular basis, you cancount on making your trip to those spots well worth your while.

How to get the data you need

You undoubtedly have a history of where you make the most money ongiven days, but it’s not easy to compile that kind of information.Unless you’re a whiz with spreadsheets, you probably don’t even thinkabout taking the time to map out where the cash comes from.

No one can blame you for that; drivers have enough to do as it is.Also, just because you get good business in one or two areasconsistently doesn’t mean you can keep going back to the same well.Eventually, it’s going to run dry. But what if you could get data from allthe areas where you could potentially drive or deliver, right on yourphone, so you could look at it while you’re on your shift as well aswhen you’re planning it? We know what you’re thinking: “Yeah, right.”

We’re not kidding. In fact, Gridwise wants to get that informationinto your hands where it can be put to good use. How can this happen?

Gridwise anonymously collects data from drivers who sync theirdriving and delivery apps. Earnings, mileage, and locations arerecorded, and … Gridwise compiles all the info that tells us where theaction is in your town. You won’t want to miss having it in yourinformation arsenal!

You already know Gridwise as a great resource for information and driver-focused deals and discounts, including:

• Airport information: arrivals, departures, and queue lengths at your location
• Weather: current information and weather alerts
• Traffic: traffic alerts
• Gas deals: join Gridwise Plus and get $.10 off per gallon with Gridwise Gas
• Event information: everything you need to know about local events
• When to Drive: a new feature that tells you the best times to drive in your area for rideshare, food delivery, and delivery of groceries and packages

And there’s more! The whole reason Gridwise collects the information on the best times and spots to drive is to serve drivers. Gridwisetracks your earnings and expenses with very little effort on your part.All you need to do is link your gig apps to Gridwise, and the app willlog your earnings stats and mileage automatically. Also, Gridwise makesit easy to record your expenses as you’re incurring them. Then, whenyou’re ready to see how well you and your driving gigs are doing, youcan call up the numbers in helpful graphs like these:

And now … there’s Where to Drive!

Where to Drive: a great new feature for Gridwise drivers

Optimize your driving strategy with this slick new feature fromGridwise. Check out and compare the hot spots in your driving domain andget all the stats:

• Earnings: the combined total earnings from each neighborhood or area
• Trips: the total number of trips from each locality
• Earnings per trip
• Distance per trip

Here’s what it looks like:

Right now, Where to Drive is only available in select major cities. Check to see if it’s available in your area by clicking on the Where to Drive icon on the Home screen:

If you can only see the Nationwide view, that means that we don’thave enough data from drivers in your area to give you accurateinformation. But, the more drivers that join Gridwise in your city, themore insights we can give you. So if you tell your friends and otherdrivers about Gridwise, the more useful our app will be; win-win!

And if you’re a Gridwise Plus member, you get even more options.You’ll be able to expand the menu of filters so you can put together astrategy that always wins. Join Gridwise Plus with a few taps, in-app.Your membership is 100% tax-deductible, and will hand you the keys to earning an average of $300 more per month.

• The Where to Drivefeature offers Gridwise Plus members the best hourly earnings byneighborhood in your city. All numbers are derived from real-timecrowdsourced data, anonymously collected from other Gridwise users. Youcan customize the information in more ways than you can probablyimagine. Look at total earnings, or split them between rideshare ordelivery, time, and date. It’s clear and easy to use, too; here’s whatthe expanded menu looks like:
• You can view data for rideshare, fooddelivery, or grocery/package delivery, and see earnings by the hour andtrip. You can also compare earnings over time by looking back in time.
• We need to tell you that once in a while (rarely), it may be hard to getthe full picture because there isn’t enough data. This is part of theproblem of using other users’ information, but again, it happens rarely. Most of the time you’re getting the best insight available, withnumbers that come from other drivers, just like you.

What drivers are saying about Where to Drive from Gridwise

We value our Beta testers because they tell us exactly what it’s liketo experience new features as we add them to the Gridwise app. Here aresome of their reactions, after their recent test runs on the new Where to Drive feature:

Long-time Gridwise user Hamilton says:

“I would definitely use the feature more often than the Uber heatmap. This would be super-useful if there’s a lull in a certain spot,then the Gridwise app would show me whether or not it’s worth leavingthe area to go somewhere else.”

Summer, another driver who uses Gridwise, told us:

“I would change my driving strategy now that the Gridwise app shows me the most valuable times to drive in different areas.”

Tony, a loyal Gridwise driver, said:

“The Where to Drive feature would be useful for medriving food delivery because it would show what suburbs/areas areprofitable and where I should be heading for the lunch rush.”

We’d like to know what your experience of using the Where to Drive feature is like, but there’s only one way for us all to find out … download the Gridwise app, and try it today!

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Being a rideshare or delivery driver is a demanding job. Strict deadlines, fierce competition, and performance-linked incentives leave very little room for delivery delays or failures. 

Still, breakdowns happen, even when you take every precaution to avoid them.

So, what can you do to minimize the impact for you and the customer when your vehicle breaks down in the middle of an Uber, Lyft, or food delivery trip? 

What should you do if your car breaks down while driving for Uber or Lyft?

Any vehicle breakdown is bad, but adding passengers to the mix is even more complicated, not to mention aggravating. Uber and Lyft drivers must be extra cautious and take the proper steps to reduce the chance of breakdowns. 

You should also have a plan to tackle any challenges if a breakdown does occur:

• Pull over safely and clearly communicate the situation to the rider;
• Contact Uber or Lyft driver support immediately to let them know about the situation;
• If you can fix the car, let the rider know approximately how long it will take;
• If you cannot fix the car, end the trip immediately and assist the rider in booking another ride;
• Always take care of the rider first, then your vehicle.

What should you do if your car breaks down while driving for DoorDash or Uber Eats?

Delays when delivering groceries or food orders might not be the same as being stranded in the middle of nowhere, but it can still inconvenience your customer and impact your tips and rating. 

Here are a few options if you get stuck making a food delivery order: 

• Pull over safely and contact customer support;
• Contact the customer directly to inform them about the situation;
• If the vehicle issue is something you can fix, let the customer know how long you expect the delay to be.

Tip: Even if the company has already contacted the customer, it leaves a good impression if you can personally communicate with the person and apologize directly for the inconvenience. You may even be able to save your tips.

A little preventative maintenance goes a long way

As the saying goes, “Prevention is the best medicine.” 

While we’re certainly no doctors, this adage applies to vehicle maintenance as well. 

Though breakdowns and repairs are inevitable, particularly as cars age and depreciate, you can prevent many emergencies by taking measures such as:

• Schedule regular maintenance and servicing;
• Avoid rash or reckless driving;
• Get your oil changed on time;
• Learn to perform basic roadside repairs, and keep a toolbox and a spare tire in your vehicle;
• Address small repairs quickly before they turn into bigger issues.

If all else fails, who can you call? 

Enrolling in a roadside assistance program can help you get back on the road quickly in the event of a breakdown – or if you run out of gas. 

It’s a form of insurance that is often sold as an add-on with your auto insurance. The situations/incidents covered under roadside assistance programs can include:

• Mechanical failure 
• Towing 
• On-site refueling 
• Tire changes
• Vehicle lockouts 
• Courtesy vehicles: A few premium policies also supply a vehicle to the policy owner at the site of the breakdown for temporary use.

Since roadside assistance is an insurance policy, different providers offer different benefits – all to provide you with seamless relief when a vehicle breaks down. 

There are many popular roadside assistance insurance providers in the U.S., each with its own pros and cons: 

Uber Pro (managed by urgent.ly)

Pros

1. Complimentary service, as part of the Uber Pro rewards program
2. Real-time tracking and status updates 
3. Uber-like on-demand service with a connected network of 45,000 service vehicles
4. Around-the-clock customer support

Cons

1. Only available for select Uber drivers
2. Can only be used while driving for Uber 

Allstate (great for Lyft drivers)

Pros

1. Membership and pay-per-use plans available
2. Focused plans
3. Membership plans also cover family members
4. Can be purchased as an inexpensive add-on to an Allstate car insurance policy
5. Platinum status Lyft drivers get free roadside assistance as part of Lyft’s Accelerate driver rewards program
6. Lyft drivers get pre-negotiated and discounted flat rates for roadside assistance services

Cons

1. No premium plans
2. Limits on benefits can be restrictive

AAA 

Pros

1. Established provider with a proven track record of reliability and quick service
2. Multiple membership options to match your requirements and budget
3. Free identity-theft monitoring for all members
4. Partner discounts and perks

Cons

1. Requires full membership
2. Membership benefits can be costly and unhelpful for drivers
3. Prices vary significantly by region

Good Sam Roadside Assistance

Pros

1. Multiple membership options to match your needs
2. Single plan to cover all your vehicles
3. Family members included in the plan at no extra cost
4. No limit on towing distance (restrictions apply)

Cons

1. Benefits geared toward families with multiple vehicles
2. Restrictions can limit actual benefits to drivers 
3. Requires full membership

State Farm Roadside Assistance

Pros

1. Available add-on with State Farm auto insurance
2. Policyholders can request roadside assistance only when needed without buying the add-on, as long as they are willing to pay for the services
3. Inexpensive option for State Farm policyholders

Cons

1. Available only to State Farm auto insurance policyholders
2. Only one basic plan with many restrictions
3. No option for extensive coverage even if you are willing to pay more

Gridwise is there when you need it! 

Want a little more assistance? look no further than Gridwise. The #1 gig-driving assistant pulls together all of your driver data, so you can see exactly how much you’re earning at a glance, all in one centralized location.

Plus, we provide you with driver offers and an engaged community to take your earnings to the next level. So download the Gridwise app today and get started on the path to higher earnings.

And if you have experience using any of these roadside services, or a helpful tip to offer, we’d love to hear from you. Drop us a comment below or join our Facebook group!

So you want to drive rideshare. That’s great! You’ve probably seen what a great part- and full-time gig driving for platforms like Lyft and Uber can be, offering flexibility and outstanding opportunities to earn on your own terms. But there’s one problem … 

You don’t have a car. 

Not to worry! There are several options available for rideshare drivers who don’t own a vehicle. And even if you do, it might still be smart for you to consider renting a separate vehicle for your business, which helps you cut down on depreciation and maintenance costs. 

If you’ve never worked as a rideshare driver before, renting a car for a few weeks is a great way to get a feel for it. That will allow you to see if it’s a good fit for you, and whether you’ll make money in your area.

Why would I consider renting a car? 

Going the rental route makes a lot of financial sense for some drivers. Here are some reasons you might consider renting a car for your rideshare business:

• It requires little to no investment to get started compared with purchasing a vehicle;
• It’s a safe bet when you are unsure about the viability of rideshare in your city;
• You can get access to a vehicle even if you don’t have stellar credit;
• You can switch vehicles easily and frequently to pick the one that works best for you (if you wanted to drive XL for an event weekend, for example);
• You don’t want to worry about basic repairs, maintenance, depreciation, and insurance costs.

How do I rent a car for rideshare? 

Drivers can rent directly from Uber and Lyft through their approved programs. Even though Uber and Lyft have rental programs, the vehicles are still supplied by rental company partners. 

Uber partners with Avis, Hertz, KINTO Share, Getaround, and Zipcar. All the information you need about these partners and Uber’s rental program can be found on this page.

Lyft, as part of its Express Drive rental program, has two car rental partners: Flexdrive and Hertz. All the information you need about this program can be found here. 

It’s important to note that driving an unapproved rental vehicle may result in removal from the platform, so make sure you’re getting your car from the right place. 

The process to rent a car from Uber or Lyft is pretty simple:

1. Sign up as a driver and pass background checks (where applicable);
2. Select a vehicle;
3. Make a reservation;
4. Confirm the order by making a payment;
5. Collect your car;
6. Renew your rental or return the car.

There is one drawback to renting through Uber and Lyft: You’re not allowed to use these cars for ridesharing on competing platforms. As Lyft explains: “You can’t use Express Drive rentals through Hertz for any other 'for-hire’ services.”

Rental cars from either of these programs can be used for personal reasons, but there are some restrictions. Check with your company to get the specifics.

What are the requirements for renting a car?

To rent a car through Uber or Lyft, you must first sign up as a driver, meeting all their respective driver eligibility requirements. 

On top of that, you will have different rental conditions and prices based on the vehicle provider you choose. The plans, prices, and rental conditions are set and managed by these vehicle providers even though you’re renting a car through Uber or Lyft.

Rental payments typically cover rideshare miles, basic maintenance, and insurance. Any expenses above that will be paid by you.

With Uber, rentals for drivers start at $260/week before taxes, while Lyft rental plans start at $209/week.

These are the provider-specific details about car rental: 

Avis

• Driver must be at least 25 years old
• No security deposit required to rent a car
• Rental prices range from $150 – $295 per week

Hertz 

• Driver must be at least 21 years old (additional fees may apply for drivers under 25) 
• $200 refundable security deposit
• Rental prices range from $150 – $235 per week

KINTO Share

• Driver must be at least 21 years old
• No security deposit required to rent a car
• Rental prices range from $215 – $250 per week
• Both weekly and hourly rentals are available

Getaround

• Peer-to-peer car rental service
• Driver must be at least 19 years old
• Weekly and hourly rentals available
• Rental prices start at $4/hour

Flexdrive

• Driver must be at least 25 years old
• Rental prices start at $209/week
• Weekly rentals
• Vehicles rented through Flexdrive don’t come with any Lyft ride requirements — you can use the vehicle as needed as long as you're making rental payments. 

GridWise Rental by HyreCar

HyreCar is a popular peer-to-peer vehicle marketplace for renting cars from individual owners. Gridwise has partnered with HyreCar to let you save on vehicle costs and keep more of what you earn. 

It’s a flexible platform that allows you to rent a car for as little as two days or multiple months. Rental plans are also equally flexible since individual car owners set their own prices.

Cars rented through HyreCar can be used on any rideshare or delivery platform as long as the vehicle meets the eligibility criteria.

Whether you rent or own, always drive with Gridwise

The Gridwise driver app helps you minimize costs and maximize your earnings. With custom airport, event, and hotspot alerts, our app tells you when and where to drive to keep the rides coming. 

The app also helps you to track your mileage and other expenses, potentially saving you thousands of dollars in tax deductions.

Not quite enough? Gridwise users also enjoy access to our collaborative community and a number of exclusive driver perks. 

Download the app today and see why thousands of drivers have partnered with Gridwise to get the most from their rideshare business.

When you sign up as a rideshare or delivery driver, becoming a hero might be the furthest thing from your mind. Soon, though, you’ll undoubtedly learn that being a driver can put you in a position where “doing the right thing” could change the course of a passenger’s or customer’s life – often literally.

In this article, we’ll open up in full voice to take notice of the unsung heroes of the gig economy: rideshare and delivery drivers who, even when the odds were against them, went above and beyond the call of duty to make the world a better place. We’ll also look at the distinction between doing a good deed and inviting trouble, and how drivers can stay safe. Here’s what we’ll be covering:

• Driving in a very real world
• Going above and beyond the call of gig driving
• Is it always wise to be a hero?
• How can you avoid unhappy endings?

Driving in a very real world

The job of rideshare or delivery driver can seem self-contained enough. In truth, however, it’s a chance to see how we’re all connected. Even if you go out of your way to avoid getting involved with the daily dramas of passengers and delivery customers, sometimes your heart won’t let you stay out of situations where you know you can make a difference.

Have you ever picked up people who were literally too drunk to know where they were? It happens. One driver recounts a tale in which an inebriated young woman entered a trip that would take about 86 hours … a “ride” to Helsinki, Finland.

This rideshare equivalent of “drunk dialing” was annoying, but there was more at stake. The passenger wasn’t in the safest of neighborhoods, and her condition made her utterly defenseless. So, the driver decided to drop her where she said her friends were. The enormous fare to Northern Europe would surely have been nice, but the driver tried not to be too disappointed. It was nicer to just leave her safely protected by her friends.

People have all kinds of troubles, and we as drivers often get to witness those troubles personally. People we pick up outside a medical building come into the car crying, possibly because they’ve just been informed of a scary diagnosis. Or, we might deliver dinner to someone who’s got clothes stuffed into black garbage bags piled up on the porch. Maybe the bags contain the belongings of a departed loved one, which could definitely explain the tears in the person’s eyes.

Sometimes the best thing to do is... just do the job. People often don’t want to talk. Then again, they might open up and start to tell us their troubles. Being there to listen is that little thing most drivers will do for their customers. As long as the discourse doesn’t jump ethical or socially acceptable lines, it’s not typically a problem. In fact, doing this little thing to help a fellow human is, in its own way, heroic.

With that said, heroism can cover a wide range of actions, and there are many drivers who’ve taken it to the limit. Here are a few stories that are sure to make you admire your fellow drivers for the heroes they are.

Going above and beyond the call of gig driving

Let’s start with the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the widespread threat of catching the virus, there were heroes delivering meals to people who were confined to their homes. Donning masks, sometimes gloves, and always with their thermal bags in hand, these drivers were a godsend for those who were housebound. Delivery drivers were also frequent visitors to hospitals and nursing homes, where overworked medical personnel and caretakers hungrily awaited their orders to arrive.

Rideshare drivers also risked exposure to the virus, ferrying medical workers and other essential worker heroes to and from their posts at the front lines of the pandemic.

These drivers, rideshare and delivery, helped people who were going through unsettling, uncertain times. In many locations, drivers had to carry documentation with them that stated as rideshare or delivery drivers, they fit the category of essential workers. Many sad and scary scenes are etched in those drivers’ memories now; although they got through it with flying colors, it’s easy for those of us on the outside to wonder how they did.

Whether drivers are simply lifting the spirits of ordinary people or getting involved in a major society-wide nightmare, rideshare heroes and lionhearted delivery drivers give the rest of us a lot to look up to – and that’s only the beginning of the story. 

There are stories of rideshare and delivery drivers who’ve jumped over the line into hero status by handling situations that changed the lives of their customers, and others in their communities, too. Here are a few of those stories:

September 2021 – Pittsburgh, PA

An Uber driver picked up an elderly woman to take her to the bank. The woman told the driver she’d gotten a call telling her she won the lottery, and she had to go to the bank to send in a check for $1,500 to cover her taxes in advance, or else she’d never see her jackpot. And, she added, how nice it was of the person giving her the money to send an Uber to her house to take her there.

The driver smelled a rat and called the police. The officer who responded congratulated the driver for being so “on the ball,” and saving this poor woman from a nasty scam. 

Then, the exact scene played out that same day, this time in Massachusetts. Fortunately, rideshare heroes are everywhere, so the police were called and the person involved was also not scammed out of $1,500.

March 2019 – Dallas/Fort Worth, TX

As we’ve noted, drivers witness a wide variety of activities and events while they’re out there on the road. Uber celebrated Michele Champoux in this article. An amazing hero among rideshare drivers, Champoux took a potentially tragic situation into her own hands and stopped the worst from happening.

After she and her passenger noticed that the vehicle in the next lane was on fire, Champoux took rapid action. Yes, she called 911, but that wasn’t all. She pulled in front of the smoking car and attracted the driver’s attention so they could both pull over. With her rider’s assistance, Champoux helped the other driver release two children from their car seats in the back of the burning car. 

Without minutes the car was engulfed in flames, but that didn’t deter Champoux. She continued to beat back the potential disaster by standing on the side of the highway, warning other cars to stay away until police and firefighting personnel arrived. This rideshare hero certainly earned every last kudo Uber sent her way. “I think it is our responsibility to help each other out,” says Champoux.

May 2021 – Chicago, IL

If you think carting around a few drunks and putting up with bad smells and rudeness constitute a rough night, consider what Chicago Uber driver Mike Bussan went through. He was just driving along, waiting for a ping to come in, when suddenly he heard the unmistakable sound of a car crash. He stopped, and then ran to the scene of the accident – and noticed that one of the occupants of the vehicle was bleeding profusely.

Bussan jumped into action, helped the two men into his vehicle, and drove them to the nearest hospital. Then, when he was offered a cash reward, he turned it down. That’s what you call a rideshare hero with a heart and humility.

September 2021 – Van Nuys, CA

There are also many stories of delivery drivers who have gone above and beyond to perform heroic acts ... such as Gerson Tavares. He was on his way to a pickup when he noticed a tiny child toddling down a very busy street. Tavares screeched to a stop, got out of his car, and began frantically waving his arms at oncoming traffic to prevent the two-year-old from getting hit. He then scooped up the child and took him to his car. 

Tavares called the police, who located the toddler’s family. For obvious reasons, the police also opened up an investigation with Child Protective Services. 

August 2021, Woburn, MA

On a hot summer afternoon, an Amazon delivery driver came upon a house with a swimming pool – and heard a sound that was unlike anything he’d ever heard before. It turned out to be the howl of a terrified 14-year old husky that had wandered into the pool and was sinking. His head was just about to go under the water when the driver jumped in, still wearing his clothes and carrying his wallet and phone, to save the dog.

It was later revealed that the dog’s humans were on vacation, and only thought they had secured the gate to the pool. The husky wandered into the water, unsupervised, apparently just before the dog sitter was scheduled to arrive. The owners were deeply grateful to the driver for his good deed, and the dog continues to thrive. Hopefully, he learned his lesson and won’t be trying to swim unsupervised anytime soon!

Is it always wise to be the hero?

Whether it’s a person or a pooch that needs saving, there are times when doing the right thing and doing the wise thing are at odds. In all the hero stories we’ve covered so far, the drivers were able to do their good deeds without any harm coming to them. As a driver, you always have to be able to use your instincts, but listening to what your common sense tells you in a serious scenario can save your life.

For example, if you happen to come across a situation where there’s anger, chaos, and violence, of course you shouldn’t run straight into the danger zone. You’ll be far better off simply alerting the authorities and going on your way.

The story of a Washington, D.C. driver illustrates how dangerous it can be to not only try to help others, but to even attempt to fight back when you’re attacked. In March 2021, Uber Eats driver Mohammed Anwar was accosted by two teenage girls, whose plan was to hijack his vehicle.

They used a stun gun on Anwar. After a struggle over the steering wheel, the girls grabbed the wheel and took off, with Anwar hanging onto the side of his car. Rather than let go of his vehicle, Anwar fought them as he was dragged along by the reckless car thieves. He fought back … but ended up losing his life.  

When it becomes apparent that you could be hurt or killed if you don’t get away from a dangerous situation, there’s only one decision to make: Get away as fast as possible. In Anwar’s case, it’s likely that being shocked by a taser interfered with his ability to think clearly. His tragic death was in no way his fault, but the incident does illustrate the wisdom of letting go of even our most precious possessions before we let someone take our lives.

His death – which could more accurately be described as a murder – is a tragic loss for his family and everyone who knew him. It’s also a sobering reminder for the community of drivers who have been forced to realize that at any time, they could find themselves in a similar situation. This leads us to ask another question.

How can you avoid these situations?

Most of us have the desire to do the right thing in almost any situation, but we also need to know when it’s wise to leave it to the pros. Here are some scenarios that might warrant a retreat rather than a bold charge into the fray:

• Violent arguments
• Shooting noises
• Fires
• Explosions
• Fights
• Riots
• Gang attacks

When you’re outnumbered, cornered, or in vulnerable circumstances, it’s time to obey the first law that’s taught to every martial artist: When you are in danger, do everything you can to GET AWAY. You’re not going to be able to kung fu your way through 17 armed people carrying knives, chains, and guns.

Unless you’re qualified as a law enforcement or emergency officer of some kind, the best thing you can do is hit the gas pedal and call 911 as soon as you can to report the incident. 

Do not let anyone see you using your phone, especially if a crime is in the process of being committed. If there’s a fire or explosion, evacuate the area immediately and call 9-1-1.

Be prepared, too. Know your apps, and be clear on how each one of them provides you with direct access to help, and in many cases, the ability to have loved ones track you and know where you’re located at any given time.

Remember, though … the fact that it isn’t always prudent to jump into a dangerous situation shouldn’t stop you from other acts of heroism. You can still pull your vehicle over and care for people in your community, and in the process, make a difference in their lives. Just make sure to assess the level of danger before you go in.

One of the biggest advantages in the gig economy is flexibility — yet that flexibility is somehow missing for a crucial moment in the working week: payday. 

Many platforms transfer earnings to your bank account once or twice a week, making it difficult for drivers who need to cover an unexpected expense or just want to get paid fast. 

Thankfully, some companies are offering solutions. Uber’s Instant Pay is one option that lets drivers get paid when they need it.  

What is Uber Instant Pay?

Uber automatically transfers drivers’ earnings to their bank accounts once a week through ACH (Automated Clearing House) transfers. While the process is seamless, having to wait up to a week to get paid can be problematic for drivers when they need funds immediately. 

This can lead drivers to rely on less-than-ideal payday loans and other means to get cash in a pinch. 

As evident from the name, Instant Pay allows Uber drivers to immediately cash out their earnings when needed. Directly to their debit card and up to 5 times a day. In most cases, the money is transferred to the account immediately.

How to sign up and use Uber Instant Pay

There is no separate sign-up process for Uber Instant Pay, just have to add a supported debit card to your Uber driver account. 

You can do that in the Payments section of the Uber Partner app. Then navigate to the Earnings tab in your Uber Partner app, click the ‘Cash out’ option, confirm the payment details on the next screen, and tap ‘Confirm Cash Out’. Then it’s payday on your terms! 

The service is completely free when you sign up for the Uber Debit Card. Otherwise, there is a $0.50 fee per transfer when cashing out your earnings. Most debit cards from visa, MasterCard, and Discover are supported.

Since Uber partners directly with the banks to make Instant Pay possible, they have the ultimate control over when you get paid. According to Uber, some banks delay the transfer of funds up to 3 days, including: 

• Bank of New York Mellon
• Webster Bank
• First-Citizens
• Northern Trust
• First National Bank of Omaha
• Amegy
• H&R Block
• BOKF
• Silicon Valley Bank
• California Bank and Trust
• UBOC

What if you lose access to Instant Pay?

Having the option to immediately cash out your earnings is pretty great, and you may find yourself regularly using and planning your payments accordingly. 

If that’s the case, losing access to this feature would be a big hit to your business. Here are some common reasons drivers lose access to Instant Pay: 

1. Your account is flagged by Uber’s systems during periodic security checks
2. Your account is not active for at least 24 hours after signup or reactivation
3. You haven’t linked a checking account to your Uber driver account
4. You started renting or leasing a car through Uber's vehicle financing program recently
5. You stopped renting or leasing a car through Uber's vehicle financing program recently (It may take up to 2 weeks for Uber to enable Instant Pay in such cases)
6. You are a new delivery partner who hasn’t uploaded his/her profile photo and driver's license/state ID.

So, what can you do? 

1. Follow Uber guidelines and meet all the requirements for Instant Pay
2. Ask for help! Join our driver community and download the Gridwise app for tips on maximizing your earnings 

Get the cash you need to grow! 

The option to cash out immediately is certainly helpful for day-to-day expenses — but it may not be enough for drivers who are looking to scale their revenue. 

While business loans, personal loans, and renting a vehicle are common ways to fund rideshare business growth, rideshare and gig drivers have a few other offers available specifically for their business.

Specialized platforms like Giggle Finance are a better fit for small businesses, Uber drivers, and other gig economy workers.

They offer a simple application process, instant access to funds, and flexible payment options. Giggle Finance promises instant funding up to $5,000 in less than 8 minutes. 

The application process is simple and funding is provided instantly if your business meets the qualification criteria — it’s basically an Uber Instant Pay advance on hours you haven’t been to drive yet. 

Just a heads up, Giggle analyzes your bank statements to determine your eligibility for financing.

How else can drivers own their earnings? 

Financial freedom for rideshare and delivery drivers only starts with having an immediate cash-out option for earnings. Drivers also have access to financial products and services that offer easy access to savings, investments, and income protection. 

Here’s are a few ways to do more with your earnings: 

1. Effortlessly save for retirement and emergencies by investing your change with Acorns 
2. Invest some of your earnings - platforms like Public or Betterment are good for beginners and help your money go farther.

Your ultimate co-pilot on the path to bigger payouts 

If you’re looking for a spotter, look no further than Gridwise! The #1 gig-driving assistant pulls together all of your driver data, so you can see exactly how much you’re earning at a glance, all in one centralized location.

Plus, we provide you with driver perks and an engaged community to take your earnings to the next level. So download the app today and get started on the path to higher earnings!

And if you have experience driving with one of these companies, we’d love to hear from you. Drop us a comment below or join our Facebook Group!

Amazon is in the business of delivering millions of products quickly and safely to customers around the world — Taking on every aspect of retail in the process. It was only a matter of time before they would bring some of that expertise to delivering groceries. Say hello to Amazon Fresh.

Delivery drivers, you now have another platform to consider. Here’s what you need to know:

• How Amazon Fresh works
• How it stacks up against its competitors
• Requirements to register as a driver
• Plus a few extras (because we like you)

How is Amazon Fresh different from Amazon Flex?

They are not two different services for drivers. Amazon Flex is the company’s umbrella program that pays money to independent drivers for delivering orders to customers. Flex is the umbrella and Fresh deliveries are the raindrops hitting it.

Amazon Fresh deliveries are just one category of orders under Amazon Flex. When you register as a driver on Amazon Flex, you can deliver orders from any category as long as you and your vehicle meet the requirements specified for that category of deliveries.

What is Amazon Fresh and how does it work?

Amazon offers multiple grocery delivery options to its customers through Amazon Fresh, Prime Now, and Whole Foods Market. Each of these services differs from the other in delivery speed, product catalog, and availability.

Amazon Fresh is the company’s most comprehensive grocery delivery service, available in more than 2,000 towns and cities in the US. Both delivery and pickup are free for Amazon Prime members in select regions, provided that the order value meets the local minimum threshold (usually $35, but $50 in some locations).

A quick note, Amazon Fresh is different from the restaurant food delivery service (Amazon Restaurants) that shut down a couple of years ago.

Wondering whether Amazon Fresh delivers alcohol? The answer is yes.

Amazon Fresh orders are delivered both by full-time Amazon delivery partners and independent delivery drivers through Amazon Flex.

Do you have experience as a Flex driver? We’d love to hear about it! Drop us a comment below or share it with our community.

Want to become an Amazon Fresh delivery driver?

There is no separate process to sign up as an Amazon Fresh delivery driver. To deliver any order from Amazon, you need to register as a driver on Amazon Flex. Then, you’ll have the option to make the following kinds of deliveries:

1. Amazon.com orders - These require collecting packages from an Amazon delivery station and delivering them to customers. Shifts range from 3-6 hours for this class of deliveries.
2. Prime Now and Amazon Fresh orders - These involve picking up groceries and other items mentioned above from an Amazon delivery station or select outlets and delivering them to customers. These delivery blocks range from 2-4 hours.
3. Local store orders - These include picking up orders from local stores and delivering them directly to customers. Shifts range from 2-4 hours for these deliveries.
4. Instant offers - Available only in select regions, these deliveries start near your current location and take around 15-45 minutes to complete.

Think you’ve found your lucky number? To sign up for Amazon Flex, go to their website and click Let’s Drive. But remember, Amazon Flex is not widely available, limited to only around 50 cities in the US.

Also, to register as a delivery driver on Amazon Flex, you need to meet the following requirements:

• You must be at least 21 years or older
• You must have a driver’s license and a Social Security Number
• You must have a mid-size or large 4-door vehicle such as an SUV, van, or a truck with a covered bed for delivering Amazon.com orders. However, you can use any car for Prime Now and Amazon Fresh orders. Motorcycles, scooters, and bicycles of any kind don’t qualify for Amazon Flex.
• You must have a supported iPhone or Android smartphone
• You must have a valid auto insurance (Tip: Find your best rate with Gabi)

Once you clear the background checks and successfully register as a driver on Amazon Flex, you can start doing Amazon Fresh deliveries like you would with any other delivery app:

• Log into the Amazon Flex app and schedule your block(s) for Amazon Fresh deliveries. Blocks are basically shifts that you agree to work on a specific day. These range anywhere from 2-6 hours depending on the category of deliveries. For Prime Now and Amazon Fresh orders, the typical block duration ranges from 2-4 hours.
• Before you’re block, drive to your Amazon pickup location and collect orders assigned to you.
• Navigate to the delivery locations using the Amazon Flex app and follow Amazon’s delivery instructions to complete in-garage, attended, or unattended deliveries.
• Get paid! Every Tuesday and Friday a direct deposit is issued into your bank account. Since Amazon Fresh deliveries are eligible for tips, your payment includes 100% of the tips you receive from customers.

Considering alternatives to Amazon Fresh 

As a driver, you have a lot to consider when it comes to the companies you choose to work for. Knowing what will work for you isn’t always easy. 

Thankfully, the team at Gridwise is always working to collect the most recent data from hundreds of thousands of drivers to see who’s really earning the most, where they’re doing it, and who they’re working with. 

Join the Gridwise team today to level up your work as a driver. 

How is delivering Amazon Fresh orders different from food delivery?

There are two primary differences: delivery speed and products delivered. Food delivery includes, well, food ordered from nearby restaurants. Amazon Fresh, meanwhile, delivers groceries, personal care, electronics, household, and other items from its warehouses.

Food orders are delivered on-demand as quickly as possible (typically in less than an hour), whereas Amazon Fresh orders are generally next day or later.

These differences have a significant impact on your earnings as a delivery driver. Because Amazon Fresh orders are scheduled, you know how much you are going to get paid during your shift in advance.

Both the base pay and tips are generally higher for Amazon Fresh deliveries since the order value tends to be much higher.

AmaPROS:

• High earning potential
• Ability to schedule shifts for guaranteed deliveries (no time wasted waiting on orders)

AmaCONS:

• Only available in certain cities
• Must have a suitable vehicle  

How much do Amazon Fresh drivers make?

Amazon says most drivers on Flex earn between $18-25 per hour. That should be a good estimate for Amazon Fresh deliveries as well. However, your actual take-home earnings depend on your location, vehicle type, length of your shifts, number of deliveries, and customer tips. 

To know how much Amazon Flex drivers actually make, you can read our in-depth analysis based on the real earnings of thousands of drivers who use Gridwise.

But wait… there’s more!

Amazon Flex drivers can improve their earnings through the Amazon Flex Rewards program. Drivers can get cashback on fuel purchases, Amazon.com orders, and more by using the Amazon Flex debit card.

Flex drivers can also score discounts on gas, car maintenance, etc. through special offers in the Amazon Flex app. On top of all this, earn points by making deliveries, which allows them to level up and unlock more rewards like higher cashback rates and preferred scheduling.  

Drivers can also up their earnings when they download the Gridwise app for access to driver perks, insights, and more! What are you waiting for?

When it comes to making the most out of your food delivery game, there are options. You could take a random approach, which involves jumping in your vehicle, turning on your favorite delivery app, and seeing what happens. Or, you could pay attention to every “voice of wisdom” within earshot, from other drivers to YouTube experts, each of them insisting there’s only one “best” way … theirs.

We’re also offering wisdom in this post – but we’ll take a different approach. First, our advice comes from real delivery drivers, so you’re hearing it directly from the source; and second, we give you seven ways to up your food delivery game, plus a golden opportunity. We invite you to take what’s offered here, run with it, and create a targeted strategy that works for you. Here’s how we’ll go about it:

• What’s wrong with delivering “freestyle”?
• What a food delivery strategy can do for you
• 7 ways to up your food delivery game
• Put your personalized food delivery strategy in place

What’s wrong with delivering “freestyle”?

There’s no reason you can’t just go out, turn on your app, and start delivering food. Most apps, including Uber Eats and Grubhub, will allow you to do this. In fact, that’s probably the way most of us got our food delivery feet wet. But anyone who’s ever done it, even for a few shifts, knows how tough it can be.

When you’re taking random calls, and especially if you’re a newb at the food delivery game, you won’t get the big orders right away unless you’re really lucky. You’ll see a lot of $4 and $7 orders, and they may or may not include tips depending on the types of customers you meet. Bigger orders come as you make more trips, prove your worth to your company, and show that you’re good at pleasing customers.

Also, you may not know the best times to drive or where the most fruitful spots might be. If you lack a specific goal, and don’t know how to get the most out of what the food delivery companies have to offer in terms of higher earnings and bonuses, you could be driving in circles. Don’t waste your gas and time, and please … get a strategy!

What a food delivery strategy can do for you

First things first: You must realize that the only way any strategy will work for you is if you put it together based on your needs, your goals, your availability, and your local environment. Taking blanket advice from a self-appointed expert might work for those who have similar circumstances – but the reality is, most of us have different needs and situations, and every city is different. 

Consider those factors as you begin to craft your personal strategy, along with these specifics:

• How densely populated is the area where you’ll be driving?
• What are the most popular food delivery apps in your area?
• Are there areas where restaurants are clustered together?
• What are the most popular eateries in your area?
• Do you have the right equipment to handle large orders?
• What are the reasons people in your area would order food for delivery?
• What are the best times of day for food delivery in your area?
• Where are the people who are likely to order? In an office area? Near a university?
• What days and times are most convenient for you?
• Do you want to schedule blocks of time, work when you want to and can, or both?

With a food delivery strategy, you’ll have the potential to make the most money in the least amount of time possible. Know your area, do a small bit of research, and you’ll be in business.

7 ways to up your food delivery game

By now, you’re probably convinced that putting a strategy together for your food delivery gig is a good idea. As promised, here are seven components to a good strategy that you can use to create one that works for you:

#1 Set goals and be selective: $7 or more lets you score. 

How much do you want to make per hour? How much per day? Most experienced drivers like to aim at making at least $20 per hour. In order to achieve that goal, they know they have to make the absolute best use of their time. 

It’s hard to refuse an order, particularly when you’re new to delivery driving or haven’t had many pings so far on your shift. Still, your performance probably isn’t going to get any better if you spend an hour and a half chasing down and waiting for a fast-food order worth $4 or $5. Think about that before you hit the “accept” button and head over to that chicken or burger joint.

When those pings come in, you often have to think fast. Should you take it or not? This part of the game is a delicate balance between making sure your cancellation rate doesn’t get ridiculous, and making your delivery gig worth the time you're spending on it. 

If you have trouble wrapping your mind around whether an order is worth it on the fly, slow down. It takes time and experience to get the hang of any delivery app. If you need to pull over for a few seconds to fully understand what the delivery involves and whether you want to take it, then pull over. Whether it’s a $4 hamburger and shake order or a $200 catering job, neither is worth getting into an accident.

Always keep an eye on your acceptance and cancellation rates to make sure you’re not refusing enough calls to affect your ratings. But again, stick to bigger orders whenever possible.

#2 Choose your app(s) wisely.

What is the best app for you, your lifestyle, and most importantly, your area? This website shares stats telling you which of the big food delivery apps has the biggest market share in various major cities. Check it out to see which is most popular around you.

Next, decide what your highest priorities are. Do you want to work for the “biggest” company, or one that won’t demand you compete with a bunch of other drivers? You can rely on your instincts, of course, but there’s a more scientific way. Sign up for all the apps in your area and try them out individually before deciding which one you want to stick with for most of your driving.

It is best to select one app as your primary source of work. Why? Because it gives you an advantage when it comes to bonuses and perks that are based on the number of rides you have with a given company. This Gridwise blog post contains useful inside information on what it takes to get good delivery driver ratings, and perks, from the major companies.

The other difference you’ll find among the apps pertains to scheduling your driving. DoorDash and Grubhub allow you to schedule blocks of time when you’re available to drive. With DoorDash, until you reach Top Dasher status, you’ll have to schedule your work hours and stick to them. Grubhub will allow you to drive anytime you wish, as will Uber Eats.

You might also have a preference for a certain company because of the way their drivers are treated. By all means, choose the one that you enjoy working for. You’ll make more money if you have a good feeling about your gig, and how your company sees its relationship with its drivers is a big part of that.

There are many factors to consider about any company you decide to drive for. Check this Gridwise post to compare DoorDash and Grubhub, and this Gridwise post to see how Uber Eats and DoorDash size up.

#3 Know when to drive. 

Before you start, there’s one big question you need to answer and be very honest about it. When are you really available? Can you get out of your other part-time gig to drive at lunch hour? Can you really afford to leave your kids with a relative or sitter while you drive the evening or late-night peak times? Once you’ve answered these questions, you’ll have a better idea of your options. From there, you can begin to look at more general considerations.

While it may seem that you’ll get the most calls at meal times, there’s more to think about than sheer volume. If you’re in a big city, for instance, how much longer will it take you to make a delivery at 5:30 p.m. than it would at 7:30 or 8:00 p.m.? Rush hour traffic could hold you up, and that means your hourly earnings could drop substantially. 

Also, you need to know the prime delivery times in your area. Some more suburban areas might want their food at 6:00 or 7:00 p.m., while urban diners-in might not be ready to nosh until 9:00 or later. As for the late-night nibblers, they may start calling in at 10:00 p.m., or not peak until midnight.

There’s a lot that goes into your decision about the best times to drive, wouldn’t you say? Trial and error might work, but wouldn’t it be better to have current, real information about the best times to drive in your area? How would you get this info? 

Use Gridwise! Our hot new feature, aptly named When to Drive, uses information from real drivers and tells you the best times to make money in your area. You can even see which days of the week are best in different locations. Here’s what it looks like:

You can get all the stats you need with this great new Gridwise feature.

#4 Know where to drive.

Any good food delivery strategy involves knowing where all the best places are to wait for orders, and which neighborhoods have the best restaurants for delivery. For example, hanging around the posh side of town could be fun, but you’ll get far more calls for deliveries in spots known for their middle-of-the-road, something for everyone kinds of establishments.

Staying safe as a delivery driver is also an issue when it comes to knowing the “best” places. This Gridwise article is directed at female drivers, but the safety tips it contains are relevant to everyone. As a delivery driver, you often have to walk the streets, and at times, enter buildings that might not be the most savory of places. Learn your area, and know when a delivery involves going to someplace you’d rather not be.

Hanging out around a concentrated area is a good move if you want to get stacked orders, which refers to picking up two, maybe three meals from the same or a nearby eatery. You can make more money in less time and within a shorter distance with stacked orders – but it’s best to wait until you have more experience before setting your app to accept them. 

There’s another way to find the most lucrative places for delivery work. Gridwise is almost ready to release another awesome feature for drivers called Where to Drive. It allows you to look at earnings data anonymously collected from Gridwise drivers, and will show you where the money is in your town. The screen you’ll use will look like this:

You can get more detailed information by continuing to this screen:

Switch from Rideshare to Delivery to see what each kind of driving looks like, and filter the data just about any way you might wish.

In addition to this information, you need an idea about what’s going on around town or in your general area. Are there ballgames or big concerts about to go on? Is there a rush near the airport? Are there restaurants near the mall that people love to order from? How’s traffic? Should you bring your rain gear? So many questions, right?

Gridwise offers an edge here as well. Here’s a sample of the features you get right on the home screen:

• Airport information: arrivals, departures, and queue lengths at your location;
• Weather: current information and weather alerts;
• Traffic: traffic alerts;
• Gas deals: save up to $0.25 per gallon with Gridwise Gas.
• Event information: everything you need to know about local events.

There are alerts and notifications, plus a reminder to log on at the beginning of your shift so you can track your mileage and earnings with Gridwise.  You’ll get easy-to-read and fact-filled graphs like these, telling you how you’ve done on all the apps you use:

Now that you have tips on where to drive, let’s move on to some more advanced elements of your successful delivery driving strategy.

#5 Work for tips. 

Raise the bar, and your income, by putting in the extra effort it takes to get great tips. You can get away with making far fewer deliveries, and still meet your earnings goals, with the extra money people often give you just for adding in some extra attention and kindness. Here are some examples of ways to increase your tips:

• Stay in touch with your customers. Keep them up to date about delays, both in the restaurants and on the road.
• Bring extra condiments. Don’t assume that people couldn’t possibly need napkins or extra ketchup; even if they don’t, they’ll appreciate your thoughtfulness when you bring them along. You might even keep your own, separate (and individually wrapped) supply in your vehicle.
• Separate hot and cold items, and invest in equipment to help make that easier. Here’s a Gridwise post that shows you some of the gear you could use to provide extra care to those food orders.
• Sniff out the tippers. Focus your efforts on areas where people can well afford to give you a nice tip. They’ll be far more likely to click on the in-app tip option, or add to it after they notice your superb service.
• Highlight your efforts. Subtly mention that you added extra condiments and utensils, or how easy it was to keep their fries warm and crispy in the fancy insulated bag you just bought. 
• Make them smile. Be friendly with your customers, telling them how much you enjoyed bringing their meal, what a great place they chose, or how much care the eatery took with their order.

Tipping can add another 15–20 percent to your earnings! Always act like you love what you’re doing, even when you’re tired or burned out, and make your customers feel important, because they are. Without them, you’d be missing out on your great delivery driving gig. 

#6 Watch for promotions and referral bonuses.

The delivery apps all have promotions going on at different times, and this is an easy way to add to your earnings. Watch for the peak times, and if traffic conditions and weather permit, focus on the areas that are part of the promotion.

Other bonuses might come from completing a certain number of trips in a given amount of time, or by deciding to drive on a peak day or holiday when most drivers would rather be doing something besides working. 

You can also get extra cash with very little effort by referring friends to drive for your company. Most of the time, you’ll get a reasonable amount of cash, or at least a guaranteed earnings incentive. Check your favorite company to see what they offer in your area.

#7 Alternate your apps.

All the companies have policies against their drivers working for two apps on the same trip, so keep that in mind. Still, there are ways to take advantage of working two or more apps in a given shift. This is an advanced move to be sure, but some tactics to consider include:

Compare orders. If a second app offers a better order than the one you’ve chosen, as long as you haven’t yet picked up the order you can cancel it and move to the order that will make you more money.

Compare bonuses. Check out the different apps to see where the bonus areas might be, and how much they’re offering. The same goes for referrals. Before you refer a friend, check to see which of the apps you use are offering you more of a reward.

Mix in rideshare. If you have the right kind of vehicle for rideshare, consider alternating your food deliveries with driving passengers. You can learn more about the rideshare apps in this Gridwise blog post. It’s a great way to make good use of your time in between peak meal time periods, plus … it can be fun and make you lots of money, too.

Put your personalized food delivery strategy in place

Now that you have seven ways to up your food delivery game, it’s time to put your strategy together. We trust your creativity and know that you’ll come up with a great one. But, if you ever want to check in with a super community of drivers, make sure to check out Gridwise on Facebook for lively discussions, gas card giveaways, and more! 

Rideshare passengers, by and large, are pretty cool people. Most are friendly, kind, and curious, and some are fun to be with. Most are more than happy to follow the rules and have good conversations, realizing what a great deal it is to have rideshare available as a means of getting where they need to be.

It’s a good thing rideshare driving goes so smoothly most of the time because when it doesn’t, it can quickly turn your dream gig into a nightmare. There’s no doubt: some people just aren’t very courteous, kind, or nice. They may not know the basic rules of rideshare, but too many blatantly break the rules just because it makes things easy for them.

What can drivers do when passengers don’t follow the rules? In this article, we’ll go through the rules unruly riders love to break. First, we’ll cover what you might want to say to your customer; then, we’ll give you some ideas of what you should say if you want to keep the peace … and your job.

Here’s how we’ll cover this aggravating, but very relevant topic:

• How important are the rules of rideshare?
• Rowdy riders and how to handle them
• Ways to avoid rule breakers
• How to reduce rule-breaking in your rideshare vehicle

How important are the rules of rideshare?

Not everyone wants to abide by the rules of the world since it can make it hard for us to do what we want, how we want when we want. But as we all know, rules are a necessary aspect of civilization, including the unspoken rules of the driver-passenger relationship in rideshare.

Rules keep riders and drivers safe from danger. Some dangers might be more obvious than others. Wearing a seatbelt to minimize injury, for example, is a rule that benefits everyone, while using someone else’s account as a rider might not seem to do much harm.

Increasingly, drivers are being asked to enforce rules. The COVID-19 pandemic created the need for the Uber mask policy, and a similar one from Lyft, for both passengers and drivers. Social distancing is hard to do in a car, but having a barrier in your car or not allowing passengers to sit in the front seat is a good way to keep some distance and stay safe. While Uber and Lyft help by informing customers of these and other rules, they don’t always follow them.

Some unpleasant things can happen when a rider goes against the rules. The dangers surrounding the COVID rules are clear, but there are more. Would you like to be stopped and cited for driving with unsupervised children, or worse, small children without a proper restraint? What might happen if another car taps your bumper, and the police come only to discover your passenger has an open container of alcohol in the back seat?

Rideshare drivers aren’t responsible for everything riders do or neglect to do, but you can see how insurance claims, lawsuits, and even criminal charges could be a part of a situation stemming from a customer who breaks the rules. So we maintain that the rules of rideshare are reasonably important.

Let’s look at some of them.

Uber rules for passengers include: providing a car seat for children, following laws, for example, not telling drivers to speed, etc.; not touching any of the controls that operate the vehicle; not carrying firearms, drugs, or open containers of alcohol in the car; no street hailing; and of course, no verbal or physical harassment for any reason.

Lyft has all these same policies, as well as another about the number of passengers permitted. A standard Lyft ride means the driver can only be taking three passengers; larger groups have to order an XL. Also, Lyft likes to remind passengers to be mindful of their driver’s time when making multiple stops.

Really, there aren’t that many rules for rideshare, and most make a lot of sense. If you haven't experienced rider complications yet, unfortunately,  you’ll most likely encounter situations where your passengers attempt to put you, as well as themselves, in jeopardy.

The unruly passengers and how to handle them

Some riders don’t look “rowdy” on the surface, but their behavior can put them into the category of “out of control.” Let’s look at some common scenarios involving rule-breaking riders, what you as a driver might want to say, and then how you can handle the situation better ... with grace and professionalism. Here are some examples of unruly passengers and how to handle them:

The parents without a clue – or a car seat

Think about this scenario: a couple along with their two young children, are waiting at their set pickup location. The parents did not bring a car seat for either child. As they pile into your vehicle, you feel anxious about the what-ifs. What if a car hits you from behind and the children are not safely secured? What if you have to slam on your brakes and one of the kids hits their head and starts bleeding? 

What you want to say: “Seriously?? What parents don’t want to protect their kids from getting killed in a car accident? There’s no way I’m taking you in this vehicle. I’m canceling this ride right now, and until you get car seats for your children, I suggest you not even think about calling another driver. Good luck paying for those kids’ physical therapy one day!”

What you should say: “Before you get into the vehicle, I need to remind you that (Uber or Lyft) has a strict rule that states you have to provide car seats for your children. It’s illegal for me to drive with children who are not safely restrained. I’m sorry, but I will have to cancel the ride.”

In most cases, the classy way of saying you’re not going to take this potential catastrophe in your vehicle will work. Sometimes passengers might be rude to you in this type of situation, but if they are, your best bet is to roll up the window and drive away. You’ve just saved those kids, and yourself, from a potential disaster, so the next time you stop, pat yourself on the back.

The intoxicated passenger

While cruising around your local university on a Friday night, you come across your next ride. Three underage students are wobbling to your car. They’re holding big red plastic cups that carry the remnants of one of many alcohol-laden drinks they’ve had that evening. They don’t dump the booze out before getting into the car and act like you don’t see or smell what they’re still drinking – in your back seat.

What you want to say: “Look, I know you need adult supervision, but I’m not it. Dump the booze outside of the car or there’s no ride home for you tonight.”

What you should say: “I realize everybody’s having fun tonight, but riding in my (Uber or Lyft) car is serious business. You can’t have open containers of alcohol in my vehicle. Please either dump your drinks before you get in, or I’ll just cancel the ride and you can finish them before you call another driver.”

Hopefully, a calm, firm tone of voice will take care of this problem. If it doesn’t, refuse the ride, cancel it, and report them and their reckless behavior. You’ll be doing them a favor, even if they don’t see it that way.

The maskless rider

It happens – we all know it. Even though passengers have to take a selfie of themselves wearing a mask before they’re allowed to use the app, some riders will still show up without one. They might be just careless, or they could be inebriated. In either case, they’re breaking an important policy, and you don’t want them to be in your car without a mask.

What you want to say: “Can you tell me what part of the sentence ‘You must wear a mask to ride in this vehicle’ you don’t understand? Do you really think I want to have you sneeze, cough, and drool your disgusting and potentially deadly germs on me?”

What you should say: “I need you to wear a mask to ride in the vehicle with me. If you don’t have one, I can provide one for you, or I can cancel the ride so you can go and get your own mask before you call another driver.”

It really does pay to keep some fresh paper masks in your car for such scenarios. If the person refuses to put it on, you are well within your rights to refuse the ride. Let them know that, and they’ll probably cooperate without too much fuss.

The oversized group

You’ll probably run into this around schools and universities, but young people aren’t the only offenders. Inebriated adults coming out of a bar together or frustrated from being pushed around at a crowded concert or ballgame will say something like: “Come on, can’t you just squeeze in one more?”

What you want to say: “Ohhhhhhh no, cheapskate. You’re not piling into my vehicle just because you’re too much of a tightwad to order two cars for your oversized group. I’m only taking three – that’s the rules of the road.”

What you should say: It's against the rules, and the law, for me to take more riders than I have seatbelts for in my car. And with COVID, no one can sit in the front seat. I have to keep us all safe. I’m sure there’s another driver in the area who’ll be glad to pick up the rest of your group.”

You can begin by saying, “Sorry” if you want to soften your pitch some, but remain firm and don’t let them bully you. People really do try to do some crazy things when they’re desperate for a ride. It’s up to you to make sure everyone avoids injury, and that your insurance will continue to cover you in case there’s an accident. Breaking a rule like this one could nullify an insurance claim in a nanosecond.

The stolen or mistaken identity

Oh, yes. People do it all the time. While it’s okay for an Uber or Lyft customer to get a ride for a friend, it’s against the rules for them to say “Marsha” is going to be the passenger when “Marvin” is waiting for you at the pickup point. This happens so often, it’s almost the norm. To go by the rules, you should cancel the ride. After all …“Marvin” could be the potential ax murderer that’s been banned by both Uber and Lyft.

What you want to say: “Hellooo?? You’re not Marsha. What makes you think I’m going to take you on this ride? Go back to the person who called for this trip and tell them they’re not supposed to let other people impersonate them or use this service without my knowing who I’m taking in the car. There are ways of doing this, and this is NOT it.”

What you should say: “Are you Marsha? I’m sorry but if you aren’t the owner of the account, and I wasn't aware that this ride was for someone else, I can’t accept it. I’ll have to cancel this ride, I’m afraid.”

Really, fear is the last thing you should have as a driver, and you shouldn’t be shy about canceling a ride on these grounds. It’s easy enough to get an account with Lyft or Uber. If someone doesn’t have one, there might be some really good reasons … such as, they’ve violated the rules before.

The unsupervised kid

Then there are the parents who think it’s okay for you to drive their kids while they’re not with them. In case you missed this fun fact, it is not allowed. Account-holders must be 18 for both Lyft and Uber. While you’re not responsible for checking IDs as a driver, you wouldn’t want to be accused of any kind of crime because you took younger children without their parents being present. Also, it’s simply against the rules.

What you want to say: “Do I look like your nanny? You can’t ride without a parent or guardian in the car with you. Go back and tell your mommy or daddy that they have to follow the rules just like everybody else. You’re not getting into this car.”

What you should say: Your parents probably didn’t know this, but neither Uber nor Lyft allows drivers to take kids under 18 in the car without a parent being present. I’m sorry, but I’m not able to take you where you need to go.”

The issue of transporting minor children is especially dicey. This can be an insurance issue as well as a legal one - for you. The parents involved should be locked in a room with the others who don’t bring car seats for their little ones.

Ways to avoid rule breakers

Sometimes it’s just not possible to avoid these or other rule-breakers, but you can surely try. For instance, if you're not good with drunks, you’ll want to avoid the times and places that will draw them out. Or, if you want to avoid big events and big crowds, it’s a good idea to know when and where they’ll be taking place.

How can you know all these things without driving yourself crazy doing it by trial and error? Gridwise has got your back. 

Look for the places where you’ll want to be with Where to Drive, a new feature that’s coming soon from Gridwise. The graphics that come with Where to Drive, give you an easy read on the busiest areas throughout the day.

When you click on the Where to Drive icon on the Home screen, you can expand your options:

You’ll want to know the best times to drive, too. 

Gridwise recently released another new feature called When to Drive. Using information from actual Gridwise drivers, When to Drive gives you pictures of the best times to drive in your area – possibly avoiding some of those characters you'd rather not come across. Here’s a sample:

Gridwise does all this and more. With the “Ultimate Rideshare and Delivery Assistant” you also get: 

• Airport information: arrivals, departures, and queue lengths at your location;
• Weather: current information and weather alerts;
• Traffic: traffic alerts;
• Gas deals: save up to $0.25 per gallon with Gridwise Gas
• Event information: everything you need to know about local events.

Gridwise can’t guarantee that knowing where and when you can make the most money will let you totally avoid unruly riders, but increasing your earnings will make it seem a lot less frustrating when you have to deal with them. Download the app now and see for yourself!

How to reduce rule-breaking in your rideshare vehicle

There’s really no way to totally eliminate the hassle of handling people who break the rules, but you can make it happen less often. Here are some suggestions:

Post friendly reminders in your car. Make a sign that has rule reminders on it. Use wording that’s courteous but firm, such as “Keep us all safe – wear a mask,” or “Ride now, party later. Please, no open containers in the car.” Be mindful not to use logos or make the signs look like they came from your company. Uber brand guidelines, as well as those from Lyft, are pretty strict.

Set personal boundaries. Even when riders are nice, you’re not there to make friends with them. Always maintain a professional distance, both physically and socially, from your passengers. Even if it’s not as much fun, it will pay off.

Don’t be afraid to cancel the ride. If you cancel the ride due to a rule being broken, you will still be paid a cancellation fee. The Uber cancellation fee and Lyft cancellation fee are in place to make sure you get some payment simply for going to pick up the passenger. In most cases, you’ll get around $5, particularly if your passenger refuses to wear a mask.

Report bad rider behavior to your company. You can use the words “I’ll have to report you (to either Uber or Lyft) if you don’t wear your mask,” to encourage your rider to do the right thing – but unless you follow up on it, you could get into trouble. Passengers are quick to report drivers, and they are not above concocting stories that make them look good and you look not-so-good. That’s why it’s key to report riders who break rules, so your company gets your side of the story. Most of the time, you’ll probably come out looking like the good egg you are.

Check these Gridwise blog posts for more details on contacting driver support for Uber and Lyft.

We hope this post helps you deal with problematic passengers, and also shows you that you’re not alone. If you have some stories for us, or you’d like to share ideas with the driver community, leave a comment below. Better yet, join us on Facebook for solid discussions and driver-oriented fun.