Gridwise blog

DoorDash has become one of the largest online food ordering and delivery platforms in the United States. By the end of last year, they racked up over 450,000 merchants, 20 million customers, and a million delivery drivers, also known as “Dashers.”

DoorDash is a reliable platform for delivery drivers to earn a part or full-time income. If you are willing to put yourself to work, it's possible to make $1000 a week with DoorDash, especially if you strategize and use the right tools.

But today, there are over one million Dashers on the platform, creating a lot of competition among drivers trying to win orders. To maximize earnings, drivers need a better way to stand out and get more deliveries. 

If you’re looking to improve your Dasher game, you might consider becoming a Top Dasher. Here’s what you need to know about the program: 

• What is the Top Dasher program? 
• What are the benefits of becoming a Top Dasher? 
• Are the benefits worth the effort? 
• When does it make sense to be a Top Dasher? 

What is the Top Dasher program?

The Top Dasher program is a rewards program that recognizes and rewards high-performing delivery drivers. These drivers have high customer ratings, acceptance ratings, and a high percentage of successful deliveries.

If you want to reach this pinnacle in food delivery, here’s what you need to lock down each month.

1. A stellar 4.7 customer rating

2. Minimum 70% order acceptance rate

3. At least 95% delivery completion rate

4. Over 100 completed deliveries in the month

5. Have 200 completed lifetime deliveries as a Dasher

This program is intended to motivate Dashers to accept and complete as many deliveries as possible. While such performance from drivers is hugely beneficial for DoorDash, whether it’s rewarding for drivers is worth asking. Before we answer that, let’s take a look at the benefits DoorDash offers to drivers that qualify.

What are the benefits of becoming a Top Dasher?

The Top Dasher program is a monthly program that renews on the first day of each month. If you meet the Top Dasher criteria by the end of the current month, you get access to benefits for the following month. 

There are two primary reasons you might consider becoming a Top Dasher: more deliveries and to "Dash Anytime." 

More deliveries

DoorDash’s system gives preferential treatment to Top Dashers over regular drivers when both compete for the same order. For example, if there are two Dashers nearby and someone searches “pizza delivery near me,” the system gives the Top Dasher the option to take the order first. This can help you beat the crowds and earn more on deliveries, even in crowded markets.

Lately, DoorDash seems to be tweaking this benefit in some cities. Rather than prioritizing Top Dashers for all orders, the company is experimenting with giving priority access for high-value orders (orders above $30). These tweaks could be DoorDash's move to address one of the biggest complaints they receive about the Top Dasher program – Dash Anytime.

Dash Anytime

Any driver can dash and compete for orders without scheduling in advance. When a zone is busy it is marked red on the driver map. However, when order volume is low in a zone, (marked grey on the map), DoorDash places restrictions on who can dash. This balances supply and demand and ideally gives drivers better opportunities to earn without having to wait too long between orders.

Top Dashers are exempt from this restriction and can dash anytime, anywhere, without prior scheduling. But, the option to dash anytime doesn’t guarantee orders. If things are slow in a zone and there are multiple Top Dashers online, drivers will face the same competition for orders that they usually would compete for without being a Top Dasher.

If you have questions about the Top Dasher program or want to check your status, you can contact DoorDash support for drivers. More information on how to contact DoorDash support can be found in this article!

Are the benefits worth the effort?

Now, the million-dollar question is: Are Top Dasher benefits worth the effort? Unfortunately, the answer is not straightforward and can vary from driver to driver and city to city. While becoming a Top Dasher is generally a good thing, there are certain factors that you need to consider while evaluating the program and its impact on your earnings.

You may have to accept more low-value orders

This is the most apparent disadvantage of the Top Dasher Program. With the requirement to accept at least 70% of the orders offered, drivers are forced to take many low-value orders and might miss out on higher-earning opportunities. 

When a Dasher has to drive more than 20 miles round-trip for a payout of less than $5, it doesn’t make financial sense to accept the order. A Dasher would likely refuse these orders if they weren’t planning to become a Top Dasher.

However, reaching or maintaining a 70% order acceptance rate is possible even while refusing low-value orders. Since the target needs to be reached by the end of the month, drivers can strategize by being selective at the beginning of the month and changing course towards the end if they fall short of the goal.

The Dash Anytime dilemma 

Some drivers would argue that the option to dash anytime without scheduling isn't much of a benefit and does not translate into substantial earnings. However, DoorDash explicitly recommends that Top Dashers should continue to schedule slots and dash in busy areas.

When does it make sense to be a Top Dasher?

Being a Top Dasher is not a one-size-fits-all approach to higher earnings. 

It’s a beneficial program if you want to schedule to dash in advance and want the flexibility to work when and where you want to. It’s also helpful if you switch zones frequently. 

But, if qualifying for the program means accepting too many low-value orders in your zone, it may not be worth the time and effort. You’re better off focusing on scheduling time in advance and accepting more big-ticket orders to maximize the value of your time. If you happen to meet the criteria for Top Dasher while doing that, well, that’s just an added bonus.

You don’t have to be a Top Dasher to earn more with Gridwise! 

Deciding what works for you as a Dasher takes time. Questions like when and where to dash, and which orders to accept require insights you won’t find in the DoorDash app… but you can find them in the Gridwise app!

Gridwise helps you track your performance and earnings across rideshare and delivery platforms to understand what strategy is working best for you. Your data is automatically collected and beautifully displayed (see above).  

Features that show you the best times to drive, weather alerts, event alerts, real-time flight alerts, and custom airport alerts offer you new ways to optimize your driving strategy and earn more as a driver.

You can also access more ways to grow your business, like exclusive driver perks right in the app. 

Download the app today and see how Gridwise can help you make smarter decisions about your driving. Start earning up to 39% more with Gridwise!

Finding or getting complicated things such as TLC compliant insurance doesn’t sound quick or easy, but if you know what you’re doing, it can be both. In this post, we’ll share what we know, including the key steps toward getting what you need, including:

• Why drivers need extra insurance
• The types of insurance available
• What to look for in an insurance policy
• Insurance for rideshare drivers
• Inshur: quick, easy and protective TLC insurance for rideshare drivers

Why drivers need extra insurance

When you’re a rideshare driver, your personal auto policy won’t cover everything. Uber, Lyft or Via may provide additional coverage while you’re picking up or carrying passengers, but that’s still not enough. All drivers, everywhere, need to have rideshare insurance simply because they’re using their vehicles for commercial purposes.

You shouldn’t try to ignore or get around this when you’re a rideshare driver. If you’re not protected, you could wind up in a lot of trouble. For instance, if you don’t bother to tell your insurance carrier that you’re a rideshare driver, they could refuse to cover you, even if you file a claim for an incident that happens while you’re totally off the app.

In some localities, such as the New York metropolitan area, there’s even more to consider. To drive for a rideshare company in New York City, drivers must meet the requirements of the Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC). They are legally required to have a TLC license, TLC plates, and TLC insurance. 

As you can see, there can be more to insurance for rideshare drivers than meets the eye. Let’s look more closely at rideshare driver insurance coverage to see what you really need.

What kinds of insurance are available?

There are two basic kinds of insurance. First, there’s the auto liability coverage policy. In most states, it’s not possible to legally drive at all, let alone for rideshare, unless you carry a basic liability policy. Most Uber and Lyft drivers purchase a rideshare endorsement as an add-on to their basic policy. 

As we pointed out above, rideshare drivers who work in New York City need the second kind of policy, which is TLC insurance. This policy protects third parties, namely passengers and other drivers. TLC insurance does not cover injury or damage to you or your property, so you will need additional coverage for yourself.

How can you get the most coverage for the least amount of money? That’s always a great question. Let’s start by learning more about what insurance policies have to offer.

What to look for in an insurance policy

There are basic requirements for drivers in every state, and you can learn more about them from your local insurance companies and agents. Your lender might also give you additional requirements for insurance, in many cases. You’ll need to check into all that, but in general, you will need policy that has at least these types of coverage:

1. Liability: covers bodily injury and property damage to another person or their property.
2. Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage: protects you from being stuck with medical and/or repair bills should the other party involved be without adequate coverage of their own.
3. Comprehensive coverage: covers damage resulting from theft, fire, weather, or vandalism.
4. Collision: allows you to get money to repair or replace your car should you hit another vehicle or an object that damages your vehicle.
5. Medical payments: pays for hospital visits, surgery, X-rays and other medical costs resulting from an accident.
6. Personal Injury Protection: This kind of coverage isn’t available in all states. It pays for medical expenses, but also may help to cover your costs for child care or lost income.
7. Optional protection might include coverage for rental reimbursement, transportation expenses, gap insurance, towing and labor costs, sound systems, and rideshare.

It’s also good to have flexibility, the option to choose the types of coverage, beyond what’s required, that you wish to purchase. In addition, it’s crucial to determine whether your policy’s coverage has limits that are per person or per accident. Also keep your eyes peeled for the costs of deductibles. If you make a claim, you won’t want to have to pay more than you can afford before the insurance even kicks in.

As you can see, there’s a lot that goes into knowing what the right policy for you might be. Don’t buy until you feel comfortable with what you’re getting. Always purchase insurance from a company you can trust to give you the most coverage for a fair amount of money.

Insurance for rideshare drivers

One of the first things you should look at when you buy insurance is whether the company you’re dealing with has policies designed for rideshare drivers. Rideshare insurance in New York is a special case, and the company you choose should have expertise in these two types of coverage:

TLC Insurance:

If you want to be a rideshare driver in New York City, TLC Insurance isn’t optional. The TLC regulates the activities of all activities related to customers who pay to be driven from one place to another by a driver or company. Because of the mandatory nature of TLC Insurance for independent contractors, you won’t be cleared by any rideshare app without it.

TLC Insurance requirements are put into place in order to protect passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers who may be affected by a mishap caused by a driver for hire. Based on your vehicle and the number of passengers it holds, coverage may vary, but the baseline minimum coverage is as follows:

• $100,000 per person
• $300,000 per accident
• $200,000 personal injury protection
• $10,000 in property damage

Cost can vary. The best way to keep your TLC insurance costs down is to maintain a clean driving record. Age also factors into the costs companies will charge for insurance. If you are under the age of 25, for example, expect to pay as much as 20% more for your premiums than your older friends might. 

What do you get, besides TLC compliance, for the price of TLC insurance?

• Protection from paying for medical or property damage of passengers or other motorists.
• Coverage for medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation expenses of passengers and other motorists. This is what is known as Personal Injury Protection (PIP).
• Protection in the event you’re involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist.

Even without the regulatory requirement, you wouldn’t want to be a New York City rideshare driver without this kind of protection. In addition, though, you’re going to have to get protection for you and your property. That will come as General Rideshare Driver Insurance Coverage. You can get it as an extension to your personal policy, or as an all-in-one, combined policy that covers your personal and commercial use.

With General Rideshare Insurance, you’ll get:

• Coverage for the time when you are on the app but not yet driving to pick up or carrying passengers
• Possible coverage for portions of the high deductibles of insurance provided by TNCs should an accident occur while you are in the process of picking up or carrying passengers

This, again, is protection you won’t want to be without. Getting the right amount of protection is a delicate balancing act. You may also want to know that while rideshare insurance offers viable protection, you will still need to purchase collision and comprehensive insurance in order to be fully covered.

Now that you know what to look for in an insurance policy, how would you go about finding the right one? In the past, drivers would have to go to TLC insurance brokers, in their stuffy, often walk-up offices, in order to sign up for TLC insurance. 

Fortunately, the past is behind us. Now there is a company that makes getting TLC insurance quick and easy.

Inshur: quick, easy and effective TLC insurance for rideshare drivers

Now, you can get rideshare insurance coverage in just 3 minutes, with Insur! No more painful trips to insurance brokers, or long waits holding the phone. Insur lets you get quotes, purchase a policy, and make changes, with a few taps or clicks on the screen, because Insur handles it all online. 

With almost immediate service, flexible pricing, no hidden fees, and backing from some of the world’s most trusted insurance companies, Inshur can take care of all your rideshare insurance needs, including TLC insurance.

Inshur is smart insurance protection for the way you work. You can even make changes to your policy or check on a claim while you’re out and on the go. Inshur protects you and your business, with flexible payment plans through your credit or debit card. 

Because Inshur is designed to make the lives of rideshare drivers, you can get everything you need in one simple policy. You get physical coverage, liability and personal use, all included. The smartphone app makes it simple to get your policy and make changes to it; but if you ever need it, Inshur’s award-winning customer support is available in English and Spanish.

With Inshur you can go from quote to purchase in less than 3 minutes, and get automatic coverage for rideshare and personal use. There are no hidden fees, no hassles, and no fast-talking brokers to deal with.

Just click the button below to download the Inshur app, and secure your TLC policy while you’re on the move!

Amidst the early Covid-19 lockdowns, with fewer and fewer passengers requesting rides, Uber needed a new way to fill their seats. The solution was Uber Connect, described by Uber as an additional earnings opportunity that allows drivers to receive package delivery requests through the Uber app. However, there’s a chance you might not have heard of this because this feature is only available in select cities.

On the bright side, if you’re interested in delivering packages, Uber Connect has expanded to over 2,400 cities and towns across the U.S. so there’s also a chance that you have heard of this. If so, we’ve compiled a list of lingering unanswered questions about what Uber Connect is and what you can expect driving for this service: 

• What is Uber Connect? 
• How much can drivers make with Uber Connect? 
• How is Uber Connect different from UberX? 
• Where is Uber Connect in the driver app? 
• What do Uber Connect drivers deliver? 
• Is it worth it? 

What is Uber Connect? 

Uber Connect is a package delivery service that allows drivers to receive package delivery requests through the Uber app. This provides an additional opportunity to earn income, on top of rideshare and food, alcohol, and grocery delivery. 

Here’s how it works:

When the person that is sending the package, aka the sender, requests a package delivery, drivers are notified in the app and have the option to accept or decline the delivery order. This process is very similar to the process of accepting a ride request.

If accepted, drivers are routed to the pick-up location and the sender will place the packaged order in their car. Then, the driver transports the package to its destination, where the recipient (should) be waiting to receive the delivery. We’ll touch on this more later in this article.  

How much can drivers make with Uber Connect? 

Uber Connect fares are calculated based on the distance between the package pick-up and drop-off locations. Drivers can see estimated fares before accepting the delivery, but the sender has up to one hour to change these details without notifying drivers. There may be some instances where the fare you initially see may not be the one you receive after you finish the delivery. For instance, additional wait time charges may apply if you’ve waited for at least two minutes.

While it’s difficult to pin down exact dollar amounts, drivers with Uber Connect report that earnings are typically higher per trip than UberX, but there’s a catch. As of now, Uber Connect is not as popular as UberX. Deliveries are typically less frequent, meaning earnings per hour are usually lower.

Keep in mind that if you are a Gridwise Plus member you have exclusive access to see how much you can potentially make per hour based on the amount of time you spend driving across your rideshare and delivery platforms. Click the When to Drive feature, located on the home page in the app, to compare your Earnings per Trip day to day!

Anyways, Uber users are also still learning how Uber Connect works, and some drivers report that costly issues with pickup and delivery are not uncommon. 

If a delivery is cancelled when a driver is at the pick-up location or en-route, they receive a cancellation fee. However, If a driver arrives at a drop-off point and no one is there to claim the package, Uber doesn’t allow them to end the delivery. 

Although a small fare is paid out for longer waits, these mishaps can keep drivers off the road and away from more profitable rides, so deliveries carry a bigger risk than rideshare trips.

Uber encourages drivers to reach out to Uber Support if they’re unable to reach and/or carry out the delivery to the recipient at the drop-off location. We know that getting prompt support is not always easy, so here’s our guide on how to get real support from Uber, just in case.

How is Uber Connect different from UberX? 

Uber is very clear that Uber Connect cannot be used to “deliver” passengers, although that doesn’t seem to stop some people from trying. 

Uber Connect found its footing around the holidays, so that people could continue to send gifts to their loved ones during quarantine. It even earned the nickname “UberSanta” from some imaginative users. This sets up the primary differentiator between UberX and Connect, the difference being peak demand times. 

Package deliveries are most popular around gift-giving holidays, but not actually on them. This presents an opportunity for drivers to maximize their holiday earnings without having to sacrifice their plans and drive on the holiday itself like they might with rideshare. 

It’s also unlikely that package deliveries will incite the same late night and weekend surge prices that rideshare drivers may see. Because of this, Uber Connect might be a strong option for drivers who want to maximize their daytime earnings and don’t want to work during the evenings and/or weekends. 

Protecting yourself as a driver will also look slightly different depending on whether you’re driving for UberX or Uber Connect. Uber does not insure packages when they’re shipped. This means that you’re responsible for the contents of any package while in your vehicle. To protect yourself, you should make sure that your driver insurance policy is comprehensive or at least covers third-party property damage.

Check with our partner Inshur for affordable insurance for gig drivers, (only available in NYC and New Jersey for now). As always, it’s best to consult with a licensed professional to make sure you’re covered. 

Where is Uber Connect in the driver app? 

Uber Connect is expanding, but it’s still not available everywhere that Uber operates. When Uber Connect rolls out in a new city, drivers receive an invitation in the form of an email or Driver Hub notification offering the option to sign up. 

Once a driver’s application is approved, they will start seeing package delivery requests alongside ride requests. Drivers always have the option to toggle Uber Connect deliveries on and off within the app by changing the “Driver Preferences” in their settings. 

As Uber Connect becomes more popular and available in more locations, it could be a strong contender for drivers looking to diversify their earnings. That is, if they’re lucky enough to have this feature rolled out in their city!

However, if Uber Connect is not shown in the Driver Hub, it’s probably not available yet in your area. 

What do Uber Connect drivers deliver?

Uber Connect allows drivers to deliver a variety of items as long as they meet specific criteria: 

• The package cannot contain any prohibited items
• Per-trip combined maximum weight should not exceed 30 pounds 
• Packages must be closed, sealed and ready for delivery at the time of pickup 

As long as they fall within the required parameters, senders can deliver all sorts of items through Uber Connect, potentially increasing the number of deliveries available for drivers to earn. 

For our two-wheeled friends, Uber also designed the Uber Connect program with you in mind. Any approved package can be delivered with any approved Uber vehicle, not just ones with a trunk. 

Is it worth it? 

Uber Connect can be an excellent way for drivers to add another revenue stream. However, it’s important to remember that the service is still somewhat new. 

Since drivers aren’t required to accept delivery orders, turning on Uber Connect and taking one or two deliveries between rideshare rides might be worth it to see if this feature will be a good addition to their business.

We want to hear from you! 

Do you have experience driving with Uber Connect? We’d love for you to share all of your delivery (and rideshare) experiences with our community on Facebook. Plus, you’ll have the chance to win money in our gas card giveaways! 

Always be on the go with Gridwise!

Gridwise makes tracking mileage, expenses and earnings simple whether you’re hauling a bridal shower or a bundt cake. Gridwise does much more for you than track earnings and expenses; it also turns your data into beautiful graphs, giving you all the information necessary to make smarter decisions about your next business move. And it helps you earn up to 39% more!

Download the Gridwise app today and take your business to the next level. You’ll also enjoy exclusive driver perks and easy access to our blog, featuring insider tips on the best money-making resources for delivery and rideshare drivers.

If you’ve ever worked as an employee for a company that offers health benefits to employees, you know what it’s like to get health insurance coverage. Often, all you have to do is make a few basic decisions, sign the paperwork, and your health insurance card arrives in the mail. 

Being a gig worker is a very different story. As you know, if you’re an independent contractor, sometimes called a 1099 worker, the companies you drive for may not offer health insurance to 1099s. Your health needs, though, are still the same.

Checkups, medications, and other treatments are forms of routine medical care that almost everybody needs from time to time. With the price of care being what it is these days, it’s virtually impossible to pull together the cash to pay for these services, let alone for the cost of a more catastrophic health crisis. What can you do?

In this article, we’ll show you key information you need to know about getting health insurance, including new information that makes getting coverage even easier. Here are topics to be covered:

• How the American Rescue Plan Act (ARP) and Inflation Reduction Act have made coverage more affordable
• ACA-compliant coverage: What it is and how you can get it
• Paperwork, regulations, and enrollment periods: What could stand between you and a plan
• How to get knowledgeable help in choosing, and securing, the right plan
• No more fear—walk into the right health plan for you with a guide

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARP) and Inflation Reduction Act

Before going into the basics of getting health insurance, it’s important to understand that the American Rescue Plan made some important improvements to how Affordable Care Act (“ACA”) premium subsidies were calculated. Those changes were temporary, and were set to expire at the end of 2022. But the Inflation Reduction Act extended them through 2025, ensuring that people who buy their own health insurance can continue to access more affordable coverage. 

Here’s an overview of the improvements:

• The income cap (previously 400% of the federal poverty level) for subsidy eligibility has been removed. So, depending on where you live and how old you are, you might find that you’re eligible for subsidies even with an income well above that level.
• Premium subsidies are larger than they used to be. They’re still income-based and on a sliding scale, but the percentage of income that people have to pay (after the subsidy) is lower than it was pre-ARP. Some people qualify for premium-free plans and, even on the high end of the income scale, eligible applicants don’t have to pay more than 8.5% of their household income for the second-lowest-cost Silver plan.
• There’s a year-round special enrollment opportunity for people who are subsidy-eligible and whose household income isn’t more than 150% of the poverty level. This was created after the ARP was enacted, and the government specified that it would only be available as long as the ARP-style subsidy enhancements were in effect. Since the Inflation Reduction Act extended the ARP subsidy enhancements through 2025, this ongoing enrollment opportunity will also continue to be available through 2025. 

Now, let’s get into the ABCs of health coverage, and how you can get it.

ACA-compliant coverage: What it is and how you can get it

For those who purchase their own health coverage, ACA-compliant coverage is available through the exchange/marketplace and also outside the exchange. Before we get into the specifics of this, a few definitions might be useful, since ACA terminology can sometimes be confusing:

• ACA-compliant coverage: Health insurance that complies with the ACA’s rules for major medical health insurance. This is straightforward enough, but it’s important to understand that the ACA’s rules aren’t the same for all types of coverage. Individual and small-group health plans have one set of rules, while large-group and self-insured health plans have different rules. (Some rules apply across the board, such as the cap on out-of-pocket costs.)
• Essential health benefits (EHB): Under the ACA, all individual and small-group health plans with effective dates of 2014 or later are required to include coverage for ten general categories of coverage, which are known as essential health benefits. The specific services that must be covered under each EHB are defined by each state, so they vary depending on where you reside.
• Minimum essential coverage (MEC): When the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was signed into law in March 2010, it stipulated that most Americans would have to maintain health insurance, and there was a penalty for non-compliance from 2014 through 2018. (The requirement to maintain coverage still exists, but the federal penalty was eliminated in 2019.) In order to be compliant with this requirement, a person must have a health plan that’s considered minimum essential coverage (MEC). To be clear, minimum essential coverage does not necessarily mean that a plan is ACA-compliant, or that it includes the ACA’s essential health benefits. For example, any employer-sponsored health plan is considered MEC – even “skinny” employer-sponsored plans that cover very little. 
• Minimum value (MV): Under the ACA’s employer mandate, large employers (50+ employees) are required to offer their full-time workers health coverage that’s affordable and that provides minimum value. This just means the plan covers at least 60% of medical costs across a standard population, and provides “substantial” coverage for physician and inpatient care. But a plan does not have to include coverage for EHBs in order to provide minimum value. And even if an employer-sponsored plan doesn’t provide minimum value, it’s still considered MEC.

The concepts of MEC, EHB, and MV are often conflated. But if you’re buying your own health coverage, the only real concept you need to understand is ACA-compliant. Any ACA-compliant plan you buy on your own will include the EHBs, and it will count as MEC. 

(Even though there’s no longer a federal penalty for not having MEC, this is still important in some states that have their own penalties for not having coverage. And it’s also important if you later experience a qualifying event and want to switch to a different plan, as most special enrollment periods only apply if you already had MEC prior to the qualifying event.)

Any ACA-compliant individual (self-purchased) health plan will include:

• Coverage of the EHBs, including testing, treatment and vaccination for COVID-19;
• Coverage of pre-existing conditions. For instance, if you have diabetes or a heart condition, a plan that is ACA-compliant cannot reject your application. Your premium will not be based on your medical history. (Premiums can only vary based on age, location, and tobacco use; your premiums will be higher if you add additional family members to the plan). 
• No annual or lifetime limits on essential health benefits. That means if you need expensive tests or extensive treatment, the insurance company isn’t permitted to stop paying even after your expenses reach a certain level.

When you’re ready to purchase your insurance plan, you can visit the Health Insurance Marketplace and review all the options. You can also purchase ACA-compliant coverage directly from a health insurance company, but you won’t qualify for financial assistance if you shop outside the Marketplace. In general, the Marketplace will be your best bet, since most enrollees do qualify for income-based financial assistance in the form of subsidies. 

There are also other types of plans you can enroll in rather than going through the Marketplace, such as a parent’s group health plan (if you’re under the age of 26), student and/or veterans’ health plans (if you qualify), and Medicaid (if you meet certain criteria). If you have any of these plans, or if you need to find out if you qualify, you’ll have some homework to do.

If you purchase your own plan, you may qualify for reductions in your insurance costs, particularly if you’ve recently had a reduction in hours and/or income from your job. This can be handy for drivers who’ve experienced downturns in business. Before you reach that point, however, you’ll have to clear a few hurdles.

Paperwork, regulations, and enrollment periods: What could stand between you and a plan

When you don’t know how to do something, it can seem impossible. How do you know, for instance, if you qualify for a veterans’ program or Medicaid? Should you sign up for community college and get a student plan? And, if you decide to purchase a plan, how do you know what kind is best for you?

As a driver, you’re may be among the self-employed. This page on the HealthCare.gov website is specifically for self-employed individuals, and gives you an idea of what to expect if you apply directly for an ACA health plan.

While the ACA is the government’s attempt to supply consumers with easy ways to get affordable health care, the website can be confusing to navigate. Even with the convenience of the web-based application process, filling out a lengthy form can be cumbersome. Then there are the enrollment periods. When will they take your application for a plan?     

Even if you get your timing right and start to enroll on the ACA site, you’ll have to answer a number of questions, figure out if you’re asking the right questions, and hope the person on the other end can help you get the plan you need. 

And then what happens? At what point do you have to sign up, and what if you’re not sure you want to sign up yet? What if they sign you up anyway? Finding the answers to all these questions can be tiring and time-consuming. Wouldn’t it be great if there was an easier way?

There is.

How to get knowledgeable help in choosing, and securing, the right plan

When you’re on an arduous journey like the one you must take toward securing a healthcare plan, you need a guide. That’s why IHC Specialty Benefits has a program for drivers like you. IHC helps you find the fastest, easiest pathways to securing health coverage under the ACA, and there’s a program just for drivers who use Gridwise.

As for the enrollment periods, they are windows of time through which HealthCare.gov accepts applications for health plans. There is the Marketplace Open Enrollment Period (OEP), which runs from November 1 through January 15 (some states have different deadlines); and Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs), during which people have a chance to enroll if they experience a qualifying life event.

Individuals who have a certain life events, such as the loss of job-based health benefits, having a baby, losing a spouse’s coverage, and other life-changing circumstances may qualify for SEPs. People can apply under this kind of SEP up to 60 days before or after the event takes place.

No more fear—walk into the right health plan with a guide

Anyone could easily feel intimidated by the thought of applying for health coverage without help, but it doesn’t have to be that way for you. Now that you know about IHC’s partnership with Gridwise, you can see that health coverage for drivers is definitely within reach. 

Enter your information, then find out if you qualify for a subsidy or payment reduction, and get a wide selection of plans that will work for you. And – if you still have difficulty deciding, or need help finding your way – IHC will guide you.

Isn’t it a relief to know there’s a great company like IHC to help drivers get health coverage? Yeah, we think so too.

You’ve seen the signs, and unfortunately, it’s true: gas prices are on the rise and expected to reach their highest levels since 2014. For rideshare and delivery drivers, managing this expense is critical to lowering your overhead and putting more money in your pocket. 

Watching prices roll beyond $3 or $4 per gallon isn’t ideal, but thankfully there are several ways to limit the impact of these price spikes on your bottom line. 

We’ve put together a list of 5 simple driving habits and tools that you can implement today to help you fill up for less money, less frequently: 

• Maintain your vehicle 
• Keep track of expenses 
• Limit leisure driving
• Purchase the right vehicle
• Take advantage of Gridwise Gas 

Plus, we’ve thrown in a few ways for rideshare and delivery drivers to get great discounts every time they’re at the pump. 

The lowdown on escalating gas prices

Hopefully you’re already tracking your mileage and performance to get the most out of the hours you’re on the road. It’s important to understand how these costs affect your earnings. As a driver, your primary expenses are maintenance, depreciation of your vehicle, and fuel, with the latter typically hitting your account the hardest. Here’s how it breaks down:

On average, a gig driver will typically do 1,000 miles a week, and need to fill up a standard 12 gallon gas tank at least 3 times. At the beginning of 2021, gas prices were lower, averaging $2.24/gallon. Still, drivers could expect to lose at least $80 of their weekly profits to fuel costs. 

Because of the high mileage in rideshare, even a small uptick in prices has a big impact on this cost. By May 2021 fuel prices had jumped to an average of $2.89 per gallon, meaning drivers needed to spend an additional $0.64/gallon or over $100 a week. 

With prices expected to continue rising and limited ways to increase earnings, it’s important to save every penny possible. These 5 tips can help get you started. 

Maintain your vehicle 

Regularly servicing your vehicle is important for the safety of yourself and your passengers. Keeping your car running strong can also help you save at the pump. You should always schedule regular maintenance to ensure that your vehicle is running strong and efficiently. 

When’s the last time you checked your tire pressure? For every 1 psi your tires are below their recommended inflation pressure, you lose 0.2% fuel efficiency in your car. 

Upgrading your motor oil and making sure to regularly change your oil filter can also help you up your vehicle’s efficiency by several percentage points. So the moral of the story is, take care of your vehicle!

Keep track of expenses 

Not only will carefully tracking your expenses help you determine how much you’re really earning at the end of the day, it can also help you save when tax season rolls around. With this in mind, you’ll want to deduct the mileage and cost of fuel from your tax liability. 

Plus, it’s easy. Gridwise helps drivers track their expenses and create detailed tax reports to make filing a breeze. Accurately tracking and reporting your mileage and expenses can help you keep more of the money you earn. Take a look at this Gridwise blog post for an insightful tax deduction guide for rideshare and delivery drivers. 

Limit leisure driving 

You’re only making money when you’re delivering food, groceries, packages, etc. or when there’s a passenger in the car. Limiting the amount of time you spend driving aimlessly with no destination, can help cut down on unnecessary mileage. 

Drive strategically - even when you’re not on the clock, you can still make moves to help your business. If you can, consider using alternatives for getting around like public transportation, walking or biking. 

Try and plan your drive time around peak hours, and with the When to Drive feature… you easily can! However, if you’re more old school, you can make a calendar of important events in town that might cause spikes in payouts and try to be on the road for them. With the When to Drive feature you can eliminate the hassle of strategically picking high-demand times to drive, so you can be sure that you’ll be earning more than you’re burning. 

Purchase the right vehicle 

With all the money you’ll be saving on fuel costs, you might be tempted to go out and get a new vehicle for your business. Just make sure that whatever you’re driving is well-suited to the job. 

Fuel efficiency is the number one priority behind passenger comfort when picking the best rideshare vehicle. You might also consider a hybrid vehicle that will help you save by utilizing battery power rather than gasoline. 

So, next time you’re at the pump… 

Remember, every small effort you make can have a big impact on your bottom line. Saving a cent here and there might not seem like much when it’s just one tank of gas, but it adds up to be a big pay out over the entire year. 

By implementing these 5 tips into your driving strategy, you’ll worry less about fluctuating gas prices and keep more of the money you’ve earned.  

Gridwise Can Get You There

Gridwise helps drivers optimize their business, unlocking opportunities for higher earnings and more savings. Sync all your driving and delivery apps and watch Gridwise seamlessly track your activity, helping you find the best times to drive, and giving you all of the information you need to make smart decisions for your business. 

In the driver perks tab, you’ll find great deals and discounts exclusively for drivers who use Gridwise. You can also easily access our blog where we put together meaningful content for drivers who want to grow their business.

Gridwise is your co-pilot to getting the most out of your time on the road. We help you work out the details so you can focus on providing the best experience for your passengers --  Download the app now!

“It was seamless, they kept on top of everything, and it was so easy to get onboarded and start seeing results!”

- Jennifer Parker, Panel Recruiting Manager for ACOP

Background

Gridwise recently partnered with American Consumer Opinion, a global market research firm that helps its clients, including a variety of Fortune 500 Companies, gather feedback on new offerings and advertising messaging. American Consumer Opinion (ACOP) manages a survey panel of people from all different backgrounds, ethnicities, and locations to gather unique insights. The company is constantly looking for qualified members to staff their panel, which provides feedback on products through testing, online surveys, and focus groups. 

The demographics of gig drivers are also extremely diverse, making the Gridwise audience an ideal fit as panelists. The brand partnerships team noticed the alignment between the two companies and recognized the opportunity for Gridwise users to make extra money, and proactively reached out. 

Jennifer Parker, the Panel Recruiting Manager at ACOP, set up an intro meeting with the Gridwise team to discuss a potential approach to a campaign and was impressed by their preparedness and range of advertisement placement offerings. 

“The team showed all of the examples of everything they were going to do to promote us, which was amazing!”

Goals

The Gridwise team felt strongly that ACOP’s value proposition would resonate with their drivers based on the response to other earning opportunities, so they crafted a strategic campaign, mapping back to their client’s acquisition goals. 

Gridwise users are located all over the country and their demographics are extremely varied in age, education, interests, and buying behavior. These vast differences can be especially valuable to ACOP as the panelists can qualify for multiple studies. 

The ACOP team leaned on Gridwise’s expertise in creating effective messaging and partnered to launch content across several different channels with a goal of onboarding a target number of new panelists.

Action plan 

To achieve this goal, Clay Moore and Alex Egan, Gridwise’s brand partnerships team,  headed up the initiative. Alex took point on coordinating in-app ads, email content, a dedicated blog post, and even social media retargeting.

“Our best performing campaigns make a point of reaching drivers across different media, at different points of their daily journey as a driver,” said Alex, “...and we were confident this offering could be a hit with our drivers - so it was up to us to make that a reality.”

To ensure the campaign was quick to drive results, Alex and Clay quickly designed unique in-app display ads, which were approved and launched the same week. In the meantime, the content team began drafting the long-form direct response channels such as blog and email to help tell the compelling story of how drivers can supplement their driving income by becoming an ACOP panelist. 

ACOP had never targeted the gig worker audience, so Jennifer felt she was taking a gamble - and she hit the jackpot. "I was really nervous at first, but once the first email blast went out, it clicked for me,” Jennifer says, “because the audience is so engaged; they really are reading the emails and the blog posts. And the way the team interacted with me was really reassuring."

“I could tell that the team had really done their research when creating content for us, they nailed the messaging!” 

Results

By the end of the first 3-month phase of the campaign, ACOP had received almost double the target number of signups, with conversion rates higher than any other marketing channel. The team’s strategy for targeting Gridwise users resulted in drivers responding enthusiastically to the company’s value proposition, leading to a $10 acquisition cost per panelist, below ACOP’s original goal.

Jennifer is excited to continue working with the Gridwise team, leveraging new placements to acquire even more panel members, while maintaining the low acquisition cost as her campaign continues. 

“I was really impressed with all the different locations in the app where we would be placed in the sponsorship plan, and they checked in on us regularly....it was a holistic experience from beginning to end." 

What does it mean to “invest?” In essence, it refers to spending money with the expectation of achieving a profit or some other kind of financial gain. As a driver, you might not think you even have enough money to invest, but keep reading and you’ll see why that’s not true.

In this blog post, we’ll tell you some good reasons why you should invest a portion of your earnings, and offer you a way to do it that will surprise and excite you. Here’s how we’ll break it down:

• Why should drivers invest?
• Ways and places to set aside money
• What about the stock market?
• Public: A stock market solution drivers will love

Why should drivers invest?

First of all, who wouldn’t want to be able to put money aside and make a profit on it? The simple idea of being able to watch your account balance grow without having to do much outside of making a few smart decisions should be enough to convince you that investing is a great idea.

If that’s not doing it for you, think about what you could use that “extra” money for. What if something happens to your driving business, and you can’t make money for a few months? You may not be aware that, for independent contractors, worker’s comp and unemployment insurance will not automatically kick in. You’re going to need some backup.

Having money set aside, and watching it grow to make more money, is the kind of security blanket you need to feel financially safe as you happily go about making money with your driving gigs. Also, if you have a goal such as buying a house or taking the vacation you’ve always yearned for, investing your money is a smart way to gather up the kind of cash you’re going to need to bankroll your dreams.

Ways and places to set aside money

There are two avenues that will lead you toward the healthy habit of setting some of your earnings aside, aka, “paying yourself first.” The first is to save on expenses. Is there an extravagance in your life you could really live without? There probably is. Overpriced coffee, buying rounds at the bar, and eating out more often than you actually need to are three expenses you could eliminate right away. Each time you pass on spending for the money-sucking habits in your life, put away the money you would have spent.

You could put it into a special savings account, or even keep it in something as simple as a cookie jar. Once it adds up, you’ll be able to do something meaningful with it.

The other element you’ll need to effectively start saving is discipline. Let’s say you set a goal of putting aside 15 percent of your income every week. You do okay for the first few weeks, and then … something comes up. Friends come in from out of town and want you to party with them at a club after your shift. Or, let’s say you fall madly in love and want to take a romantic and pricey getaway trip together, but you just can’t afford it … unless you stop setting that money aside.

It will be up to you to set your priorities, but if you truly want to have money for a rainy day that will probably come one day, you’ll have to keep working and hustling to earn those extras. You can also be disciplined enough to remind yourself that your goal to save is more important than fleeting pleasures.

If you have trouble disciplining yourself to set the money aside on your own, you can get automatic withdrawals taken from your account. To make it harder to withdraw on impulse, you can start an account you can’t touch without having to pay a penalty. Look into an IRA (Individual Retirement Account) or 401 (k), which is a retirement account you can open as an independent contractor. An article in MyBankTracker will help you navigate the ins and outs of this option.

Another way to invest money is to purchase real estate or collect high-value items, such as art, coins, or sports memorabilia. This can be risky. If items lose rather than gain value, and these options can also come with a rather high price. You can still start small, though, as long as you’re investing money you might not otherwise need.

What about the stock market?

The stock market is certainly a good way to make money, sometimes quickly, and often over an extended period. Investing in the stock market, if you have the right combination of knowledge, skill, and good fortune can be quite rewarding.

That can be a problem, though. People spend hundreds of thousands of dollars and many years getting the education they need to make money in the stock market, so there’s no shortage of overly trained analysts and traders. Still, it’s becoming more possible every day for people with little or no formal training to trade stocks with far less money than you might think.

In many cases, the profits you can make in the stock market are eye-popping. Yet, as with all investments, there are risks involved with buying and selling stocks. You’ll probably find that, as long as you invest money that you can truly afford to set aside, and that you won’t need for life’s essentials, it’s worth taking your chances. 

You might be wondering about the other expenses that can be involved in trading stocks. What about the huge brokers’ commissions, and the possibility of being charged to make trades based on your broker’s latest hunch, rather than your own instincts and desires?

There’s no longer a need to feed high-priced traders and brokers just to get a piece of today’s stock market action. A movement that is allowing the stock market to become far less stuffy and way more accessible is definitely afoot now, and is gaining steam. 

Just like so many other facets of life, stock trading is becoming something ordinary people can do, and quite easily. All it takes is a little bit of money to invest, a network of people who can give you great tips and ideas, and a platform through which you can make your trades.

Does that sound like a lot to ask for? It’s not. As it turns out, there’s an app that does all that, and more: Public.

Public: A stock market solution drivers will love

Public is a cutting-edge app that lets you get in on the stock trading game in a way that’s not only efficient and inexpensive, but interesting, exciting, and fun. Public is more than just a platform for trading – it’s a social investing experience. It turns investing into a collaborative effort by providing a social network where you can:

• Follow friends and experts on certain subject matters
• Hop onto a messaging system designed to give investors lots to DM about
• Use social sharing to publish your trades to other social platforms
• Browse stocks by curated themes such as entertainment, cannabis, diversity, small businesses, and health and healing.

By joining Public’s community of investors, you’ll get to watch what others are doing, collaborate, and show off your own progress to your friends.

There are many other reasons to love Public as well, such as:

• No commission charge for trades. Instead, there’s an optional tipping system you can use to show your appreciation for the trading service. There are no deposit or withdrawal fees, either.
• No minimum amount needed to invest. You can begin trading stocks with literally any amount of money.
• Investing with a swipe. Buy “slices” of stock that are offered by Public, and choose the amount you want to put in.
• Debit card funding. Add money to your account and make deposits with your profits, quickly and with great ease. Security is assured by Public’s partnership with Wells Fargo and Braintree (a PayPal subsidiary).
• Long-term investment capability. Build a portfolio designed to pay off in the long term, automatically reinvest dividends, and get safety labels that inform you about the risk levels of the stocks you choose.
• No day trading. Public plays it safe by banning day trading and other sketchy practices like margin accounts.
• Referral program. Share your referral link with friends, and if they successfully open accounts with Public, you and any referred friends get a free slice of stock!
• Super Security. Insured by Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC), Public customers are protected for up to $500,000 in securities, and up to $250,000 in cash. Data is secured via AES 128-bit encryption and TLS 1.2. All your transactions are  completely protected with state-of-the-art data security technology.

Opening an account with Public is easy, as long as you:

• Are at least 18 years old 
• Have a valid Social Security number,
• Have a legal U.S. residential address
• Are a U.S. citizen or have permanent residence or a visa

If you meet these requirements, go ahead and give investing a try with Public. Learn more here, and then download the app today!

The advantages of gig driving are hard to beat. Freedom to pick your hours, higher than average hourly earnings, and sheer variety are just a few of them. Still, there’s a grind to delivering food and groceries, and more than a few hassles to rideshare driving. Most of these involve...dealing with people!

Have you had it with getting complaints about not including enough ranch dressing with a customer’s order? Are you completely sick of passengers putting their feet up on your seats and then reporting to your company that your car is dirty? If you want to escape these and any other irritations that arise when your delivering and driving involve prickly individuals, this blog post is for you.

Here, we’ll explore the three best options for delivering parcels. That’s right. With this kind of gig, all you have to do is pick up packages and materials and deliver them, usually to a doorstep or a company office, storefront, or job site. Additionally, your deliveries will take place during normal store hours - 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. No more drunken revelers or rancid french fries smell in your vehicle, ever again! Here’s what we’ll examine:

• The good & the bad of delivering parcels and materials
• What you need to get started
• The 3 best options for drivers
• Which parcel & material delivery job works the best for rideshare and delivery drivers?

The good & the bad of delivering parcels and materials

We’ve already touched on the biggest advantage to delivering packages and “stuff” that isn’t food-related. Eliminating the need to deal directly with people from the equation certainly removes the aggravation out of your driving life. There are other perks, as well:

• Predictable routes - You will know exactly where you need to go within your shift hours.
• Can use your own or a company vehicle - Depending on the company you choose, you can use the vehicle you already own, or a company car or truck.
• Physical exercise - The days of sitting in one place and doing nothing will be over when you move into loading and unloading parcels and materials.
• Not stuck in an office - The freedom of “being on the road” sure does beat being locked in a stuffy room filled with cubicles and ringing telephones.
• Decent earnings - Parcel and delivery companies, in general, pay as well or better than rideshare and food delivery.

There are some downsides to working in this part of the mobility industry, though. They will, again, depend on which company you wind up working for.

• Set hours - With some companies, you may have to work as many as 50 hours per week.
• Rules and restrictions - Some companies have rules about your appearance and personal style.
• Limited hours - In some cases, you may not be offered as many hours as you would like in order to make decent money.
• Pressure to complete lots of deliveries in a short time - Companies often lay heavy loads on drivers, expecting them to cover a lot of ground in a limited amount of time.
• Expenses reduce total earnings - Fuel costs, wear and tear on your vehicle, and other “hidden” costs could make those juicy earnings dry up fast.

What you need to get started

Depending on the company you choose, you’ll have to meet a certain set of standards and possibly comply with requirements that involve things such as the cleanliness of your car interior. This is certainly something you’ll want to think about before you get too excited about the prospects of delivering parcels and materials, but if you’re game, the opportunity to earn is there.

Here are the things you’ll need, pretty much across the board, but specific requirements will vary by company. 

If you use a company truck or have your own vehicle, you may need to:

• Hold a valid driver’s license in your state of residence
• Pass a background check
• Pass a drug test 
• Have the ability to drive a manual transmission
• Training from the company
• Meet age requirements
• Have a valid SSN, TIN, or EIN
• Be able to lift as much as 70 pounds

If you use your own vehicle you’ll have to:

• Have insurance (You may need to carry extra in your state. Check with your provider.)
• Be able to use a car, but consider using a truck or van for large loads.

There’s a big difference between the kinds of parcel delivery jobs you can choose from. Some are gig-oriented, much like Uber or DoorDash for packages and dry goods. Others involve taking on a full-time, employee position.

The 3 best options for drivers

Let’s look at what’s available, and see what the three best options for gig drivers might be. We’ll look at the option of working for a large company as an employee, and then at two companies that are more oriented to the gig driving lifestyle.

1. UPS or FedEx. Working for one of these companies would require you to become an employee. While this would give you many benefits (including things such as insurance and a pension plan), there are some disadvantages to this kind of position. Your schedule would not be flexible, for one thing. Also, this is where you might run into those rules and regulations that prohibit long hair, facial hair, tattoos, and insist on the 21-year old age minimum and the like. The other thing is, to work for one of these companies, you’d have to wait for there to be an opening, interview for the position, and get it. You can’t just sign up and start driving.
2. Amazon Flex. Driving for Amazon Flex allows you to download the app and begin to drive for them. You will be delivering packages for Amazon Prime, Prime Now, or even shopping for groceries from Whole Foods. You would schedule blocks when you make yourself available for a given time period. This gives you more flexibility, but also requires more of a hustle. There have been lots of complaints recently about Amazon Flex offering fewer hours, as more drivers come on board. You might have trouble making enough money to meet your needs. You would probably have to look at your stint with Amazon Flex as being a part-time kind of thing. As a driver, you’d go to the warehouse when your scheduled block begins, pick up your packages, and strive to deliver them all by the time your block ends. While this works out for many drivers, there are some who complain they often struggle to make all the deliveries on time, and also have trouble making ends meet.
3. Curri. This is a comparatively new company, with an entirely different type of delivery service. With Curri, you deliver construction materials for that essential “last mile.” They will give you orders that fit into the average sedan, and some that would allow you to put your van or truck to good use. As a driver with Curri, you’ll pick up and transport items for prompt delivery, return pick-ups from customers, handle multiple pick-ups and drop-off deliveries, and perform multi-stop, “Daily Routes,” as you supply companies and individuals with the goods they need on a regular basis. 

Which parcel & material delivery job works the best for rideshare and delivery drivers?

Let’s look at the problem you’re trying to solve, and which of these three options offers the best solution. If you’re sick of dealing with people either in your car or on the other end of those small food orders, you need a gig that takes those interactions off the table. If you need to make good money, but don’t want to commit to full-time employment, UPS and FedEx won’t work for you. Also, Amazon Flex doesn’t pay the kind of money it used to.

To get flexible hours, a minimum of requirements, respectable earnings, rewarding work, and no hassles with passengers or food delivery customers, Curri is definitely your best bet. Here are the advantages that make it the top choice for rideshare and delivery drivers who are looking for a change of pace:

• Ability to choose your own hours
• No unreasonable requirements & no cosmetic restrictions
• Consistent, full shifts and reliable income levels
• Variety in kinds of deliveries
• No need to take people into your car
• Reasonable hours (no late night runs to sketchy neighborhoods)
• State of the art routing and delivery app
• Large demand for drivers

The only “spare” equipment you need to drive for Curri might be a pair of sturdy closed-toe shoes. You’ll find them handy when you go to visit all those job sites! And - you’ll only be rated based on your punctuality. No more worrying about pleasing picky passengers!

Curri is easy to get for Android and Apple. Download the app and get started with Curri: The Standard in Materials Delivery.