Gridwise blog

If you get into a car with a driver you’ve never met before, you want to know that you can trust the person—right? That’s why all drivers must undergo a criminal background check before they can drive for Lyft. Once you’re cleared, the company and its customers can feel confident that they’re safe.

What are they looking for?

Lyft will not allow drivers to be part of their service if they are …

• listed in the National Sex Offender Registry;

or if at any time they have been convicted of ...

• a violent crime
• a sexual offense
• an act of terror
• driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI) within the last seven years
• fraud within the last seven years
• drug-related offense within the last seven years
• theft or property damage within the last seven years

It is important to note that the seven-year timeframe mentioned in this list is only an average. The amount of time an offense stays on a person’s record will vary from one jurisdiction to the next. If you are concerned about your circumstances, check the laws in the location where you are applying to drive for Lyft.

Also, the laws that designate a conviction as a disqualification for driving with Lyft can vary from one jurisdiction to another. Look into local laws on your own, or ask Lyft about policies specific to your area. 

Who conducts the Lyft background check?

According to Lyft, Checkr is the company used to run background checks on most drivers. The one exception is for drivers in New York City, where the Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) runs its own check prior to issuing or renewing a TLC license. Lyft requires all drivers working in New York City to hold a TLC license.

You can monitor the progress of your background check, and dispute it if necessary, by calling Checkr’s support team at (844) 824-3257; by using the Checkr Candidate Portal; or by snail-mailing your dispute along with any supporting documents to: Checkr Inc. 1 Montgomery St. Suite 2400, San Francisco, California 94104. 

Whatever means of contact you choose, you’ll need to provide your Social Security number at the time you submit your request, as well as anytime you want to check on your status.

What’s involved in the process?

First, you’ll have to consent to the background check. There will be an opportunity to do so when you fill out your application to drive. Because the background check is covered by the Fair Credit Reporting Act, your profile will be protected and will remain confidential.

The company performing the background check (whether Checkr or TLC) will start with searches of county and federal courthouses. They will consult multi-state criminal records, the DMV, and the National Sex Offender Registry to ensure a potential Lyft driver has not been involved in any activities that would threaten the safety of Lyft’s customers. Any outstanding issues, such as a criminal charge that is still pending, will turn up during the check as well.

Some felony offenses may or may not cause Lyft to reject your application. These will vary depending on the seriousness of the charge(s), local laws concerning what makes someone a “safe” driver, and Lyft’s policies in your location.

How long does it take?

It can take anywhere from two to four days for the average background check to go through the full procedure. In some cases, according to Lyft, the lack of electronic records at the county level can prolong the process. 

Also, if you have lived in many different states, they will each have to be checked, which can cause further delay. And if you’ve been a victim of identity theft, you’ll have to wait even longer, since some extra cross-checking of records may be necessary.

Even with these exceptions, the process shouldn’t take longer than ten days. If it does, contact Checkr or Lyft to find out if your status is available yet.

Usually, if something is holding up the background check or you notice that it’s marked “suspended,” you’ll receive an email from a Checkr “no-reply” address giving you instructions. If you don’t receive an email, go to the Checkr Candidate Portal to request current information.

Do I have to pay for the Lyft background check?

No. The cost of the background check is covered by Lyft, and is included as part of your free in-app or online application. The only things you have to “give” are your consent and your personal information.

What if I don’t pass the background check?

If you don’t pass, the background check results will be emailed to you at the address you provided. Look over the report, and if it’s accurate you’ll probably see why you were rejected.

If you believe none of the offenses listed should disqualify you from driving, you can contact Lyft support to voice your concerns and provide additional information.

If there is an error on your background check, such as a charge for an offense that is false, or other information that is inaccurate or incomplete, you can contact Checkr to dispute your report.

Although there is no time limit on how long you can take to dispute the report, you should do it as soon as possible.

Remember, standards vary from state to state regarding the number of years that must elapse from the time an offense occurred and the time when you’ll be qualified to drive for Lyft. Even if you’re already a driver in one state, you might not pass the background check and be able to drive in a new one. Bottom line is, always check the state requirements when you move from one place to another so you don’t get any unpleasant surprises.

How often does Lyft run a background check on me?

You already know you’ll be put through a background check when you first apply, but Lyft has reasons for repeating the process. For example, if you move and drive in a new location, you’ll have to comply with the local laws that are in effect there.

From time to time, usually about once a year, Lyft will repeat the background check for everyone. You might, one day, find that you can’t gain access to the app because you need to consent to another background check. 

This will ordinarily appear as a pop-up in the app. If you don’t see the pop-up, but aren’t able to drive because you need to have a new background check done, click on your notifications tab to link to the consent form.

Lyft is sensitive to public concerns about the safety of its drivers, so the company is instituting a program of continuous—as in daily—monitoring of its active drivers for criminal charges and convictions. While this might seem like overreach, it’s easy to see why they do it. When your riders feel safe, they use Lyft more often. That works for you, too, doesn’t it?

What about my driving record?

In addition to the background check, Lyft runs a check on your driving record. Another third-party company will produce this report, and depending on what your record shows Lyft may or may not disqualify you. 

After you become a driver, your DMV record will be monitored continuously, so Lyft will keep track of any violations and citations you might receive.

Your best bet, always, is to act responsibly and drive carefully.

The last thing any rideshare driver wants is an accident. But it’s impossible, as well as short-sighted, to ignore the fact that the more you drive, the more likely you are to be involved in one. Even the best, most alert, and adroit drivers can be hit by another driver who’s not so skilled or alert—like someone who’s texting and driving at the same time. How will you pay for damages, injuries, lost time, and lost income?

Does my personal auto insurance cover me as a rideshare driver?

You already have insurance, right? Of course you do.

When you submit your application to Uber or Lyft, you must show proof that your car is covered by at least the minimum amount of insurance your state requires. While such policies protect you, they are typically in effect only when you’re driving for personal use and not when you’re driving for a rideshare company. 

Once your vehicle goes into use for the purpose of earning money while driving, such as when you pick up a paying passenger, you become a “driver for hire.” In many cases, this will invalidate your individual insurance policy. 

How do Uber and Lyft cover drivers?

The good news is, even when your personal insurance policy isn’t in effect, both Uber and Lyft offer coverage for you while you’re driving for them. Here’s a rundown of the kinds of insurance you need as a rideshare driver, followed by a comparison of what Uber and Lyft have to offer.

First, there’s third-party liability insurance. This covers anyone besides you and your car in the event of an accident. While it’s unfortunate enough to damage your own car or to suffer an injury yourself, it can be especially painful to learn that you’re responsible for injuries or damage to the other people and vehicles involved—and your insurance won’t cover you.

Also essential is uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury insurance. This type of policy covers you and your riders if the other party in the accident is at fault and lacks adequate insurance. Such policies also provide protection if you’re the victim of a “hit and run” accident.

Contingent collision and comprehensive insurance covers you as long as you maintain comprehensive and collision coverage on your personal auto insurance policy. It will help cover physical damage to your car up to its actual cash value, no matter whose fault the accident might be.

Now, based on different driving scenarios, we’ll look at the coverage offered by Uber and Lyft.

When you’re offline and the Driver app is off, you’re covered by your private insurance policy. Neither Lyft nor Uber will cover you when you’re not using their apps.

When the Driver app is on and you’re waiting for a ride request ...

Uber offers third-party liability in these amounts:

• $50,000 in bodily injury per person
• $100,000 in bodily injury per accident
• $25,000 in property damage per accident

Lyft’s primary liability coverage is similar to Uber’s:

• $50,000 maximum limit per person
• $100,000 per accident
• $ 25,000 limit for property damage

Note: Both companies offer third-party liability insurance only when your personal policy is not in effect.

When you’re on your way to pick up riders and/or while riders are in your car, 

Uber’s coverage includes:

• $1,000,000 third-party liability
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury (coverage varies by state)
• Contingent comprehensive and collision up to the cash value of your car with a $1,000 deductible

Lyft provides

• $1,000,000 per accident
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury (coverage varies by state)
• Contingent comprehensive and collision up to the cash value of your car with a $2,500 deductible.

Note: If you are a Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC)-licensed driver in New York City, or if you drive in California or Maine, you’re responsible for obtaining your own commercial insurance policy.

Is the insurance offered by Uber and Lyft enough?

You’ll have to answer this question for yourself, of course. But to help you do so, let’s examine the risks you take as a rideshare driver, and then look at some options for making sure you’re totally covered.

Do you need to beef up your policy?

If you don’t divulge to your personal insurance carrier that you’re a rideshare driver, you’re taking a huge gamble. Although premiums can increase substantially when you purchase a rideshare endorsement, it still might be worth it. 

Talk to your insurance agent to find out what your options are. Remember, the insurance carrier has every right to cancel your policy if they discover you’re using your vehicle for commercial purposes. If you lose your private policy, you’ll no longer qualify to be a rideshare driver.

Can you fill in the gap?

It’s comforting to know that Uber or Lyft will pay for damage to your car up to its cash value—but would that be enough if your car was totaled in an accident? That depends on how much you owe on your car.

Ridesharing adds a lot of mileage and wear and tear on a vehicle. As a result, your car is likely to depreciate much more quickly than it otherwise would. 

Let’s say you need $10,000 to pay off your car loan. If the value of the car was reduced due to extra wear and tear (measured by its mileage), it might only be worth $5,000. 

How easy would it be for you to come up with the remaining $5,000?

Gap insurance is designed to help you in that situation. Gap coverage protects you in the event of theft or total damage to your vehicle, up to the amount that you owe on it. It fills in that $5,000 space—or gap—between what you’ll get from regular insurance and what you need to pay off the car loan.

What about medical bills?

You can add a medical payments enhancement to your car insurance policy, which will help you pay the deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses you’re likely to incur should you get injured in an accident. If, like many people in the gig economy world, you don’t have your own health insurance, you really need to think about adding this to your policy.

Are there other options for rideshare drivers?

There are a few ways to add on to your coverage without watching your costs go sky-high.

• For a few cents on each ride, Uber Optional Injury Protection (through Aon) covers disability payments, deductibles on medical expenses, and survivor benefits. You can sign up within the app. 

• All-in-one is a service offered by GEICO and Lyft. It takes the place of your personal insurance policy, and offers lower deductibles ($250 instead of $2,500) when you’re driving your car for Lyft. You can even earn extra money (up to $500) per year as you drive. Rates vary.

• optON lets you pay for insurance as you go. It’s an app-based policy that offers a variety of coverages, which you select each time you drive for four hours or more. Rates vary by location.

Insurance can be a complex concern. It’s well worth the time you spend to review your options and consult with an insurance professional to make sure you’re safe, secure, and totally covered every time you drive.

Driving for Uber sounds great to many of us. All we have to do is drive our car from one place to the next, and magically … we make money!

Well … that’s a little simplistic, although being a rideshare driver is pretty easy. But there is one thing that can get between you and that pile of cash at the end of the day.

What’s that one thing? Not having a car. 

It may surprise you to know, however, that driving for Uber is not contingent on owning a car. Instead, you can rent one. Even if you are a car owner you may want to give your vehicle a break from wear and tear and/or heavy mileage for a while. Whatever your reasons, renting might be a good option for you. Read on to learn more about what’s involved.

Some things to ponder

Before you get too excited, be aware that there are some restrictions. You can’t simply run down to the local car rental place and rent one of their vehicles to drive for Uber—it doesn’t work that way. Issues involving insurance, not to mention Uber’s approval requirements, prohibit that.

Still, there are ways for you to legally and safely rent a vehicle to use for Uber driving. How does it work? Uber partners with a group of companies that rent vehicles to drivers who need them. We’ll dig into that later in this post.

Know the rules

If you decide to go with the car rental option, it’s important to understand the requirements and restrictions that are in place. One pertains to age. You must be of a certain age, which is typically 21 or 25, depending on the rental company’s regulations. You also need a credit or debit card. In most cases a debit card will be accepted, but the rental company will take a deposit and hold it until the car is returned. In other words, you’ll need to have a “spare” lump sum (usually a few hundred dollars) that you can live without for a while.

It goes without saying that you’ll need a good driving record and be able to pass a background check, just as you would if you want to drive for Uber with your own car. If you’re ready to drive enough to pay for the car and make a profit, and you meet all the other qualifications, you’re all set. 

Next steps

If you haven’t already done so, download the Uber app and sign up to become a driver. If you’re an Uber driver already, you’re good to go. Now, from the home screen tap on your photo in the upper right hand corner. On the next screen, also in the upper right corner, tap where it says “H..P?”. This will open the Help section.

Here, you’ll tap “Signing up,” and then, on the next screen, tap “Getting a vehicle.” Next tap “Can I use a rental car to drive?” and you’ll see a message stating Uber’s policy regarding approved partnerships and locations for Uber drivers. The vehicles are insured by the rental partners specifically for Uber drivers, so you won’t get in trouble for using them.

Next, tap “Uber-approved rental car providers,” and you’ll be whisked to a screen that tells you to send a message to learn more about what’s available in your location.

Note: Some cities don’t have the option to rent cars, but even if yours doesn’t, don’t give up. There will probably be deals that offer flexible leases and discounts on new cars. You can check with Uber to see what might be available to you, either through the app or the Uber website.

Uber’s approved providers

There are several Uber-approved rental car providers, and they vary from city to city. That’s why it’s crucial for you to go through the Uber app to find out which companies and locations will work for you. 

You’ll want to know more about each of them before you make a commitment, right? Here’s a rundown of the companies Uber lists—but remember, all of them might not be available in your location. Also, think about whether you want to rent on an hourly or weekly basis, and if you don’t know, look at the rates and let the numbers help you decide.

Fair   

One option is the Fair program, which offers weekly rates as low as $214. Auto liability insurance is included, as are basic routine oil and filter changes, multi-point inspections, tire rotations and fluids. Fair also charges a $200 security deposit, but it is refundable. When you return your car, the deposit can be applied to any amounts you owe, including past payments, damage, or gas charges. 

Getaround

Another rental option is Getaround, a program that allows you to rent by the hour or the week. Getaround’s rates begin at $4 for a day, $239 per week, or $219 per week if you rent for four weeks at a time. You can book on your phone and use Getaround’s app to extend your agreement. Insurance, unlimited mileage, 24/7 support, and roadside assistance come with every rental. So far, drivers in Atlanta, Boston, Denver, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, San Francisco Bay Area and Washington D.C. can get hourly and weekly rentals. In Portland, Oregon, and San Diego, it’s hourly rentals only.

Hertz and Avis

Uber has an agreement with Hertz that allows drivers to rent a car for $214 per week plus a $200 refundable deposit. The cost includes auto insurance, basic maintenance, and unlimited miles. Hertz highlights a “lower credit requirement” in its offer, and currently the company’s cars are available to Uber drivers in 32 American cities.

Avis lets you rent a car to drive for Uber, too. The company has offers starting at $214 per week, plus a $250 security deposit. Insurance, unlimited mileage, and vehicle warranty are included in the price. Applicable taxes and fees, gas, and other products (think windshield wipers) are not.

Zipcar

If you like the idea of renting by the hour, Zipcar might be a good option to consider. The company’s rates start at $5.50 per hour on weekdays, which includes gas, insurance, and 180 miles per day (you’ll be charged 45 cents per mile after that). So far, this service is available in Baltimore.

HyreCar

A new concept in car rentals is HyreCar, a company that facilitates rental transactions between drivers and private individuals. You must already be an approved Uber driver to apply, and you can rent from people who list their cars with Uber. 

Here’s how it works: You download the HyreCar app, create an account, enter your location and desired pickup and dropoff dates, and you’ll be able to search through the selection of cars listed by local owners.

Once you book the car and are approved, you receive the three documents (inspection, registration, and insurance) that you’ll need to upload to your Uber account. Be sure to upload the documents right away so Uber will have time to approve them before you want to start driving. You’ll do this by adding a car to your account.

After that, you  make arrangements with the owner to either pick up the car or have it delivered. At the end of your rental period, you replace the gas you used, return the car to the owner, and you’re done.

Check it out

Renting a car to drive for Uber makes it easy for everyone to enjoy the freedom and financial benefits of the rideshare business. Find the solution that works for you, and get on out there!

As Lyft drivers, we receive a lot of communication from the company. They tell us how well we’re doing, whether we missed a ride, and when we got a tip. They never have a problem getting through to us; it all comes automatically through the app.

It’s a bit different when we’re talking about communication from drivers to Lyft. Why? Because it isn’t automatic.

There are lots of reasons drivers might need to contact Lyft Customer Support. For instance ...

• There might be a dispute over a payment
• You could get an unfair rating or comment you wish to contest
• You might want to print out monthly income or tax information
• There may be incidents you need to report such as accidents or damages caused by passengers.

How you should contact Lyft Customer Support depends on your reason for contacting them. Here are the various options so you can decide which works best for your specific concerns.

The In-app Help Section

Lyft’s colorful way of interacting with people who use the service is also part of the fabric of the app. You’ll notice this as you work your way toward the In-app Help Section.

Tap on your photo on the upper left of the screen, then tap “Help.” Here you have the option of tapping one of the topics listed, or one of the bright pink icons on the bottom of the screen. 

The icons can lead you to help with most concerns, such as reporting an accident, lost and found, earnings or bonuses, safety issues and passenger problems, profile settings, express drive, and “other topics.”

The information under the list of topics can also be found through the icons. The lines with words provide a shortcut to some “hot topics.”

Passenger Scenario ...

Now let’s try it out. Say your rider wants you to make an unscheduled stop, and wait while he or she goes into the house to change clothes for work. If you think it’s worth your time to wait, then go ahead and wait.

But knowing that a driver’s time easily converts to money, it’s hard to imagine that a ten-minute, unscheduled and marginally paid wait period is something you want to deal with. As you can imagine, though, saying “no” could lead to an issue. Whether you give in to the passenger’s whims or stand your ground, you’re still probably going to get less than a five-star rating. 

You can give the passenger a one- or two-star rating as well, and you’ll get a chance to say exactly why you did so right in the app—but you may want to let Lyft know what happened.

From the array of icons, tap on the shield and the words, “Ride, passenger, or safety issue.” Next, tap “Issue with a passenger,” and then, “I was rated unfairly.” 

A new screen pops up, and at the top you’ll see some information about ratings, and how you can rate passengers and provide information in the app, up to 24 hours after the ride.

If you still need to express yourself more clearly or at greater length than you can in the app, you can scroll down to the “Contact us” button, and tap it. That allows you to tell Lyft how you wish to be contacted, whether by phone, text, or email. A Lyft representative will get back with you, usually within a reasonable time frame.

Also note that you can set up your app to reflect your preferred way for Lyft to contact you.

The In-app Help Section is a convenient way to contact Lyft customer support, and it can also help you get in touch with an actual human being. This feature can also be a worthwhile source of general information about driving for Lyft. 

Using the Dashboard

There is an alternate way to get assistance through the Lyft app, and it’s through the dashboard. Tap on your photo from the main screen, and then on “Dashboard.” Tap the three lines on the upper left, and your dashboard options will open. 

Scroll all the way to the bottom of the screen, and tap “Help.” You’ll see the same help screen that appears on the Lyft website, which is for both passengers and drivers. Although this can be a useful interface, it’s not as direct and concise as the In-app Help Section.

The next time you stop for coffee, or when you’re parked and waiting for your town to come alive with Lyft passengers, read through the help section and familiarize yourself with how to use it. You’ll be glad you did that if you need to contact Customer Support in a hurry.

Contacting Lyft via Email or Phone

There is no direct email address or phone number for Lyft Customer Support. Instead, as discussed in the previous section, you let them know you want to email, text, or speak with a representative by following the prompts in the app or on the website.

In either case, tap on “Contact Support” and a series of forms will pop up. Describe your question or concern in detail, and submit your form. This is as close as you will come to direct email, but be assured that it works. 

Lyft’s Customer Support team is very responsive and supportive. It’s easy to see how the method they use to get information tells them exactly what you need, which can make them even more efficient. 

The Lyft Hub

Lyft Hubs offer a warm welcome and face-to-face help. You can pick up your amp, learn how to use it, tackle features of the app that have been baffling you, and ask any kind of question you want about your status, including how to be a great driver and how to get those five-star ratings.

Find a Lyft Hub near you. You’ll say, “Sweet!” when they offer you a cushy chair and a piece of candy when you visit.

Safety with Lyft

If you are in any kind of trouble during your driving shift, Lyft is NOT the first point of contact. Always dial “911” for emergencies.

Once you are safe again, use the In-app Help Section to report an accident, a need for roadside assistance, or to tell Lyft about a citation, damage, or a need to have your car cleaned.

Lyft on Social Media

Lyft on Facebook

You can visit Lyft on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/lyft/. There you’ll find photos and videos of drivers and riders smiling ear-to-ear during their Lyft experiences. There are also listings for local Lyft events, from launch parties for new hubs to tailgate rallies for drivers who appreciate those large, ride-rich events.

Lyft on Twitter

Lyft uses Twitter in an interesting way—you can actually contact Customer Support through their feed! It’s the same deal as the email form, though. Tweet to them, and they will get back to you as soon as humanly possible.

Here’s how to find Lyft on Twitter: https://twitter.com/lyft. You’ll find some interesting stories and videos as well.

Lyft on Instagram

There’s even more fun to be had on Lyft’s Instagram. Lots of video stories on topics such as safety and culture, plus phenomenal photos of happy people tootling around the planet in their Lyft vehicles. Find them all at @lyft.

Before you think, “Ah, just another food courier service,” think again. Founded in 2013 by two college students, goPuff has changed the delivery game by focusing all its efforts on the huge demand for convenience store items. From mouthwash to cereal to a pint of ice cream, goPuff allows customers to order everything they could find at their local convenience store and have it delivered to their door.

What differentiates from other courier services is that it goes beyond just delivering—it’s the first-of-its-kind digital convenience retailer. With 150+ centrally located facilities throughout the U.S., each of which stocks more than 2,500 products, goPuff is changing the courier game by not just delivering the products, but also stocking and supplying them. 

While the business model itself seems great, we’re more focused on understanding one thing: Is it worth it to drive for goPuff? Read on to see what you think. 

Driver requirements

As a fast-growing company, goPuff needs drivers in many cities, and this demand will grow rapidly with its continued expansion into new locations. To become a goPuff driver, you must be passionate about helping people and meet the following requirements: 

• Be at least 21 years old
• Have a valid driver's license
• Have a car and auto insurance in your own name
• Have an iPhone 5 with iOS 10 or newer, or an Android 4.4.3 or newer
• Be willing and able to pass a background check
• Be willing and able to pass a prepaid alcohol delivery training course (where applicable)

If you fit these requirements, check goPuff’s website to confirm that there’s a warehouse in your city. If there isn’t, don’t be discouraged because that could change.

The process of applying for a goPuff driver position is quick and easy, and you can fill out an application on the website in less than ten minutes. Once you’ve completed it, you’ll be prompted to schedule an interview. Depending on your location, it will take place either in person or on the phone. Once you’ve been hired, you can start scheduling shifts immediately unless you’re in a location that allows alcohol delivery. In that case, you’ll need to pass a delivery training course before you can start driving.

How does it work for drivers?

If you drive for goPuff, you can arrange a schedule that works best for you. The company has its drivers sign up for shifts a week in advance. 

When it’s time for your shift, you’ll go to the goPuff warehouse and wait for orders to be ready for delivery. Drivers have commented in online career websites that they don’t have to wait very long for orders to be ready. Deliveries are made within a 30-minute drive from the warehouse, and once completed you head back for more.  

How much can you make with goPuff?

One thing that makes goPuff different from other delivery services is that drivers don’t have to run around so much. Rather than having to go to a convenience store, pick out the items, pay for the items, and then deliver the items, drivers go to one central location: the goPuff warehouse. An operations team fulfills the order, packs it up, and hands it to you—all you have to do is grab it and go. 

The goPuff business model promises customers that they will only be charged a set delivery fee of $1.95, and there are no added surge charges when demand is high. This is great for the customer—but what about the drivers delivering these products? 

Like other delivery services, goPuff drivers are independent contractors. To ensure adequate pay, the company guarantees a minimum hourly wage for drivers of $10 on weekdays and $12 on weekends (these may vary based on your market). Drivers can also keep 100 percent of their tips. 

Here’s a goPuff wage scenario: Let’s say you drive a five-hour shift with a minimum of $12 per hour for a total of $60 pay but only end up making $50, goPuff will pay you the $10 difference. There is the opportunity to make more if you get multiple back to back deliveries and tips, and most drivers have reported making $10 - $16/hour on average.

Pros of driving with goPuff

No driving around to restaurants or stores: Because all items for delivery are stored in the goPuff warehouse, your only destination to complete a delivery is the customer’s location. 

Guaranteed pay: goPuff’s minimum hourly wage guarantee means drivers are properly compensated. If your pay doesn’t add up to the minimum promised, goPuff will make up the difference, taking the guesswork out of your hourly pay. 

Ability to make more money: Like most other delivery apps, there is no earnings cap. Although we haven’t heard of any drivers making more than $16 per hour (yet), the possibility is there with nearby deliveries and generous tips.

Cons of driving with goPuff

Delivery distance: Because goPuff drivers deliver up to a thirty-minute radius of the warehouse, a single delivery could potentially take up to an hour. 

Lack of flexibility: Similar to delivering for a local restaurant, you have a set schedule that you create the week before. As a result, there’s no option to start and stop driving as you please. 

Potentially lower compensation than other courier services: While it’s great that goPuff ensures a minimum hourly wage, the payment model does not take distance driven into consideration like Uber Eats and other apps do. 

Is goPuff right for me?

Driving for goPuff means consistent pay and work without the hassle of picking up orders at convenience stores or restaurants. If you’re looking to diversify your rideshare driving with some deliveries and want something with a guaranteed minimum hourly pay and set schedules, goPuff may be a good fit for you. As the company continues to expand to new markets at a rapid pace, there will be a growing need for delivery drivers and more shifts available. 

How does it stack up against the competition?

Interested in how driving for goPuff stacks up against other courier delivery apps? We’ve got you covered! Check out the graphic below to see driving requirements, payment details, and more.

If you’re a rideshare driver, odds are you work with either Uber or Lyft. By far the most popular platforms here in the US, these apps have taken over the ride-sharing services marketplace in a major way.

Ten years ago, this wasn’t the case. Options for rideshare were limited because they mostly didn’t exist yet.

Now, the success of app-based ride share has rapidly expanded the industry, allowing for specializations by region and purpose. Hailing a cab in New York? There’s a rideshare app for that. Getting kids to school? An app for that, too.

Let’s examine the top rideshare services and why the drivers are choosing these platforms.

Uber

With over two million drivers in 80 different countries, Uber is by and large the most popular and widespread rideshare service. It was the first contender in the market and has been working to disrupt a system that hadn’t seen any major changes since the 1930s.

With brand recognition and a host of premium vehicle choices, full-time and part-time drivers sign up to drive for Uber for the options it creates. The demand for Uber rides is highest in cities, but the company continues to grow and the market continues to expand.

Lyft

Lyft is Uber’s fiercest competitor. Although its user base is smaller (Lyft holds around 30% of the ride hail market share), Lyft can be just as useful to have in your driver’s arsenal as Uber. Maybe you won’t be getting back-to-back pings, but many drivers even prefer using this service over the other competition.

For one, it can be less overwhelming to the rookie driver. You can turn the app on and pick up passengers at a more leisurely rate, giving you time to take breaks and hone your driving practices.

Via

Via is about actually sharing rides. The app, available now in ten US cities, links riders headed in the same direction to carpooling drivers, cutting carbon emissions and offering riders cheaper prices than Uber or Lyft.

Via offers its drivers two ways to earn: Blue mode and Flex mode. Flex mode is a flat-rate payment system where drivers earn per ride while Blue mode guarantees an hourly wage.

Via operates in spaces where there is a lot of driver demand, putting fewer miles on your vehicle and eliminating the need for long-distance trips. You’ll likely develop regulars and be able to build a relationship with your passengers. Since you typically work during commuter hours, your passengers are also easier to handle than night-time riders.

Wingz

Wingz connects passengers to a personal driver for pre-scheduled, door-to-door rides. Earnings are determined per ride, so how much you earn depends on how much you want to work.

Drivers will see a lot of airport and event drives (good for higher fares and friendly clients) as well as senior rides. Wingz is a smaller service, but the pre-schedule feature allows drivers more peace of mind about who is getting in your car.

CURB

CURB allows passengers to hail yellow cabs in the moment or in advance, and they can be tracked easily through the app. As a taxi driver, you are fully covered under insurance and are paid based on how long the meter is running.

Since your drives are metered, it’s easy enough to take detours at the passenger’s request. There’s no surge pricing option, but the fares are slightly higher and there’s a service fee up front to help recover costs.

Arro

Arro is a global ride-share service for taxi drivers. It offers low fees, driver support, and fast pickups in Boston, Chicago, Houston, Miami, NYC, and San Francisco.

In addition to getting riders connected to taxi drivers, it allows an easy payment system for riders already in your car. The app also allows drivers to schedule bookings two days in advance- which helps drivers plan their day.

Kango

Kango is Uber for families. If you’re over 21 and have experience in childcare, Kango is a great way to earn $35/hour and maintain flexible hours. It also offers a $25 activation bonus for your first completed ride. This service offers grocery delivery, restaurant take-out, and pharmacy pick-up-- your happy customers get their errands done, and you get paid.

There’s a strict approval process, though. Expect to get a background check, fingerprinted, and to attend a Kango training session. Want to earn even more? Drivers can offer to babysit, tutor, help with homework, and help kids with e-learning services.

Kid Car

If you’re in the NYC area, Kid Car offers a kid-centered experience for drivers who want friendly riders and daytime hours. Another plus with Kid Car is that rides are scheduled 24 hours in advance- so you can build your day ahead of time with the hours you want.

The opportunity for recurring rides with the same family increases tip earnings, and Kid Car promises 1.5-3x the earnings on local rides and airport transfers. The vetting process is important- so make sure your driving record is squeaky clean.

Veyo

Veyo connects qualified drivers with seniors and disabled people who need a lift to non-emergency medical appointments. Operating in Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Michigan, and Virginia, it’s looking for drivers that are CPR and first-aid certified, and will undergo APA/HIPAA education, customer sensitivity training, and a background check. Don’t have all that? Veyo will provide it for free.

Pay is determined by the city and the number of miles driven. Veyo also offers hundreds of dollars of potential bonuses in the driver sign-up and referral process.

HopSkipDrive

Another rideshare app for kids, this service is great for drivers who don’t want to deal with the safety concerns of driving adults around at night. With the chance to earn up to $30 an hour, a massive opportunity for tips, and pay estimates before you accept a ride, it’s a good alternative to typical rideshare services.

Drivers are screened for criminal records, must have 5 years of childcare experience, be 23 or older, and have a newer car.

Using the right tools can maximize your driving profits, learn the best apps for rideshare drivers.

COVID-19 sure has made a mess of things. 

For drivers, the bulk of the chaos we’ve endured involves the way the gig economy landscape was turned over on its head. It’s no longer a no-brainer to go out and make money doing rideshare only. People aren’t back in restaurants and bars just yet, and those ball games and huge concert events that generated tons of riders are still a long ways off.

At Gridwise, we want to help you create a set of circumstances where you can work and make the kind of money you (and we!) know you deserve. 

In this new and strange world, we have to put something straight and right up front. If you want to succeed, you’re going to have to find more than one way to bring in the money.

The good news is, once you do that, you can make as much or more than you did before COVID caused the economy to hit the skids.

With your monetary health in mind, we put together this post to give you ideas to help you put together, and build, a hybrid driving gig of your own - one that’s perfect for your lifestyle and excellent for your financial stability. Here’s what we’ll cover.

• How rideshare & delivery have changed since COVID-19
• The solution: Hybrid driving gigs - earning from more than one platform
• How you can track and analyze your earnings
• Finding the “best” times to drive
• Know what you’re doing around airports
• Find new “hives” of activity for riders
• Surges: a gift they probably won’t keep giving
• Collect more tips: add that extra garnish to inspire customer generosity

How rideshare & delivery have changed since COVID-19

Before you can figure out how to make the most of the changes that have taken place, let’s take a closer look at them.

People are working from home, they’re doing their shopping online, they aren’t really yet going to movies or plays in droves, and the bars are operating at limited capacity. Rideshare business is picking up, but it’s different than it was before. There aren’t as many people out there, and you won’t find them in all the “usual” places.

What’s more, there are many indications that things might stay this way, at least to some degree, even after the last speck of virus has been eradicated from planet earth. People will continue to work from home, mainly because they (and their companies) have discovered that they can! 

Also, companies are reluctant to send people back to the office while they’ll have to invest in tons of new office fixtures and enforce new policies to foster social distancing. There’s also the possibility that there could be a recurrence of the virus, and workers would have to go back home again. 

The cost of moving delicate office equipment and highly protected data is high, and the idea of doing it twice is downright daunting to corporate CFOs, to say the least. Ultimately, some of them might even begin to think how nice it would be to no longer be on the line for that expensive office space.

For rush hour drivers, there is no rush anymore. Sure, there are some workers who have to report to offices or other facilities, but that 9-5 crowd is more than a little sparse these days. Happy hour is off the table right now, too, since people are no longer at work to hang after work.

Recreation has taken an even bigger hit, as bars and restaurants can only slowly come back to operating at full capacity. Summer fun - as in amusement parks, outdoor festivals, concerts, and even swimming pools will only be open with limited operations, or not even open at all this summer. 

Yup. it’s a summer bummer! 

For delivery, though, all of this is a good thing! They say people are getting spoiled, and now even have come to expect, to get everything they want delivered to their doors. Because there’s so much new business, the delivery apps have been trying to entice new drivers to work for them.

Should you convert to being only a delivery driver? That’s probably not such a great idea. While you might do fabulous business while people are still staying at home, things could change as the economy opens up more, later in the year.

Also, while there’s been this tremendous surge in delivery volume, the companies are struggling to make a profit. One day soon, they’ll have to cut their expenses, and one of them might be the bonuses and perks they’re offering drivers at the moment.

So...if you can’t depend on rideshare OR delivery for a sole source of income, what options are left?

The solution: The hybrid driving gig - earning from more than one platform

Seeing how the world has changed, those of us who depend on the gig economy are going to have to go through a transformation of our own. That might mean working across the available platforms. 

Even if the morning rush hour rideshare customers stay at home forever, there will be companies (like Amazon and Uber) looking for drivers like you to do early morning deliveries from retailers to customers and also between work colleagues and friends. 

Later in the day, you might find the happy hour crowd waiting like a bunch of hungry birds for your food deliveries! Then, a little later, after the dinner calls die down, you can switch to rideshare to ferry people back and forth to visit one another’s apartments or homes...or even to the bars and back.

You get the idea, and trust us when we say the opportunities are out there. In fact, we’ve already put together blog posts that give you inside information on the various rideshare and delivery companies, their platforms, new services, and their successes.

Remember: There is nothing stopping you from driving for as many platforms as you want. There is no cost to download the apps, and as long as you are approved, you’re free to move freely from one to the other whenever you wish!

How you can track and analyze your earnings

As you try all the different platforms, you’ll want to know how you’re doing on each one. Trying to keep track of them individually could get confusing, unless you’re really good at setting up your own spreadsheets and crunching numbers. But wait! You’re not? Don’t worry. You don’t have to do that!

The Gridwise app lets you use as many services as you want. Then, it’ll track ALL your earnings,, and mileage too! Once you do that, you can arrange the data and see it all on one screen. 

That’ll give you a picture of which of the apps are making the most money for you, so you can plan your days and nights based on the best ways to  keep on cashing in! 

All you have to do is open Gridwise, turn on the tracking feature, and drive, deliver, and do what you need to do out there. Then, when you finish your day’s work, you can enter your earnings for each individual app, and Gridwise will do all the fancy - and easy to read - graphics for you. You can give it a try right now - download it here.

Finding the “best” times to drive

There’s really no way anyone can tell you what the most profitable times to drive and deliver will be for you. For one thing, you’ll want to set your own hours. You might have other gigs, or the need to care for children or other family members. Driving might have to be worked around those scheduling constraints. 

For another, where you live is going to play a major part in what your hybrid gig life will look like.  If you’re in a city, there will be rhythms to traffic and certain hours that are nowhere near as active as they once were. 

If you’re in the suburbs or the country, the delivery business might be quite brisk during the week, and then die off on weekends. Or, it could be the reverse! You’ll have to run your own experiment.

Be patient and observant. Sure, people aren’t going to baseball games anymore, but they are playing golf and tennis, and some other sports too! Sometimes they need a “Lyft” from home to the court, course, or playing field and back again. 

Know what you’re doing around airports

In case you well-seasoned drivers are offended, we’re not insinuating you don’t know what you’re doing - but things are different than they used to be. While it might have paid to start your work day sitting in the airport queue before, now that people aren’t flying very many places, you might be stuck there all day.

Gridwise always has one finger on the pulse of airport traffic, so use the airport tab to see what the daily passenger volume looks like. That way, you won’t be waiting for passengers that may never ping you! You can check on the status of the queues, too.

Find new “hives” of activity for riders

As society has gone through the COVID-19 lockdowns, much has changed, to be sure. Some “old” passenger-rich venues are closed or on different schedules, while new and different activities have become possible. Passengers tell us bars at 50% capacity are beginning to hop a lot earlier. Revelers come out at around 8 or 9 rather than 10 or 12, to make sure they get in.

Outside of the bar scene, other areas have taken on more importance in the daily lives of riders. Here are a few.

• Parks
• Trail heads
• Open green spaces in cities
• Restaurants with outdoor dining
• Large bars where 50% capacity will be a large crowd of people
• Hospitals
• Courthouses
• Factories
• Universities (some researchers are being welcomed back for summer)

Surges: a gift that probably won’t keep giving

In many areas, the rideshare and delivery companies are offering premiums to drivers. This has a lot to do with trying to get people to come back out to work. To make it enticing enough for drivers to give up collecting unemployment (plus the $600 a week supplement), the companies are placing big surges on rideshare and delivery prices, at all hours of the day and night.

The customers aren’t too happy about this, but that doesn’t mean they won’t ride with you or request a delivery. They almost expect to pay a premium, because they realize a lot of drivers haven’t come back to work yet.

The companies aren’t happy at all about this, and they probably won’t be offering them for much longer. Have you ever heard that old saying, “Make hay while the sun shines?” It applies here. Watch the various apps for surges and bonuses. Some (especially Postmates and Grubhub) will send you push notifications. Use this info to figure out who you’ll work for on a given day.

Collect more tips: add that extra garnish to inspire customer generosity

As your earnings pile up (and you track them with Gridwise!), you might notice something else that’s different from times past. In this crazy environment, customers and passengers are tipping more! 

Maybe it’s because they have to wait longer for you to get there, and have time to think about how much you’re sacrificing to be out there working. Whatever the reason, we can't help but like it!

If you want this new and wildly appealing trend to continue, stay at the top of your game. Go that extra mile to offer extras, from opening doors and trunks (so they don’t have to touch yet another strange surface), to engaging them in conversation at the level where they feel comfortable, even while you talk through a mask.

For delivery, always honor their wishes. Maybe a busy mom wants contact-free delivery to the front porch, while Grandpa needs you to bring it to his apartment door. A knock on the door or a ring on the bell is always appreciated by people who are awaiting package deliveries. Leave a little note in the app, too - the personal touch can often bring out the best in people.

Also - follow all the guidelines for sanitization and social distancing. When you run a “tight ship,” showing your care and concern for your riders and customers, they’re far more likely to see how much you deserve that little something extra from them.

Adaptability = success

Sure, the rideshare and delivery world has been turned upside down, and you’re going to have to think beyond what was “normal” several months ago. That’s easy for you, though! As a gig economy worker, you’re used to blazing your own path. The point is to be adaptable, and use the resources available to you.

Those include rideshare apps, delivery apps, and other businesses that are cropping up to serve the new situation that’s been created by the coronavirus situation. Lucky for you, there’s lots of help...from Gridwise! Download the app to get everything you need to keep track of your earnings and record your mileage for optimizing your tax deductions.

Check the Perks tab for quick connections to news about your hybrid driving gig on our blog, and J and Brandon’s podcast. 

Lecture 1: Why Your Rating Matters

Both Uber & Lyft platforms use a star system to rate drivers and passengers. The highest rating is 5 stars, and the lowest is 1 star. The star rating system matters in two ways:

1. Giving you crucial information about a passenger before you accept
2. Increase the frequency you receive trips

How star rating is calculated

With Gridwise Academy, It is essential to learn the foundations of the star rating system before we dive into the strategies you can leverage. The average driver rating is 4.7 stars. New drivers start fresh with 5 stars and are rated after each completed trip.

Most passengers tend to rate 5 stars if they get safely to their destination. Exceptional drivers consistently rate 4.85 or above. This rating is also the minimum required for some benefits.

Your star rating can affect your ability to earn money on each platform. A low star rating can lead to deactivation, so take your rating seriously, as too many complaints and low scores are a clear signal to have your account reviewed.

Important Note: Only the recent 500 rated trips will be used to calculate your star rating, so do not be afraid of old ratings. Focus on improving new trips. Gridwise J Tweet

Passenger ratings offer clues about the trip before you accept

Customers can be rated just like drivers are. A passenger star rating is shown to you when you are offered a trip on the driver app. Use this rating to decide if the trip is worth taking.

The average passenger star rating is lower than the average driver rating. A typical passenger rating is 4.6 stars. Passenger ratings below 4 stars can warn you of trouble. Think about what caused other drivers like you to rate this passenger low. Maybe they have a problematic pick up, or perhaps they do not tip.

A high star rating is required for driving Premium or Lux

Certain benefits require a minimum star rating. For example, premium drivers are required to have 4.85 stars or higher to qualify for premier trips. These trips pay more than regular trips if your vehicle qualifies. If you don't meet the requirements, then you will miss out on these additional trips.

Your rating affects your driver benefits

Both Uber & Lyft offer benefits to drivers that are only available to highly-rated drivers. For example, the Uber Pro program's upper rewards tiers require a minimum star rating to qualify. These benefits directly impact the ability for you to save money.

Take Action For Lecture 1

1. Find your star rating in your driver app
2. Think of ways to increase your rating, or take our course on just that