Making Money With Rideshare: Benefits, Drawbacks, and Choosing Between Uber and Lyft

Jul 5th, 2023

Rideshare services like Uber, Lyft, and others have provided an accessible way for individuals to earn money, either as a side hustle or a full-time job. However, like any form of work, it comes with both benefits and drawbacks.

Benefits of Rideshare Services

1. Flexibility: One of the main attractions of rideshare services is the flexibility it offers. Drivers can choose when they want to work and for how long. This can be particularly beneficial for those who need a flexible schedule or are looking for supplemental income.
2. Earning Potential: The more you drive, the more you earn. Peak times and surge pricing can significantly increase your earnings. Plus, drivers often earn tips from satisfied passengers.
3. Independence: As a rideshare driver, you're essentially your own boss. You decide when and where to drive, without direct supervision.
4. Social Interaction: If you enjoy meeting new people, rideshare driving can be an engaging job. You'll meet passengers from all walks of life and may have interesting conversations along the way.

Drawbacks of Rideshare Services

1. Wear and Tear on Your Vehicle: Regularly using your vehicle for rideshare services can lead to increased maintenance costs, including more frequent oil changes, tire replacements, and overall repairs.
2. Irregular Income: Earnings can be inconsistent and unpredictable, depending on demand, location, and the time of day or week. This can make financial planning challenging.
3. Insurance Costs: Depending on where you live, you may need additional auto insurance to cover your vehicle for commercial use, which can be more expensive than personal car insurance.
4. Safety Concerns: Rideshare drivers may face potential safety risks, such as unruly passengers or driving in risky areas.
5. Lack of Benefits: Unlike traditional employment, rideshare drivers are typically classified as independent contractors, which means they aren't eligible for benefits like health insurance, paid leave, and retirement contributions from the rideshare company.
6. Competition: In populated areas, there may be many drivers competing for rides, which can limit your earning potential.

Deciding to become a rideshare driver depends largely on your personal circumstances, needs, and preferences. The flexibility and earning potential can be a major benefit for some, but it's essential to consider the potential costs and drawbacks before getting started.

Deciding between Uber and Lyft as potential driving platform depends on several factors. Each platform has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the decision can often come down to personal preference, market conditions, or specific local regulations. Here's a comparison between the two:

Uber

1. Market Dominance: Uber is available in more cities worldwide, making it a potentially better option if you live in a less populated area or plan to drive in multiple locations.
2. More Rides: Given its larger user base, driving for Uber might give you access to more ride requests, particularly outside of peak times.
3. Variety of Services: Uber offers a wider variety of service levels (UberX, UberXL, Uber Black, etc.), which could lead to higher earnings if you have a vehicle that qualifies for a higher-paying service.

Lyft

1. Driver-Friendly Policies: Lyft is often seen as more driver-friendly, with features like in-app tipping and the ability to see the ride's destination before accepting.
2. Better Reputation: While both companies have faced criticism, Lyft has generally managed to maintain a better reputation than Uber, which some drivers and passengers prefer.
3. Earnings: Some drivers report better earnings with Lyft due to higher rates in certain markets and more frequent bonuses and incentives.

Common Factors

Regardless of the platform, there are several common factors you'll need to consider:

1. Vehicle Requirements: Both companies have specific vehicle requirements that your car must meet. Make sure your car qualifies before deciding.
2. Insurance: Both Uber and Lyft provide insurance for drivers, but it's only in effect during active rides. You might want to consider additional rideshare insurance for full coverage.
3. Driver Requirements: Both platforms require drivers to meet certain criteria, including age, driving experience, and background check requirements.

It might be worth trying out both platforms to see which one you prefer. Many drivers work for both Uber and Lyft to maximize their earnings and take advantage of the unique benefits each platform offers. Keep in mind, however, that local regulations and market conditions can significantly impact your experience and earnings as a driver for either platform.

As a rideshare driver, understanding the legal and tax risks is crucial. It's essential to navigate these areas responsibly to avoid potential complications or liabilities.

Legal Risks

1. Insurance Liability: Rideshare companies typically provide insurance coverage for drivers while they're on a trip. However, there may be gaps in coverage, particularly when the app is on but no passenger is in the car. Drivers may need to purchase additional rideshare insurance to fill these gaps.
2. Accidents: If you're involved in an accident while working, the process can be complicated. The liability may depend on whether you were actively carrying a passenger, who was at fault, and the specifics of your insurance coverage.
3. Regulatory Compliance: Rideshare drivers must comply with all local laws and regulations, which can vary widely. Some cities require rideshare drivers to obtain a business license or follow specific vehicle requirements.

Tax Risks

1. Self-Employment Taxes: As an independent contractor, you're responsible for paying self-employment taxes, which include both the employer and employee portions of Social Security and Medicare taxes. This can amount to a higher tax burden compared to traditional employment.
2. Income Reporting: You're required to report all earnings from rideshare driving, including tips, to the IRS. Failure to accurately report income can lead to penalties.
3. Deductible Expenses: You can deduct certain business-related expenses, such as mileage, tolls, and part of your smartphone expenses. However, you need to keep accurate records and understand what's deductible according to IRS rules.
4. Estimated Taxes: Since no taxes are withheld from your earnings, you're generally required to make estimated tax payments throughout the year. Failure to do so can result in penalties.
5. Tax Filing Status: Differentiating between personal and business usage of your vehicle and other resources can be complex. Properly segregating these expenses is crucial for accurate tax filing.

To navigate these legal and tax risks, it's often a good idea to seek advice from legal and tax professionals. They can help ensure you're fulfilling all your obligations and taking advantage of any potential benefits. It's also essential to keep detailed records of your income, expenses, miles driven, and any incidents or accidents that occur while driving for a rideshare company.