19 Flexible Ways to Make Money With Your Car

The other day I was at the grocery store and I noticed a woman scanning items with her smartphone. As a user of moneymaking smartphone apps, I decided to ask her which one she was using. She told me that she was shopping for Shipt which is a smartphone app/platform that lets users make money by grocery shopping and delivering food to customers. She said that it was the perfect side gig for her, as it allowed her to work while her kids were at school and that it was 100 percent flexible.

If you have a reliable car, a smartphone, and a few extra hours you can make good money too.

Here's How to Make Money with Your Car

Making Money as a “Taxi” Driver

1. Uber

By now most people are familiar with Uber, but being an Uber driver offers more flexibility and options than you might realize. Hours are flexible, and drivers make more during peak times (think after hours, at bar close, etc.). You can accept or deny rides based on the information you receive about the passenger, which can make this option appealing to female drivers. Licensed drivers must be 21 and over with at least one year of driving experience (three if you are under the age of 23). You must have your own 4-door vehicle with up-to-date insurance and registration, and drivers are screened before being accepted. Drivers get paid as they go and report an average of $22.54 per hour. They also receive discounts on car maintenance and phone plans.

2. Lyft

Similar to Uber, Lyft drivers must be 21+ with a valid license, registration, and insurance, and you have to own a smartphone. Lyft runs a DMV records check to make sure you have a clear record. Lyft rides start at a base fee, plus time, and distance. Drivers get to keep ALL tips and are able to get paid immediately by cashing out, or you can automatically get paid weekly. Lyft offers flexible hours, anytime during the day or night and working during peak hours or “hot spots” can result in more money. On average, Lyft drivers earn around $11.48 per ride and can average two riders per hour.

3. HopSkipDrive

HopSkipDrive is a driving service for transporting kids. Drivers must be over 23 and have five years or more of childcare experience. The car must be 2007 or newer with proof of insurance, valid paperwork, and a license. Drivers must pass an extensive background check as well and offer references. HopSkipDrive “Care Drivers” must pass a 15-point inspection and have an excellent driving record. Care Drivers can earn $30 per hour and have the ability to accept or decline rides. Care Drivers also receive insurance coverage during working hours. HopSkipDrive serves California.

4. Juno by Gett

A higher-end driver service, Juno caters to professional people looking for luxury cars. Drivers must have a vehicle that is 2011 or newer, black, dark blue, silver, or white, and registered with the NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission. Drivers earn 100% of their tips and 90% of the total fare. (Gett keeps 10%.) Drivers must have registration and insurance and are required to have a TLC License as well as a DMV license. Drivers need a Diamond card, TLC inspection receipt or a diamond sticker. Juno drivers can earn sign-up bonuses and can also earn 1.2x more for working 50+ hours every week. Juno is only available in New York in the United States. They also service the UK, Russia, and Israel.

Make Money Delivering Food

5. Munchery

Munchery is a meal delivery service built on fresh and healthy, delicious food, made to order. They offer day-of ordering or food can be ordered for delivery later in the week. Munchery is located in over ten different cities (mostly Northwestern and West Coast – plus DC and New York). Delivery drivers can make deliveries via their car or bike. They offer employee benefits such as discounts on food, healthcare for full-time workers, and an open vacation policy. Drivers make up to $20 per hour plus reimbursement for gas and mileage. Positions are open to drivers 21 and over with a valid license, a vehicle, a smartphone, and proof of insurance. Shifts are often open in the afternoons and evenings.

6. UberEATS 

This service is similar to driving Uber, but instead of passengers, drivers pick up and deliver food. UberEATS has the same requirements as an Uber driver—over 21 with a license, a registered vehicle, scooter or bike, and up-to-date insurance. Drivers must also pass a driving test and initial screening before being accepted into the program. UberEATS drivers make $10-20/hour on average, depending on the city and the time of day they work. As with Uber, UberEATS offers flexible scheduling options.

7. Favor Delivery

Favor Delivery is a personal concierge-type service that employs “personal assistants” who pick up anything a customer needs. This could range from tacos to groceries to dry cleaning. Personal assistants receive 100% of their tips and an average guaranteed minimum wage of $10-18 per hour, depending on hours worked and location. Drivers must have a smartphone, reliable transportation, license, and registration, and must pass a background check. Drivers must be at least 18+, and although this service is currently available only in Texas, it’s very popular.

8. DoorDash 

DoorDash offers pickup and delivery services for food delivery, but only catering to businesses (so often larger orders) that don’t have time to run out and get food orders for the company. Drivers must be 18 years old or older and can use any car for delivery. They must have a valid license, insurance, and a clean driving record. Drivers may also use bikes or scooters but must have reliable transportation and be able to carry large orders. The flat rate per delivery is $5, and the payments can vary by market for drivers. Drivers keep 100% of tips earned.

Related Content: My Honest Review of Being a DoorDash Delivery Driver

9. Postmates

Postmates is a food delivery service. Delivery drivers set their schedule and work only when they want by signing into an app. Drivers must be 18 or older and have transportation (bike, scooter, car) or be willing to walk and carry items to be delivered. Earnings are based on the following criteria: a base rate per order + per minute wait rate at pickup location + per-mile rate for the distance between pickup and drop-off location. Delivery drivers also keep 100% of tips.

10. Grubhub

Another popular food delivery and pickup service, Grubhub offers drivers a flexible schedule and pays on average $13/hour. Drivers must be at least 19 years old in most areas (21 in Chicago) and have two years of driving experience, as well as a valid license, registration, and insurance. Drivers must pass a background check and have a checking account for direct deposit of their paycheck. As a driver, you keep 100% of the tips and set your hours.

11. EatStreet 

Another food delivery option, EatStreet pays drivers $12/hour guaranteed, and drivers are employees, not contractors. Employees must have a reliable vehicle, license, and registration, along with a clean driving record. They must also have availability to work nights and weekends. Delivery drivers can earn up to $20/hour based on deliveries. The work is reliable, depending on your city’s market.

Make Money Delivering Groceries and Packages

12. Shipt

Shipt is an on-demand grocery delivery service. Drivers must be 18 years old with a reliable vehicle (15 years old or newer). As with the other positions, drivers must have a license, insurance, and registration on their car. Drivers must have a smartphone and are asked to provide a cooler or insulated bag for cold grocery deliveries. Drivers must also pass a general background test on their knowledge of brands and groceries, such as produce. Delivery drivers make up to $25 per hour plus a free Shipt membership. Shipt is currently available in 13 states including Arizona, Texas, Florida, Wisconsin, and Ohio.

13. Instacart

Another grocery delivery service, Instacart also offers workers a chance to do shopping for customers who pick up (so no car required). Delivery drivers work as independent contractors and must have their own vehicle. They can work unlimited hours on a flexible schedule. Drivers do both the shopping and delivery and also must have their own car. Instacart doesn’t reimburse for gas, but they offer $9-$20/hour depending on scheduling and demand. Drivers also keep 100% of their tips.

14. Amazon Flex

Amazon Flex is a great opportunity to deliver Amazon packages for customers. Flex drivers make $18-$25 per hour and get set their availability and blocks of time to pick up packages and make deliveries. There is no set amount of hours and drivers can change their availability as needed. Delivery drivers need a smartphone and a vehicle that passes screening criteria for Amazon Prime Now orders. For regular Amazon orders, drivers must have a 4-door car or sedan.

Make Money Renting Out Your Car

15. Turo

Turo is a great service where you can list your car as a rental car. This is a wonderful opportunity for people who have a second vehicle or one they don’t use so often. It’s also a great option for vacationers. Earnings are based on the market value of the car and how long it’s being rented. You can earn 65-85 percent of the trip/rental price depending on your vehicle and availability. Similar to a rental service, you choose the mileage limit, and the car is returned fully fueled.

16. Getaround

Getaround is a service that allows car owners to rent cars out to people in their vicinity. Car owners get paid monthly with the average owner making about $10,000 per year. Owners set the hours the car is available (so if you work 9-5, you can set your car availability while you’re at the office or once you get home from work). Users download the Getaround app, which gives them a code to unlock the door and pick up the car. Drivers are fully covered by insurance during rental periods. To initially set up with Getaround, owners pay a $99 installation fee for “Connect” and $20 a month to list the car. Renters must be verified and set up a profile (including proof of license and driving record to rent).

17. HyreCar

HyreCar gives car owners a chance to rent out their car, but unlike other services, there are no specific requirements. They recommend cars are in great condition that are clean with low mileage and newer. HyreCar takes 15 percent commission on all rentals listed through them but you set the weekly/daily rental price, and you can accept or decline rental offers. They don’t cover maintenance or upkeep on the car, as most transactions are handled primarily between the renter and owner. Renters are responsible for refilling gas, providing insurance, and anything else as required by the car owner. Complaints result in an administrative fee charged to the renter.

18. RVshare

Do you have a class A, B, or C motorhome? What about a pop-up, travel trailer, or fifth wheel? Then put your recreational vehicle to work when you're not using it. RVshare is an on-demand platform that connects RV owners with renters. It's completely free to use and according to their website, you can earn $120 – $365 a day! Booked rentals include 24/7 roadside assistance (so you know your RV is in good hands) and RV rental insurance. RVshare has been featured on CNN, the New York Times, NBC, Huffington Post, along with numerous other publications.

Make Money Selling Your Car

19. Blinker

Are you ready to sell your old car? Then download the Blinker smartphone app to cash in! It's as simple as downloading the app, taking a photo of your car, listing it, and reviewing the offers that come in. Currently, Blinker is available in Colorado, Texas, and Florida. Plus, when you sell your car outright versus trading it in to a dealership you tend to receive a higher resale value — which means more money in your pocket.

Conclusion

If you’re ready to make money during your free time, there are plenty of opportunities to make money with your car. Whether you’d like to drive people around or you’d like to make your car available to others, why not earn some money putting your car to work?

Originally published June 6, 2017. Content updated January 4, 2018.

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