3 easy steps to join a car subscription plan for Uber
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Ridesharing is a good way to earn an income regardless if you have a car or not. Most people believe it’s only for car owners, but you’d be surprised how many drivers have decided to simply subscribe to drive a car for Uber in Australia. Pros and rookies alike all over Australia are starting to see the benefits of car subscription for Uber, and they find themselves asking the same questions:
1. What do I need to know about using a subscription car for Uber?
2. What are the costs of car subscription for Uber?
3. How to start driving Uber with a subscription car?
Over the years we’ve helped thousands of drivers get their driving careers into gear with our Flexi Try and Flexi Own plans. We get these questions almost every day, so we thought it was time to collect all the answers into a simple, three-step guide to car subscription for Uber.
Step 1 What do I need to know about using a subscription car for Uber?
Does Uber have a car subscription program in Australia?
No, Uber have retired their car subscription program several years ago. Now, Uber partners with vehicle solutions companies like Splend to provide driver partners with flexible access to Uber-ready cars in Australia. You can subscribe to drive an Uber-ready car from Splend in the following cities:
Is it worth it to get on a car subscription plan for Uber?
The short answer is yes. Thousands of people choose to get on a car subscription for Uber instead of buying and financing a car the ordinary way, and car subscription continues to get more and more popular in Australia. A short term subscription like Flexi Try is perfect for drivers who are new to Uber or are looking to try a new car with low commitment. If you decide that joining a car subscription plan for Uber is not for you, you can hand the car back after your minimum subscription period. Our Flexi Own subscriptions are best for drivers who know they would like to be an Uber driver long term, as your payments go towards paying down the car so you own it at the end of your term. Splend has designed Flexi Own with rideshare drivers in mind, with all ownership costs bundled into one weekly payment that is generally lower than if you were to buy your car, finance it and organise those ongoing costs like insurance, servicing, maintenance and registration yourself. At Splend, we also provide ongoing support, education and training, as well as perks you won't receive doing it yourself - like an Uber-approved courtesy car if your car is off the road due to an accident, so you can maximise your earnings and become a safer, more fulfilled driver.
Can anyone get on a car subscription for Uber?
No, you need to become an approved Uber driver before you can sign up with a car subscription company like Splend.
What is the best car for Uber driving in Australia?
Because Splend specialises in rideshare we make sure the cars we bring to market are fit for purpose for rideshare. SUVs are generally considered a great option for Uber drivers. Due to the extra legroom and boot space, your riders and you will be extra comfortable and safe. At Splend, we offer a range of SUV's that are extemely popular with both rideshare drivers and passengers, such as the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and the Subaru Forester Hybrid AWD.
Another great option if you want to be able to take more passengers and maximise profitable journeys like airport transfers is to consider a 7 or 8 seater car like a larger SUV or a People Mover. Some good options in this space are the Kia Carnival or the Chery Tiggo 8.
For most Uber drivers, especially those who are driving full time, fuel can be an extremely high expense. For this reason, Electric Vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular amongst rideshare drivers. At Splend we are EV specialists and have a range of EVs available on both our Flexi Try and Flexi Own subscriptions. Some of the most popular EVs for Uber drivers are the Polestar 2, Tesla Model Y, Kia EV5 Long Range and Mercedes EQB, amongst others.
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Step 2 What are the costs of car subscription for Uber in Australia?
How much does it cost to subscribe to drive a car for Uber?
It will depend on your subscription provider, the vehicle you want and the type of plan and term. At Splend, our Uber subscription cars start at $299 per week on our Flexi Try plans, or $355 for our Flexi Own plans. These prices include all your vehicle and ownership costs, excluding fuel/charging costs.
Do I need to pay a deposit for car subscription?
At Splend, we don’t ask for a deposit. You just pay a one-time set up fee, which allows us to secure your vehicle, transport it to our hub for handover to you and get the vehicle set up on the Uber portal for you.
How often do I pay for my Uber car subscription?
We charge weekly payments, always one week in advance. This means when you pick up your car, you’ll need to pay for the next week as well as the remaining days of the current week. Paying in advance means we don’t have to issue credit, which in turn means we don’t have to perform credit checks either. This means less paperwork for our drivers and more flexibility.
Are there any additional costs involved in subscribing a car for Uber?
Yes, there will be other costs you’ll need to consider, such as excess kilometre fees (1000kms per week is included in the subscription price) and insurance excess if you ever have an accident. On Splend's Flexi Own subscriptions the excess kilometre fee goes straight towards paying down your car sooner, which is great news for drivers who want to own their car!
Step 3 How to start driving Uber with a subscription car?
How do I get started with an Uber car subscription in Australia?
It’s a simple case of signing your subscription agreement and picking up the keys, and you’re ready to go. Once you’re approved for Uber, that is.
Do I need a driving strategy for Uber?
Yes, we strongly recommend you have an Uber strategy in place. There’s a lot you can do to minimise your time on the road and maximise your income, but you need a plan. You need to put some thought into taking the necessary steps to maintain a good Uber rating, and have a strategy in place to boost your earnings with tips. At Splend, we have customer specialists who are always on hand with dedicated support to help drivers succeed.
What if I decide I no longer want to drive Uber?
If you no longer need the car, you can hand it back at no extra cost after the minimum subscription period. Like a normal subscription car, you need to return it with a full tank of fuel, cleaned inside and out, and with no damage.
About Splend
Splend makes car ownership easier, more affordable and more accessible for rideshare drivers by building everything they need to earn more, pay less and worry less into one affordable weekly payment. It’s smooth driving, with no surprises and the lowest total ownership cost you’ll find – which is how car ownership for rideshare drivers should be. For more information about Splend, make an appointment and drop by to your local Splend Hub, email us, or say hello on 1800 775 363.