Drive It Pro vs Uber Rental Program: Best Choice for Phoenix Uber Drivers?
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Feature | Drive It Pro | Uber Rental Program |
|---|---|---|
| Platform Use | Uber, Lyft, delivery (no restrictions on where you drive). | Uber only (intended solely for Uber driving under rental agreement). |
| Rental Cost | Flat weekly fee (includes rideshare insurance, maintenance). Will need liability insurance for personal use. | Weekly rate (varies by car/model) plus taxes/fees; insurance included through partner. |
| Vehicle Type | Fleet vehicles optimized for rideshare (clean, fuel-efficient models). | Standard rental cars (often mid-size sedans) from partners like Hertz or Avis. |
| Deposit & Payment | Refundable deposit (~$225) and pay weekly or monthly directly to Drive It Pro. | Refundable deposit at pickup; rental charges may be deducted from Uber earnings or charged to card. |
| Commitment | Weekly rental (keep as long as needed; option to enter a rent-to-own agreement). | Weekly rental (renew or return each week; no long-term purchase option). |
| Flexibility | Full flexibility to drive on any app or service at any time. | Tied to Uber platform; if Uber business is slow, you cannot switch to Lyft with this car. |
| Support & Maintenance | Dedicated support from a local team; maintenance arranged by Drive It Pro. | Support through rental company (Hertz, etc.) and Uber; maintenance handled by rental provider. |
Both options can get you on the road, but Drive It Pro provides greater flexibility and a local touch, while Uber’s program may suit those committed exclusively to Uber. Next, let’s weigh the pros and cons of each.
Pros and Cons
Drive It Pro Advantages
Dual-App Earning: Not limited to Uber—switch between Uber and Lyft or other gigs to maximize income.- Local Fleet Reliability: Cars are managed by a Phoenix company, often leading to better vehicle upkeep and quick swaps if needed.
- Ownership Opportunity: Option to work toward owning your car, which Uber’s rental program doesn’t offer.
- Personal Service: Direct customer service from Drive It Pro staff who can assist immediately with vehicle issues or questions.
Uber Rental Program Advantages
- Easy Start for Uber: Integrated through the Uber app for a seamless sign-up and pickup process.
- No Separate Billing: Rental fees can be taken out of your Uber earnings, simplifying payments.
- Unlimited Uber Miles: No mileage caps as long as miles are for Uber driving and personal use during the rental period.
Where Uber’s Program Falls Short
- Uber-Only Limitation: You cannot use the rented car for Lyft or other services, potentially leaving earning opportunities on the table.
- General Fleet: Rental cars are not specialized for rideshare; they may lack features like phone mounts or in-car amenities that dedicated rideshare vehicles often have.
- Less Personal Support: Any issues may require dealing with a big rental company or Uber support, which can be less personal and slower than a local provider.
Drive It Pro Considerations
- Independent Process: Managing a separate rental service means you handle weekly payments outside the Uber app (requires budgeting from your earnings).
- Availability: While Drive It Pro serves Phoenix drivers, cars are subject to availability. It’s wise to reserve in advance, especially during peak demand times.
Our Verdict for Phoenix Drivers
If you’re only ever going to drive for Uber and prefer the simplicity of working within Uber’s system, the official rental program can work. However, many drivers value flexibility. With Drive It Pro, you won’t be locked into one platform and you’ll get local support that understands Phoenix roads and driving conditions.
In the long run, the ability to switch between Uber and Lyft (and other gigs) means less downtime and more opportunities. Choose Drive It Pro to keep your options open and enjoy a reliable rideshare-ready vehicle in Phoenix.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Do Lyft or Delivery With an Uber Rental Car?
No, the rental agreements through Uber’s program typically prohibit using the car for other platforms like Lyft. The car is meant for Uber driving (and personal use when off-duty). Drive It Pro rentals have no such restriction, so you can also do Lyft or food delivery.
How Much Does the Uber Rental Program Cost in Phoenix?
Costs can vary, but generally you pay a weekly fee (often a few hundred dollars) plus taxes. This includes basic insurance and unlimited miles for Uber. Some programs require a deposit and charge extra for late returns or damages. Drive It Pro’s weekly rate is competitive and includes insurance, with no hidden fees.
Is There a Mileage Limit with Drive It Pro or Uber Rentals?
No. Both Drive It Pro and Uber’s rental partners offer unlimited mileage for the duration of the rental, because rideshare driving can accumulate significant miles. The key difference is that Drive It Pro lets you use those miles on any platform, whereas Uber rentals expect those miles to come from driving on Uber only.
