Navigating transportation in a new city or even your own can sometimes be complex. While Uber is widely known for ride-sharing, you might be wondering, Does Uber Rent Cars? The answer is yes, through Uber Rent, a service integrated directly into the Uber app. It’s not about Uber owning a rental fleet, but rather acting as a convenient platform connecting you with established rental car companies like Hertz and Budget. In select locations, they even offer the added perk of delivering the rental car right to your doorstep.
This article will guide you through the process of renting a car using Uber Rent via their app. We’ll also delve into the advantages of choosing Uber for your car rental needs compared to booking directly through traditional rental agencies.
Understanding Uber Rent: More Than Just Rides
(Photo by Sundry Photography/Shutterstock)
So, does Uber rent cars directly? Not in the traditional sense. Uber Rent operates as an intermediary, streamlining the car rental process by partnering with existing rental companies. Think of it as using Uber’s platform to access and book rental vehicles from companies that actually manage the car fleets. But why would you consider this approach? Let’s explore the benefits of using Uber as your car rental gateway.
Streamlined Rental Experience via the App
Traditionally, renting a car can be cumbersome. Navigating various rental car company websites, which are often not user-friendly, can be a source of frustration. Uber Rent aims to simplify this through its intuitive app interface. As you’ll see in the following section, the process of renting a car with Uber is designed to be almost as effortless as requesting an Uber ride. By simply entering your pickup and drop-off details, you can secure a rental car with just a few taps on your smartphone.
Uber Cash and Promotional Perks
Until September 1st, renters could benefit from a 10% return on all Uber Rent bookings in the form of Uber Cash. This credit can be used for Uber rides and Uber Eats orders, potentially offering more versatile value than points tied to specific rental car loyalty programs.
(Screenshot courtesy of Uber)
Furthermore, Uber sometimes sweetens the deal with a $10 Uber ride credit to assist you in getting to your rental pick-up location. While this promotion is often for a “limited time” without a specified end date, it’s a valuable bonus, particularly if you need to reach an airport or rental location further away. It’s worth noting that this ride credit is usually limited to rentals within the U.S. and may be restricted to once per month.
(Screenshot courtesy of Uber)
Future Payment with Uber Cash
While currently, payment for most Uber Rent bookings is processed at the rental counter, Uber has indicated plans to integrate Uber Cash as a payment option directly within the app. This enhancement would offer a convenient way to utilize Uber Cash balances, especially those accumulated through select American Express cards offering Uber Cash benefits.
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Uber Valet: Car Delivery Convenience
For an even more seamless experience, Uber introduced Uber Valet in Washington D.C., with plans for expansion to other cities. This service eliminates the need to visit a rental car counter altogether. Uber Valet delivers your chosen rental car directly to your preferred location – be it your home, hotel, or any other designated spot, and handles the return pickup as well. This door-to-door service promises to revolutionize car rentals, making the process exceptionally convenient.
(Screenshot courtesy of Uber)
Related: Why renting a car may now be the hardest part of your journey
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Rent a Car with Uber
(Photo by Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Ready to experience the convenience of Uber Rent? Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to rent cars with Uber:
Step 1: Access Uber Rent in the App
Open your Uber application and locate the “Rent” icon, typically positioned centrally on the app’s homepage. Tap this icon to begin your car rental journey.
(Screenshot courtesy of Uber)
Step 2: Specify Your Rental Details
You’ll be directed to a booking interface. Here, input your desired car pick-up and drop-off locations, along with the dates and times for your rental period. Once you’ve entered these details, tap the “Find cars” button at the bottom of the screen to proceed.
(Screenshot courtesy of Uber)
Step 3: Explore Available Car Options
The subsequent screen will display the available rental car options. You’ll find filtering tools at the top of the screen, allowing you to refine your search by price, car type, and distance from your desired pickup location.
(Screenshot courtesy of Uber)
Step 4: Finalize Your Booking
Tap on a specific car listing to view comprehensive rental details. This includes car specifications, the rental company’s cancellation policy, and options to add extras like child booster seats or ski racks. After reviewing the details, carefully read and agree to the terms and conditions, then tap the “Reserve” button to confirm your booking. Uber will then finalize the reservation with the respective rental car company.
(Screenshot courtesy of Uber)
Related: Here’s everything you need to know about the revamped Uber Rewards program
Cost Comparison: Uber Rent vs. Direct Booking
Price is a crucial factor when considering rental options. Generally, prices found through the Uber app are often very similar to those when booking directly with the rental company.
For instance, a weekend SUV rental from Sixt near New York-JFK airport, booked via the Uber app, was priced at $382.74 in late May. Checking directly with Sixt revealed the same price when choosing the “pay at pick-up” option.
(Screenshot courtesy of Sixt)
Similarly, a week-long rental near Miami (MIA) airport, quoted at $569.43 for a “mystery rental” through Thrifty on Uber, mirrored the direct booking price from Thrifty when selecting airport payment.
(Screenshot courtesy of Thrifty)
Remember to factor in the added benefits of Uber Rent, such as the occasional $10 Uber ride credit and, during promotional periods, Uber Cash earnings. These perks can make booking via Uber potentially more advantageous than direct bookings, from a cost-effectiveness perspective. However, one potential drawback is that rentals booked through Uber might not accrue rental car loyalty points or be eligible for elite status benefits associated with direct bookings.
Also, consider corporate or university discount codes. If you qualify for such discounts, applying them when booking directly might lower your rental cost. Furthermore, utilizing services like Autoslash to search for better rates is always a prudent step. Always compare prices within the Uber app against direct bookings and any available discounts to ensure you’re getting the best possible deal.
Related: How to never pay full price for a rental car
Credit Card Rental Car Insurance with Uber Rentals
Many credit cards offer rental car damage waivers when the rental is paid for using that card. Uber confirms that this coverage extends to rentals booked through the Uber app. This is logical as payment for most Uber Rent bookings is still processed at the rental car counter.
If you’re seeking a credit card that includes rental car damage waiver benefits, consider these Chase cards:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred Card: Currently offering 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve: Also offering 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.
Related: Can’t find a car rental? Here are 7 secrets that may help
Bottom Line
The integration of Uber Rent into the Uber app is a welcome development, especially as travel landscapes evolve and car rentals become increasingly challenging to secure. The potential of Uber Valet to transform the rental car experience, by offering home or hotel delivery, is particularly exciting, especially given current long rental car lines.
However, it remains essential to compare prices with direct bookings and services like AutoSlash. Direct bookings, especially with corporate or university discounts, might sometimes offer better value. Conversely, Uber’s promotional Uber Cash offers can make booking through their platform more cost-effective if you can effectively utilize the earned credit for rides or Uber Eats.
Feature photo by Fahroni / Shutterstock.com
