What to do if you see a damaged Rideshare vehicle…

This Hyundai Sonata, with Texas license plate – LPC 2961 was spotted in Downtown Houston, picking up a rider on 9/11/2019.

It seems we need a refresher.

In order to drive for Uber or Lyft, your vehicle must be free of any cosmetic damage. This is not just against policy, but really creates a negative rider experience, one that can force that rider to look for alternate modes of transportation in the future. If you see a car with substantial damage like this one, you should report it to both Uber and Lyft. If you think it does not affect you, try again. It does. Riders do not want to ride in a car that is damaged. Even just one car gives the illusion that Rideshare vehicles are not safe and unreliable. (yes, as drivers we know this bumper has nothing to do with how far the car can go before it breaks down, but the general public sees damage and thinks the car is in bad shape mechanically.) I like to use Facebook Messenger to report these to Uber and Lyft. Twitter works as well.

Arriving anywhere in a car that is damaged is not just embarrassing but a safety issue as well. A bumper for example, is designed so that it absorbs as much of the impact as possible. A damaged bumper like the one below, is compromised and will not work as well in an accident. Considering the rider is in the back, the rider feel it the most and therefore, the one most likely prone to injury in the event of a rear collision.

Accidents do happen, but if you rely on this income, either for bills or extra money, you should carry full coverage insurance, one that provides you with a rental. You may not be able to do Uber or Lyft in a rental, but you should have already signed up for delivery apps such as, Postmates, DoorDash, Favor, UberEats, etc. Technically, you can not do deliveries in a rental..but if you get into a wreck, food will not talk. Customers are also not focused on the car you are driving when they are hungry.