A couple of years ago, I found myself needing a little extra cash to cover some unexpected expenses. I didn’t have time for a second job, and my weekdays were already packed with work. But my weekends? They were relatively free. That’s when I stumbled upon the idea of using car-sharing apps to turn my vehicle into a weekend money-maker.
I was skeptical at first. Would it be worth the effort? Would strangers treat my car with respect? Would I end up making pennies or something actually worthwhile? After doing some research and giving it a shot, I was pleasantly surprised. In just a few months, I made enough extra cash to cover my car payment and still had plenty of time to enjoy my weekends.
If you’ve ever wondered whether you can make money with car-sharing apps, here’s my step-by-step experience, what I learned along the way, and how you can do it too.
Why I Decided to Try Car-Sharing Apps
At the time, I was paying around $400 a month for my car, plus insurance and maintenance. It felt like a huge chunk of my budget was disappearing into my vehicle. I figured if my car was going to drain my wallet, it should also help fill it up.
I wasn’t interested in driving for rideshare services like Uber or Lyft—I didn’t want to spend my weekends chauffeuring people around. Car-sharing apps, on the other hand, let people rent my car when I wasn’t using it. It seemed like the perfect way to make passive income.
The Apps I Tried
After researching my options, I decided to try these two popular car-sharing apps:
- Turo: Often described as the “Airbnb for cars,” Turo lets you list your car for others to rent. You set your availability, price, and terms.
- Getaround: This app offers hourly and daily rentals and comes with a remote unlocking system, making handoffs easier.
Both apps promised a relatively simple process, insurance coverage, and decent earning potential. I decided to list my car on both platforms to see which one worked better for me.
Step 1: Listing My Car
Creating an Attractive Listing
I started by creating a detailed listing for my car. It’s a 2017 Honda Civic—reliable, fuel-efficient, and easy to drive. Here’s how I made my listing stand out:
- High-Quality Photos: I took pictures of the exterior, interior, trunk, and dashboard. Good lighting and clean surfaces made a huge difference.
- Detailed Description: I highlighted the car’s features: great gas mileage, Bluetooth connectivity, a spacious trunk, and a smooth ride.
- Clear Rules: I set clear guidelines like no smoking, no pets, and a full tank of gas upon return.
Setting My Price
I checked similar listings on Turo and Getaround to set a competitive price. I started with $45 per day. It was affordable for renters while still being worthwhile for me.
Step 2: Managing Bookings and Handoffs
Turo: Flexible and Personalized
With Turo, I got to meet renters in person to hand off the keys, which gave me peace of mind. I used this opportunity to do a quick walkaround, show them the car’s features, and remind them of the rules.
Getaround: Seamless and Hands-Off
Getaround installed a device in my car that allowed renters to unlock it via the app. This meant I didn’t have to meet renters in person, which was perfect for short-notice bookings. The app handled everything remotely.
Weekend Routine
I made my car available Friday through Sunday. Most bookings were for weekend getaways, errands, or trips to visit family. The average rental lasted 2-3 days.
Step 3: How Much I Earned
In my first month, I made $300 on Turo and $150 on Getaround. After a few months of consistently listing my car, I was averaging about $500 a month—enough to cover my car payment and insurance!
Income Breakdown
- Turo: $45/day x 3 weekends (9 days) = $405
- Getaround: $12/hour rentals (averaging 4 hours per weekend) = $96
Minus the platform fees (about 15-20%), I was clearing around $500 monthly.
Step 4: The Pros and Cons of Car-Sharing
The Pros
- Passive Income: Once I listed my car, the bookings rolled in with minimal effort.
- Flexible Schedule: I controlled when my car was available, so it didn’t interfere with my plans.
- Covering Costs: My car was no longer just an expense—it was an asset that paid for itself.
- Insurance Protection: Both Turo and Getaround provided comprehensive insurance coverage during rentals, giving me peace of mind.
The Cons
- Wear and Tear: More driving means more maintenance. I budgeted for more frequent oil changes and tire rotations.
- Risk of Damage: While insurance covers major issues, small dings or scratches can happen.
- Cleaning Time: After each rental, I spent 30-45 minutes cleaning the car to keep it in top shape for the next renter.
Tips for Success with Car-Sharing Apps
1. Keep Your Car Clean
A clean car gets better reviews and more bookings. I kept a small cleaning kit in the trunk and gave the car a quick clean between rentals.
2. Communicate Clearly
I made sure to respond quickly to booking requests and answered any questions renters had. Good communication led to better reviews and repeat renters.
3. Set Competitive Prices
Check what similar cars in your area are renting for and price accordingly. I also offered discounts for longer bookings to attract weekend renters.
4. Screen Your Renters
Both Turo and Getaround screen renters, but I always read their profiles and reviews for extra peace of mind.
The Bottom Line: Was It Worth It?
Absolutely. Using car-sharing apps turned my weekends into a steady source of income. In just a few months, I made over $2,000, which covered my car expenses and then some. I loved the flexibility, the extra cash, and the feeling that my car was finally paying for itself.
If you have a reliable car and a few free weekends, car-sharing apps might be the side hustle you never knew you needed. It’s a low-effort way to turn your car into an asset and put a little extra money in your pocket.
