Getting Started

Car Rental

Getting Started with Car Rental as a Sidegig

Turn your vehicle into a passive income stream by listing it on peer-to-peer car rental platforms. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process from signup to your first booking.

Step-by-Step Process

  1. Vehicle Qualification Check

    Ensure your vehicle meets platform requirements:

    • Turo: Typically 12 years old or newer with under 130,000 miles
    • Getaround: 2010 or newer with under 125,000 miles
    • HyreCar: Up to 15 years old with under 150,000 miles

    Your vehicle must have a clean title, valid registration, and be in good mechanical condition.

    Timeframe: 1 day

  2. Market Research

    Before signing up, research your local market:

    • Browse listings in your area to assess demand and pricing
    • Check how many similar vehicles are listed
    • Note peak rental periods (weekends, tourist seasons)
    • Identify pricing for vehicles similar to yours

    Use the platform's search features as a guest to see competitors' pricing and availability.

    Timeframe: 2-3 days

  3. Platform Selection & Account Creation

    Choose the platform that best fits your goals and create your host account:

    You'll need to provide:

    • Valid driver's license
    • Banking information for direct deposits
    • Contact information

    Timeframe: 1 day

  4. Vehicle Listing Creation

    Create a detailed, attractive listing:

    • Take 25+ high-quality photos (exterior, interior, features, trunk space)
    • Write a detailed description highlighting key features and benefits
    • Set competitive pricing based on your market research
    • Configure availability calendar
    • Set pickup/dropoff locations
    • Establish rental policies (mileage limits, fuel policy, etc.)

    For Turo, select your protection plan (60%, 75%, 85%, or 90% plans available).

    Timeframe: 2-3 days

  5. Vehicle Preparation

    Prepare your vehicle for rentals:

    • Complete thorough cleaning (interior and exterior)
    • Perform maintenance check (oil, tires, brakes, fluids)
    • Address any mechanical or cosmetic issues
    • Consider installing a GPS tracker (with disclosure to renters)
    • For Getaround: Schedule Connectâ„¢ device installation ($99-$150)

    Timeframe: 2-7 days

  6. Verification & Approval

    Complete the platform verification process:

    • Submit vehicle registration documents
    • Complete vehicle inspection (requirements vary by platform)
    • Wait for background check completion
    • Address any platform-specific requirements

    Timeframe: 3-10 days

  7. Operational Preparation

    Develop your operational systems:

    • Create check-in/check-out procedures
    • Prepare welcome instructions for guests
    • Set up a cleaning protocol between rentals
    • Establish a maintenance schedule
    • Prepare a folder with registration, insurance, and platform documentation

    Timeframe: 1-2 days

  8. Go Live & First Booking

    Activate your listing and manage your first booking:

    • Set calendar to "Available"
    • Respond quickly to inquiries (aim for under 15 minutes)
    • Consider offering an introductory discount (10-15%) to attract first renters
    • Provide excellent service to earn 5-star reviews

    Timeframe: 1-14 days for first booking

  9. First Payment

    Receive your first earnings:

    • Turo: Payments processed 24 hours after trip completion
    • Getaround: Payments processed on the 15th and last day of each month
    • HyreCar: Payments processed weekly

    Timeframe: 1-30 days after first rental completion

First Week Action Plan

Day 1-2:
  • Research platforms and local market
  • Choose platform and create account
  • Schedule vehicle maintenance check
Day 3-4:
  • Clean and photograph vehicle
  • Create detailed listing
  • Submit verification documents
Day 5-7:
  • Develop check-in/check-out process
  • Create guest instructions document
  • Activate listing with introductory pricing
  • Share listing on social media (optional)
Important Note

Always check with your auto insurance provider before listing your vehicle. Most personal policies exclude commercial rental activity, making platform insurance essential.

Total Startup Timeline

From initial research to first payment, expect the complete process to take approximately 3-6 weeks. The verification process and attracting your first booking are typically the most variable timeframes.

Most hosts see consistent bookings after accumulating 3-5 positive reviews, which typically takes 1-2 months depending on your market and vehicle type.

Platform Comparison

Platform Commission Best For
Turo 15-40% Maximum flexibility, largest customer base
Getaround 40% Passive income, hourly rentals
HyreCar 15-25% Longer rentals, steady utilization

Startup Costs

  • Vehicle Maintenance & Detailing $50-200
  • Professional Photos (optional) $100-200
  • GPS Tracker (optional) $25-100
  • Getaround Connectâ„¢ Device (if applicable) $99-150
  • Total Typical Startup $75-500

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