How it Works
Car RentalHow Car Rental Works
1. List Your Vehicle
Create a profile on platforms like Turo, Getaround, or HyreCar. Take high-quality photos of your vehicle, write a detailed description highlighting key features, and set your availability calendar. Most platforms require vehicles to be 12 years old or newer with under 130,000 miles, though requirements vary by platform.
2. Set Your Pricing & Terms
Determine competitive daily rates based on your local market (typically $35-100+ depending on vehicle type). Choose insurance coverage options offered by the platform, which affects your commission rate (platforms take 15-40%). Establish policies for mileage limits, fuel requirements, and optional services like airport delivery.
3. Manage Bookings
Review and approve rental requests through the platform's app or website. Communicate with guests about pickup details, vehicle features, and any special instructions. For in-person handoffs, meet the renter to check their license, conduct a vehicle walkthrough, and document the car's condition. Some platforms like Getaround offer contactless rentals with special hardware.
4. Maintain Your Vehicle
Keep your vehicle clean and mechanically sound between rentals. Develop a cleaning routine (interior vacuum, surface wipe-down, exterior wash) after each guest. Follow a regular maintenance schedule for oil changes, tire rotations, and other preventative services to avoid breakdowns during rentals. Track all expenses for tax purposes and profitability analysis.
5. Get Paid & Scale
Receive direct deposits from the platform after each completed rental (typically within 3-5 business days). Analyze your performance metrics to optimize pricing and availability. As you become comfortable with operations, consider adding more vehicles to your fleet, potentially forming an LLC for liability protection. Many successful hosts eventually scale to 5+ vehicles with dedicated parking solutions and hired help for cleaning and guest management.