Requirements
Car RentalWhat You'll Need to Start a Car Rental Sidegig
Vehicle Requirements
- Vehicle that meets platform age requirements (typically 12 years or newer)
- Clean title with no salvage or branded history
- Current registration in your name
- Vehicle with fewer than 130,000 miles (varies by platform)
- Regular maintenance records and good mechanical condition
- Clean and well-maintained interior and exterior
Requirements vary by platform: Turo accepts vehicles up to 12 years old; Getaround requires 2010 or newer models; HyreCar accepts vehicles up to 15 years old with higher mileage limits.
Personal Requirements
- Must be at least 21 years old (25+ for some platforms)
- Valid driver's license
- Clean driving record (no major violations)
- Smartphone with reliable internet access
- Bank account for direct deposits
- Ability to pass platform background checks
- Social Security Number or Tax ID for income reporting
Skills & Abilities
- Basic vehicle maintenance knowledge (or willingness to learn)
- Customer service skills for guest interactions
- Time management for vehicle turnovers and maintenance
- Basic photography skills for vehicle listings
- Problem-solving abilities for handling unexpected issues
- Attention to detail for vehicle inspections and cleaning
- Basic financial management for tracking expenses and income
Equipment & Supplies
- Cleaning supplies for interior and exterior maintenance
- Digital camera or smartphone with good camera for listing photos
- Vehicle tracking device (optional but recommended)
- Lockbox for key exchange (if not using remote access technology)
- Mileage tracking app or logbook
- Basic tools for minor repairs and maintenance
- Keyless entry system (required for Getaround, optional for Turo)
Estimated Startup Costs
| Item | Estimated Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle (if purchasing specifically for rental) | $10,000 - $30,000+ | Varies widely based on make/model/year |
| Initial vehicle inspection & maintenance | $100 - $500 | Ensuring vehicle is in rental-ready condition |
| Professional photography (optional) | $100 - $300 | Improves listing quality and booking rates |
| Cleaning supplies | $50 - $150 | Initial investment in quality cleaning products |
| GPS tracker (optional) | $50 - $200 | Plus potential monthly subscription ($10-20) |
| Getaround Connect™ device (if using Getaround) | $99 - $150 | Plus $20/month subscription |
| Business license (if required locally) | $50 - $500 | Varies by location |
| Insurance deductible reserve | $250 - $2,500 | Recommended emergency fund for potential claims |
| Total (using existing vehicle) | $500 - $3,500 (excluding vehicle purchase) | |
| Total (purchasing vehicle) | $10,500 - $33,500+ (including vehicle purchase) | |
Legal & Regulatory Requirements
Legal requirements vary significantly by location. Always research your specific local regulations.
Insurance Requirements
- Personal auto insurance policy (note: most personal policies exclude commercial use)
- Platform-provided insurance coverage (included with most platforms)
- Commercial insurance (may be required in some jurisdictions)
Local Regulations
- Business license (required in some municipalities)
- HOA or apartment regulations (may restrict commercial activity)
- Zoning laws regarding commercial vehicle storage
- Special permits for airport operations (if applicable)
- State-specific P2P car sharing regulations (NY, HI, and others have specific laws)
Tax Obligations
- Report all income on tax returns (Schedule C or business returns)
- Collect and remit sales tax or rental car tax (where applicable)
- Maintain detailed records of all business expenses
- Track business vs. personal vehicle usage
- Consider quarterly estimated tax payments