Thinking to join Uber

3Dshay

Hello all,

Sorry if this is not the best place to post this thread, I could not find a related section to ask this question.

So basically I am a student and also work on my placement year, I am thinking to join uber because in my opinion that is the only job that I can do in my spare hours, any time and any day, and unlike other jobs, you do not have to work in a bar or restaurant for like £7ish per hour, so basically again my opinion is there is always work for you as a uber driver, you can work any day/time, and without a boss.

My question starts by asking about if paying the insurance and other costs worth it, let's say for example I can work only from 5pm to 11pm, is anyone here working with uber that can advice me about the income and costs sides of it?

Thanks to all for reading.

Arklight

You are better off looking at one of the forums which is specifically about driving for Uber.

Whatever you do run your own figures carefully because while there are people who say they've done OK out of working for Uber, there are others who figured out that in the end after paying for insurance, depreciation, wear on their vehicle, tax, private hire licenses, and Uber's 25%, they were basically working for next to nothing.

forgotmyname

income = how many fares will you pickup and whats the competition like in your area?

Student and uber, will you cover the cost of the insurance?

Vehicle licenced to carry passengers?

Large enough vehicle? Is your vehicle on the excluded list? Some seemingly sensible cars that would appear to be ideal are excluded.

pogofish

What about Employment/Income - that's a much more appropriate forum for this.

[Deleted User]

Checkout local private hire firms too as a lot run on a similar way these day with app based communication for accepting fares etc. Some will even hire you a car too.

3Dshay

@Arklight : Thanks a lot for the advice, been thinking about these and will do a search.

@Forgotmyname: Thanks a lot, I need find out about insurance and somehow compare it to ab approx work time + possible income, need to get the licence too, and there is not much information on uber website, costs/time etc.. about vehicle, I can buy a new one if it worths.


@LeeUK, Thanks a lot, will def do it!

unholyangel

I have knowledge of the taxi industry in general (grandparents owned firms) though not uber specifically.

But I can tell you that even someone with max no claims and years of experience would usually pay at least £1000 for insurance where as a normal driver (not driving for hire) they'd pay maybe £250-300.

You would need to check your local authority for the rules on becoming a driver. You'll definitely need to be over 21 but a lot of them may only accept applications from people with say 3 years driving experience. The local licensing authority may also have rules on age of vehicles for the first time they're plated (such as the car must be less than 5 years old). If your car didnt meet those requirements then you'd have added cost of maybe £200-300 per week to rent a plated car.

Other costs are fuel, licence fees (yearly), 2x hackney tests (its like an MOT but more stringent) a year, greater wear & tear on the car (so higher maintenance costs) and if they dont offer paye (i know uber drivers have been found to be employees but i believe uber were looking at changing contracts to avoid that) then you also have about a third of your wages towards paying your tax & NI contributions (and the joy of having to do a tax return). If you're self employed, theres also no holiday pay.

If your car is on lease, there may be a clause that it cannot be used commercially (unless perhaps you have it on a commercial lease rather than a private one).

In short, I'm of the opinion that anyone claiming to be making loads with uber is very likely to be bad at maths or have no experience in the industry. Its something quite typical in new drivers - they see whats going into their hand and think they're making a killing, with no thought to overheads.

Also, while you can work any time, any day....there are peak times, of the day, week and year. The majority of people tend to move around the same time. Going to or coming back from school and work, going out at night at the weekend for a meal or drinks etc.

I'd definitely research very carefully before you commit.

3Dshay

@unholyangel, A BIG thanks to you, for such a detailed reply, thanks for your time to type, I am in research process now, God bless.

sevenhills

unholyangel wrote: »

I have knowledge of the taxi industry in general (grandparents owned firms) though not uber specifically.

But I can tell you that even someone with max no claims and years of experience would usually pay at least £1000 for insurance where as a normal driver (not driving for hire) they'd pay maybe £250-300.

The £1,000 that you quote would more likely be a regular taxi driver, not one just starting out, that maybe as high as £2,000

3Dshay

£2000 per year? week or month? I am 35 and drive for 3 years by now.

DoaM

Per year ... on the basis that a NON-taxi insurance would be maybe £300 per year.