Do you have a car that sits unused most of the time? You might be missing out on an easy way to earn extra money. Many people are now renting out their vehicles through peer-to-peer car-sharing platforms like Turo. It’s similar to Airbnb, but for your car.
Think of it like lending out a power tool you rarely use. Your car could be helpful to someone today, whether it’s a sedan, compact car, or SUV. Listing it for short-term rentals can help turn that unused time into steady income.
Before you jump in, it’s essential to understand the basics. You’ll need to know how insurance works on the platform, set mileage limits, use location tools, and keep your car clean for guests. These details matter since they can help you avoid unexpected costs or problems.
What You’ll Learn in This Guide
In this article, we will help you:
Decide if car-sharing is right for you
Explore the details of renting out a car
Understand the rules and requirements on platforms like Turo and DriveShare
Overview
Decide If Renting Out Your Car Is Right for You
Renting out your car can be a smart way to earn money, but it isn’t the right move for everyone. Some car owners enjoy the passive income. Others find the wear and tear, the scheduling, or the idea of strangers behind the wheel stressful. You’ll want to weigh both sides before moving forward.
What kind of car do you have?
If you own a clean and reliable ride, you’re already in a good position. Popular options include:
Family-Friendly SUVs: Ideal for groups and families that require more space.
Budget-Friendly Sedans: Perfect for those seeking economical and efficient transportation.
High-Performance Cars: Ideal for renters seeking a thrilling driving experience, such as a Corvette.
Important Note: Ensure your car is well-maintained and has low mileage. Most rental platforms check this during the approval process.
Where do you live?
Where you live plays a significant role in how often your car gets rented. If you're near a major city, airport, or college town, you're in an ideal location. These areas attract people who often need short-term car rentals, such as:
Travelers: Tourists and business travelers seeking convenient transportation.
Students: Those without cars who need one for errands or trips.
Gig Workers: Delivery drivers and rideshare workers who need a reliable vehicle.
These renters often use apps to find cars quickly, which means more consistent demand for your listing.
How available are you?
You don't need to be on call 24/7, but car sharing isn't a completely hands-off venture. To succeed, you'll need to dedicate time to the following:
Communication: Promptly respond to messages from renters and the car-sharing platform.
Vehicle Preparation: Thoroughly clean and prepare your car between each rental. This includes regular car cleaning, checking fluid levels, and ensuring proper tire pressure.
Monitoring & Maintenance: Track car mileage, inspect for any new damage after rentals, and stay on top of routine maintenance to ensure your vehicle is always in top condition.
If these tasks sound manageable for your schedule, then car sharing could be a great way to earn extra income with your vehicle.
Choose the Right Platform (Turo vs. DriveShare)
Now that you’ve figured out if this side hustle fits your life, the next step is choosing where to list your car. Not all platforms are the same, and your choice depends on the type of car you have and the kind of renters you want to attract.
Turo
Turo is often referred to as the "Airbnb for cars" due to its widespread peer-to-peer car-sharing model. It allows individual car owners to rent out their vehicles to others for short-term periods, primarily for leisure travel, vacations, or general personal use.
Why it's popular:
Most extensive User Base: Turo boasts the largest network of both car owners (hosts) and renters, meaning more potential bookings for your car.
Variety of Vehicles: You can list anything from economy cars to luxury vehicles, as well as classic cars.
Flexibility: Owners can set their own prices, availability, and delivery options.
Insurance Options: Has built-in Turo insurance options for car owners.
Geographic Reach: It operates in many cities across the US and other countries.
Car Requirements:
Less than 12 years old (exceptions for classics)
Under 130,000–150,000 miles
Clean title (no salvage or total loss history)
Fair market value under $200,000
In good condition with regular maintenance
Located in the U.S. (or supported countries)
Host Requirements:
At least 21 years old
Valid license and insurance
Complete host orientation
Not listed on other platforms
Upload clear photos of your car
DriveShare
DriveShare is a platform specifically focused on renting out classic, exotic, and unique vehicles. It caters to a niche market of enthusiasts seeking unique driving experiences or cars for special events and shoots.
Why it's a good fit (for specific cars):
Targeted Audience: If you own a classic car, a high-performance vehicle, or something truly unique, DriveShare can connect you with renters who specifically seek out such vehicles.
Event Rentals: An excellent option for renting a car for special events, film shoots, or chauffeured experiences.
Owner Control: Owners retain significant control over pricing and trip proposals.
Car Requirements:
High-end or specialty vehicles only (not daily drivers)
Excellent condition for driving or display
Clear photos to showcase the car
The owner sets fuel, mileage, and rental type rules
Host Requirements:
Register on the platform
Set your price, availability, and pickup options
Offer delivery if you choose (can charge a fee)
Understand the Insurance Aspect
One of the biggest mistakes new hosts make? Assuming their policy will cover everything. It won’t. When you’re renting out your car through platforms like Turo or DriveShare, your regular auto insurance usually doesn’t apply.
Here's a brief overview of their insurance models:
Turo
Protection Plans: Hosts choose from different plans (60%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%), which determine:
How much of the trip earnings do you keep
Your deductible for physical damage
How much does Turo cover in case of damage
Liability Coverage: Usually up to $2 million in third-party liability insurance
Damage Reporting: Must report damage within 24 hours after the trip ends, with clear photos
DriveShare
Driving Rentals: Offers renter-selected plans, Good, Better, Best, each with different liability limits and deductibles
Event/Chauffeur Rentals: Owners can add coverage per rental for these special uses
Verified Value: The car’s value is verified to determine coverage in the case of a total loss
Booking Requirement: Coverage applies only to rentals booked directly through DriveShare
No Personal Policy Use: Your auto insurance won’t cover DriveShare rentals
Prep Your Car: Looks Matter More Than You Think
A clean car not only feels better, it earns better. First impressions matter, especially when your car is up against dozens of others.
Start with a complete car cleaning
This isn’t just wiping down the dashboard. Think full reset:
Wash and wax the exterior
Vacuum seats, floors, and trunk
Wipe down all surfaces
Remove odors (air out the cabin, use a fabric spray)
Shampoo the carpets if needed
Professional car cleaning or detailing can also help. It brings out the best in your vehicle and makes your photos stand out. If you’re not sure where to start, here’s a helpful guide on car detailing like a pro.
Install safety tech and set rules
Use geo-tracking: Install a device to monitor your car’s location in real-time.
Set clear mileage limits: Limit daily miles and track usage before and after each rental.
Add a dashcam: Use a front-facing camera to document driving behavior (check local laws first).
Make rules simple: Set clear expectations, such as no smoking, no pets, and a full fuel return.
Set the Right Price and Create a Standout Listing
1. Price Your Car Smartly
Your pricing matters. Here’s how to set it right for the U.S. market:
Check Local Demand: Look at what similar cars in your city or region are charging, especially near airports, tourist spots, college towns, and business districts.
Seasonal Adjustments: Increase prices during peak periods, such as holidays, school breaks, or significant events. Lower them in slower seasons.
Know Your Vehicle's Value: SUVs, luxury cars, sports cars, EVs, and minivans often rent for more, especially in areas where they’re in high demand.
Watch Your Competition: Regularly check similar listings, including traditional rentals, and adjust your price to stay competitive.
Offer Discounts: Provide deals for long-term rentals, early bookings, or first-time users to boost interest and fill your calendar.
2. Make Your Listing Look Great
Your listing is your car’s online storefront, and you have to make it appealing:
Photos Matter
Upload 10–15 clear, high-quality photos
Take pictures in daylight with no harsh shadows
Show all angles: front, back, both sides, and diagonals
Include interior shots: seats, dashboard, trunk
Highlight special features: sunroof, tech, wheels, roof rack, or cargo space
Use scenic or local backgrounds to grab attention
Write a Strong Description
Start with a hook: For example, consider phrases like “Perfect for road trips to Yellowstone!” or “Ideal for business travel in NYC!”
Include key info: Year, make, model, fuel type, trunk size, mileage, Apple CarPlay, etc.
Tailor to your audience:
For families: "Spacious SUV for national park adventures"
For budget renters: "Fuel-efficient and affordable for city driving"
For thrill seekers: "Rent a Corvette for a drive along the Pacific Coast"
Final Thoughts: Unlock Your Car's Earning Potential
Renting out your car is a smart way to make extra money, without adding hours of work to your week. By keeping your vehicle clean, setting clear rules, and staying organized, you can protect your investment and grow a reliable income stream.
Utilize this comprehensive guide to maximize the performance and longevity of your vehicle. Whether you're a new car owner or a seasoned driver, this guide will help you understand key aspects of renting out a car.
Ready to Rent Out Your Car? Start Smart.
Whether you’re offering a no-frills compact car rental, a family-friendly SUV rental, or a flashy weekend thrill ride for someone looking to rent a Corvette, your success comes down to preparation.
AmeriFreight Car Shipping offers reliable auto transportation services. We can safely transport your rental car to where it needs to be.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What car models are best for renting out?
Mid-size sedans, compact SUVs, and popular economy cars generally rent well due to their broad appeal, fuel efficiency, and versatility.
Can renting out my car affect its resale value?
Yes, renting out your car can affect its resale value due to increased mileage, accelerated wear and tear, and potential minor damages that accumulate over time.
What happens if my car gets damaged when rented out?
If your car gets damaged when rented out, the specific car-sharing platform's protection plan or insurance policy will dictate the process for reporting the damage, assessing repairs, and covering costs, typically involving a deductible.
What amenities should I include in my rental car?
Consider including amenities like phone chargers, USB ports, a first-aid kit, jump-start cables, and a basic cleaning kit to enhance the renter's experience.
Disclaimer: This content is not affiliated with any specific platform, and policies are subject to change. We recommend conducting personal research or consulting a professional for financial decisions.
