Phone mount for Uber and Lyft drivers

10 Things Every Uber & Lyft Driver Needs In Their Car

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Whether you’re trying to make some cash on the side or working full-time as an Uber or Lyft driver, it pays to be prepared for a variety of situations you might find on the road.

Here’s a list of the top 10 things every Uber and Lyft driver should have in their car.

1. Phone Mount

A phone mount should be a staple for all Lyft and Uber drivers.

Having a phone mount allows you to keep your phone in front of you without having to look at your lap every 30 seconds, or hold the phone directly in your hand. Not only are you able to safely see where you are going, but you also have easy, one touch access to your phone to accept new rides or communicate with passengers.

Plus, a hands-free device is required by law in some states. Also, not having a phone mount is one of the leading reasons why Lyft and Uber passengers give low ratings to drivers.

Not only does having a phone mount allow you to drive safely, and can also actually boost your ratings.

Passengers like to be able to see the directions that you’re following and know that your eyes are on the road.

There are a number of different types of phone mounts that attach to your air conditioner vents, your window, or your vehicle cupholders.

Whether you prefer a cradle phone mount or a magnetic mount, be sure to get a phone mount if you’re driving for Lyft or Uber.

2. Car Charger & Charging Cable

Obviously, you’ll need a working car charger and charging cable for your own smartphone if you plan on working for Lyft or Uber. Having one if you drive for Doordash or Postmates works is a good idea too.

However, you should consider purchasing an additional cable to offer passengers who may need to charge their phone. It’s a relatively inexpensive one time expense that can result in more happy passengers.

You can purchase a car charger with multiple USB ports and keep charging cables for Android and Apple phones on hand in case a passenger’s phone is dying and they need to recharge.

3. Emesis Bags

Though it’s not something we like to think about, occasionally passengers will get sick in your car.

This can really put a damper on your night if you aren’t prepared to handle this situation. Emesis bags, or vomit bags, help keep the mess contained. These come in handy for Uber and Lyft drivers, especially those who are working in college towns or areas with a lot of nightlife traffic.

4. First Aid Kit

Every driver should have a first aid kit in their car, whether they are working for Uber, Lyft or a delivery service like Postmates or Doordah.

Though you will most likely not have to use your first aid kit much, it’s nice to have in case of emergencies – even if it just means that you can offer your passenger a band aid for their paper cut. You can pick up a first aid kit at any pharmacy or on Amazon.

5. LED Flashlight

Having an LED flashlight in your car is a must for those who drive Uber and Lyft at night time.

If you are having car trouble or need help seeing street signs when driving in a neighborhood, a large, LED flashlight with fresh batteries is a necessity. The flashlight is also helpful for illuminating the car seat when a passenger drops something. While most phones have a camera light that doubles as a flashlight, a standalone led flashlight in your center console is often a more convenient opiton.

6. Tire Pressure Gauge and Tire Inflator

A tire pressure gauge and tire inflator are two relatively inexpensive tools that can make a world of difference during your rideshare shift.

Best Uber tire pressure gauge

 

When it gets cold outside, your tire pressure will start to dip, and it’s important for you to ensure that your tires are filled to the recommended level to stay safe on the roads.

A tire pressure gauge helps you ensure that your tires are at the correct PSI, while a tire inflator runs off of your cigarette lighter adapter, allowing you to refill your tires. Both of these devices will certainly come in handy when your tire pressure starts to dip.

7. Spare Tire or Flat Kit

Whether you’ve got a passenger in your car or you’re on your way to pick up a passenger, a flat tire can ruin your whole night as a rideshare driver. Make sure that you have a spare tire or a flat kit in your vehicle at all times and that you know how to use it. You can pick these up at an auto parts store.

8. Jumper Cables or Portable Battery Jump Pack

Random car battery issues can happen at any time, especially during the winter.

This can spell disaster for Uber and Lyft drivers who need their car in working order if they want to make money.

Jumper cables and/or a portable battery jump pack can come in handy when your car fails to start. Also, many jump packs come with a built-in compressor, which works wonders when you need to inflate your tires but aren’t near a gas station. You can purchase these items at any auto parts store.

9. Latex Gloves

Latex gloves are great to have on hand for emergencies. They can help keep the grease off your hands if you are having car issues and need to look under the hood.

They are also a must if you are cleaning up vomit or other debris from your vehicle. These can be purchased at the pharmacy or through Amazon.

10. Water

If you’re working a long shift, it’s important to stay hydrated so that you can remain focused and alert.

Lyft and Uber passenger water

 

Water is also a good thing to have on hand for passengers when it’s hot out. Whether they’re dehydrated from a night on the town or just looking for a little refreshment before they get to their destination, your passengers will appreciate having bottled water on hand.

 

Best Mileage Tracker Uber Lyft Quickbooks self employed

Best Mileage & Expense Trackers for Uber, Lyft and Delivery Drivers

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Are you tracking your mileage and expenses? If you’re an Uber, Lyft, or delivery service driver, you should be. The simple task of tracking your mileage and costs is far too often overlooked by self-employed individuals, and as a result, they end up losing quite a bit of money when tax time arrives. Find out exactly why expense and mileage tracking is so valuable as well as which app you should choose.

Why Uber and Postmates Drivers Need To Track Mileage and Expenses

Mileage trackers for Uber and Lyft drivers are an absolute must. For one thing, for every 1,000 work miles you drive, you get a $545 tax deduction.

Also, with the high number of miles the average Uber, Lyft or Doordash driver covers, it’s important to keep track of your vehicle maintenance and repair costs. By tracking your mileage and expenses, you can offset some of these expenses by using them to reduce your tax liability. Since you’re in charge of your own taxes, reducing your liability will come in handy during tax season.

What Lyft and Doordash Drivers Should Look for in a Mileage and Expense Tracking App

The most important quality you need in an app is mileage tracking. While most rideshare companies provide an end-of-year statement, it’s impossible for drivers to ensure its accuracy if they’re not tracking the information themselves. Utilizing your own app will provide the most precise measurements and allow you to access the information whenever you want. If you do end up getting audited at tax time (unlikely, but better to be prepared), you’ll also have thorough documentation to prove your mileage deductions.

As a Lyft, Uber, or delivery driver, it’s also beneficial to track expenses that aren’t necessarily mileage based. Some of the potential deduction opportunities, aside from standard mileage, include:

  • Vehicle payments
  • Registration costs
  • Fuel charges
  • Rideshare insurance
  • Cell phone service
  • Car loan interest

Unless your vehicle is used exclusively for work, you’ll only have the opportunity to deduct a portion of these expenses. However, full-time drivers can expect their deductions to add up quickly.

Certain apps will actually allow you to track both miles and additional expenses all in one place, which makes it much easier for you at tax time. A few even allow you to pull your bank and credit card statements directly into the system so that you can easily differentiate between personal and business expenses. While some individuals will prefer to keep it simple, the most advanced and easiest to use apps top our list.

The 5 Best Mileage and Expense Tracker Apps of 2019

As an independent contractor, your time is valuable. Fortunately, you can avoid perusing the app store to find the perfect mileage tracker because we’ve done the hard work for you. Here are the best trackers on the market.

1. QuickBooks Self-Employed

QuickBooks is known for making financial record keeping easier for businesses and individuals alike. While their Self-Employed software option isn’t specifically designed for rideshare or delivery drivers, it’ll suit your needs perfectly. The app’s automatic mileage tracking makes it super easy to accurately monitor your trips. Plus, it allows you to categorize the miles as personal or business.

Aside from mileage, you can also track all your other business expenses within the app. Instead of having to input the information yourself, Quickbooks allows you to sink your bank and credit card accounts so that all earnings and expenditures are automatically located. You can go through each item individually and label it by expense-type or create a rule that trains the program to do it for you.

Quickbooks Self Employed - App & Browser

 

On top of all of that, QuickBooks will estimate your quarterly taxes for you so that you stay on top of your payments. When it’s time to file your tax return, the system compiles a report that allows you to easily see what you earned alongside your various business expenses.

Besides how easy Quickbooks self-employed is to use, it also integrates seamlessly with TurboTax (both are made by Intuit). So, if you do your taxes yourself, you can export your records directly to Turbotax. You can also easily important any needed tax information from Turbotax into Quickbooks Self Employed.

After considering functionality and ease of use, and the simple Turbotax integration, it’s easy to see why Quickbooks Self Employed tops our list of mileage and expense tracking apps.

Cost: Typically, Quickbook Self-Employed costs $10 per month on its own or you can purchase it with the TurboTax bundle for $17 per month. Right now, they have a special deal that cuts the standard option in half—$5 per month—for the first three months. You can also score the bundle option for a rate of $12 per month for the first quarter. Click the button below to get 50% off Quickbooks Self-Employed.

Get Quickbooks

 

2. Hurdlr

Hurdlr is another application designed specifically for the self-employed. As with QuickBooks, the app allows you to track your mileage as well as your expenses directly through the app. As a mileage tracker for Uber and Lyft drivers, the software is spot on and offers the benefit of automatic tracking so that you don’t have to remember to turn it on for every trip.

Hurdlr Expense Tracking

 

With Hurdlr, you can also sync your accounts to better stay on top of your deductions. However, the tracking app goes the extra mile by allowing you to visually view your earnings before and after your expected taxes. This feature is incredibly valuable for rideshare and delivery drivers because it allows you to evaluate your current financial position and make adjustments as needed.

Cost: One of the best things about Hurdlr is the cost. The basic services are free, which includes unlimited mileage tracking for Uber drivers and the like. It also allows you to export the data for free. The premium package includes more features, like automatic expense and income tracking, which is set at $7.99 per month. You can also save by purchasing a year-long subscription for $60.

Download Hurdlr

 

3. Stride Tax

Stride Tax is perfectly designed to track expenses of Lyft and Uber drivers. The app offers both mileage and other expense tracking features, so you keep all of your financial documentation in one place. It also provides a convenient tax summary report to make your taxes go much smoother.

Stride Tax Savings

 

After an easy setup process, the app will track all your mileage and most expenses automatically. Stride tax can even discover new write offs you may have missed!

Stride Tax Expenses

 

While it doesn’t offer some of the more advanced features of Quickbooks such as seamless Turbotax integration, it offers far more than expected at its price point.

Cost: Of all its fantastic qualities, the most impressive thing about Stride Tax is its cost—it’s completely free. There’s no paid upgrade option, so you get complete access to the entire software from the get-go. However, there is a catch: there are ads.

Download Stride Tax

 

4. Everlance

As with QuickBooks and Hurdlr, Everlance can also be used as an expense tracker for Uber, Lyft, and other types of rideshare or delivery services. Its convenient platform allows you to connect your accounts to automatically track expenses. You can even upload and attach physical receipts directly from your phone.

Everlance Expense Tracker

 

Its automatic tracking also makes it perfectly suited for the rideshare and delivery industries. The feature activates when your vehicle’s moving and automatically tracks your trips. You can also export your mileage and expense reports with ease, either for your personal records or to give to your accountant at the end of the year.

Cost: The basic Everlance package is free, but it limits your mileage tracking to 30 trips per month. So, if you’re a full time driver, you’ll need to opt for the premium package. However, it does allow you to upload an unlimited number of receipts. To activate the unlimited mileage tracker and account syncing features, you’ll need the premium package, which costs $8 per month. If you choose to pay on a yearly basis, you can save money by only spending $60.

Download Everlance

 

5. MileIQ

MileIQ is designed with simplicity in mind. This Microsoft app focuses solely on mileage tracking, so if you’re already tracking your finances in other software, MileIQ is an excellent option. Its automatic trip tracking makes it incredibly easy to stay on top of your mileage without ever clicking a button.

Hurdlr Expense Tracking

 

As with QuickBooks, you can classify the ride type directly on the screen to ensure you keep personal and business expenses separate. The app also sends drivers a report of their mileage on a weekly basis, but you can also create custom variations to suit your needs. MileIQ also integrates seamlessly with Microsoft Office 365.

Cost: MileIQ’s basic option is free, but it’s restricted to 40 trips per month. You can obtain unlimited mileage tracking by choosing their premium policy for $5.99 per month or a yearly rate of $59.99

Download MileIQ

 

Which Mileage and Expense Tracker Is Right for You?

Not all expense and mileage trackers for Uber, Lyft, and delivery drivers are created equal. In fact, some of them aren’t even designed solely for the rideshare community, but that doesn’t mean they don’t do the job exceptionally well.

The two best options we’ve found are Quickbooks Self Employed and Stride Tax. However, to find the best one for your needs, you may find it easiest to try a couple of options until you find one that works just right.

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best dash cam under $100

Best Dash Cams For Uber And Lyft Under $100

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One Best Dash Cams For Uber & Lyft Drivers is one of our most popular posts. However, we’ve received many emails asking for cheaper dash cam options, so we put together of a list of the best dash cams for Uber and Lyft under $100. All of these models have the most important dash cam feature for Uber and Lyft drivers. They record the interior and exterior of the car.

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The Five Best Dash Cams For Uber And Lyft Under $100

None of these models include an SD card for storing the recorded video and audio. Those must be purchased separately. For dash cams, always use a Class 10 SD card to ensure the video records properly.

Azdome 1080P Dash Cam

The Azdome 1080P Dash Cam comes with built in GPS, and parking guard to keep your car protected when unattended. It features a 170 degree front viewing angle, a 2.4 inch LCD screen, and continuous loop recording. The Azdome can handle up to a 64GB SD card and also has a G-sensor that locks footage in the event of an accident or other sudden incident. Azdome provides a 30 day money back guarantee and a 12 month warranty.


Amazon reviewers liked simplicity of the Adzone, and the front camera quality. However, many users reported issues with setup. Additionally, a number of users complained about the quality of the rear camera at night.

Buy At Amazon

 

Try Ace Dual Dash Cam

The Try Ace Dual Dash Cam has a 170 degree front viewing angle to capture everything happening in front of your car, and can use up to a 32GB SD card. That’s large enough for about an hour and thirty minutes of recording time. The cameras feature continuous loop recording, so it simply records over older footage. It records at 30 frames per second, which result in pretty good image quality. While this camera doesn’t have infrared for night driving, the dash cam lens automatically adjusts the exposure for lower light conditions. It also has a G-sensor, which senses a collision and locks the footage so it doesn’t get recorded over. This can be very helpful in the event of an accident because you know you’ll have evidence to send the insurance company. Unfortunately, this model lacks built in GPS.


Amazon reviewers have praised the subtle, low profile design of the Try Ace. However, they have also complained about the video quality of the cameras. While the specs state the front camera records at 1080p and the rear at 720p, one reviewer noted the real life specs are 720p for the front, and only 480p for the rear. Overall, the Try Ace is a fairly good dash cam for Uber or Lyft. However, if you often drive Uber or Lyft at night, this may not be the best choice of dash cam.

Buy At Amazon

 

Coofo Dual Lens Dash Cam

The Coofo Dual Lens Dash Cam features a large 2.5 inch viewing screen and continuous loop recording. It also has a 150 degree front recording angle, and a 130 degree rear viewing angle with built in led lights to enable infrared recording of the interior. This dash cam also features built in GPS, and a G-sensor that locks footage in the event of an accident. Both cameras record at 30 frames per second. You can use up to a 64 GB Class 10 SD Card, which is good for about three hours and thirty minutes of recording time. You also get true 1080p recording in the front, and 720p from the rear camera. Finally, the Coofo dash cam has a parking setting, which can protect your car from damage while it’s parked. The Coofo also features an 18 month warranty.


Most Amazon reviewers like the clean look of the Coofo, and the straightforward set up. Multiple reviewers recommended completing set up with the app. Many users also like the ability to review footage and change settings on the fly. However, a number of users have complained about the build quality of the Coofo. Overall, most buyers are very satisfied, but some seem to have received defective models.

Buy At Amazon

You may also be interested in:

Pruveeo MX2

Pruveeo is one of the oldest dash cam companies. They’ve been around since 2000 and are an original equipment manufacturer for many name brand dash cam companies. The MX2 records at 30 frames per second, with 720p resolution on the front camera, and 480p on the rear. This results in adequate, but not stellar video quality. However, both cameras on the MX2 can rotate up to 320 degrees, for optimal recording angles. The MX2 is among the lowest priced dash cams you can find. However, the MX2 does not have GPS, or a G-Sensor for automatically saving accident footage. It also does not have a parking sensor to protect your car when unattended. On the hand, the Pruveeo MX2 is a fully automatic dash cam. It turns on when you start the car, and turns off when you turn off the car. Pruveeo backs their products with a 12 month replacement warranty.


Amazon buyers love the picture quality, the adjustable cameras, and the backup battery. However, multiple reviewers have complained about the manual and set up process. Set up takes about an hour, as opposed to the ten minutes it’s supposed to. A number of reviewers also complimented Pruveeo’s prompt and helpful customer service.

Buy At Amazon

 

Pruveeo V7

The Pruveeo V7 capture full HD video at 30 frames per second. The dash cam starts recording when the engine turns on, and stops when it turns off. What sets the Pruveeo V7 apart from other models is the superior build quality and high quality video recording. It can protect data at temperatures a low as -25°F. However, the V7 does lack certain features that drivers have come to expect – namely, GPS, a G-sensor, and parking protection. It also doesn’t have full continuous loop recording. However, if you’re just looking for a camera to record the interior and exterior of the vehicle without other bells and whistles, the Pruveeo V7 is a great choice.


Reviewers like the picture quality of the V7 and the overall value. They also complimented Pruveeo’s customer service and the build quality of the unit. Overall, users seemed to have very few complaints about the Pruveeo V7.

Buy At Amazon

For more information on dash cams for Uber and Lyft drivers, check out our main dash cam page to see why every Uber and Lyft driver needs a dash cam.

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best dash cam for uber - pruveeo c2

Best Dash Cam For Uber And Lyft Drivers 2019

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As you may know, if you drive Uber or Lyft, you have to protect yourself. Along with rideshare insurance, which every Uber & Lyft driver should get, a dash cam for Uber or Lyft is the best way to make sure you’re fully protected out there on the road. So, we’ve compiled a list of the top dash cams, and the best dash cam of 2019, for Uber & Lyft drivers.

There are dozens of dash cams on the market. Unfortunately, most dash cams are low quality or lack features that are essential for rideshare drivers. However, we were able to find five of the best dash cams that are high quality, and have all the features an Uber or Lyft driver would want in their dash cam. All five of these dash cams have front and rear dual cameras, so you can record the interior and exterior of the vehicle.

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The Five Best Dash Cams For Uber And Lyft Rideshare Drivers

#5 – Pruveeo C2 Dash Cam

best dash cam for uber - pruveeo c2

 

Pros: Both cameras have a 150 degree viewing angle. Supports up to a 128GB micro sd card. Audio recording can be switched on and off. Front camera records at 1080p.

Cons: Rear camera only records at 720p. Audio quality and interior infrared isn’t great. You will need two outlets, or a splitter, to use both cameras. Does not include an sd card. It also does not have GPS.

Takeaways: Overall, the Pruveeo is a pretty good dash cam at a great price. It has a wide viewing angle, and can record the interior, although the picture and audio quality could be better. Being able to switch the audio recording off is great if you live in a state with restrictive recording laws. Some owners have complained that it doesn’t work with sd cards larger than 32GB. Athough the Pruveeo lacks GPS, it’s still the top dash cam available for under $150.


Warranty: 12 Months

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Pruveeo C2 Video

 

#4 – Pruveeo 312D Dash Cam

Pruveeo 312D Best Dash Cam For Uber

 

Pros: Both cameras have full 1920×1080 HD recording capabilities. The 312D supports up to a 128GB class 10 SD card. Audio recording can be switched on and off.

Cons: Does not include an sd card. It also does not have GPS, a G-Sensor, or parking protection for when your vehicle is unattended.

Takeaways: Overall, the Pruveeo 312D is a great dash cam, and a step up from the C2. It has the same features as the C2, but with significantly better video quality, and a lower profile. It’s a good choice if you’re looking to get a dash cam and an SD card for under $200.


Warranty: 12 Months

Buy At Amazon

 

#3 – Papago GoSafe S780

Best Dash Cam Front & Rear Papago

 

Pros: Front camera has a 150 degree viewing angle, and the rear has a 180 degree viewing angle. Supports up to a 128GB Class 10 SD card. This model has a Sony Starvis sensor for low-light situations and a 2 inch LCD screen.

Cons: Pricey. No built in GPS.

Takeaways: The Papago GoSafe S780 is a compact, but powerful dash cam. It’s one of the most low-profile dash cams on the market. The picture quality (1920×1080 at 60fps) is excellent, and the unit has a built in G-sensor, to save footage in the event of a collision. The rear camera isn’t the best for shooting the interior at night, but unless you have infrared or put some additional lighting in the cabin, it’s about as good as you can get. The only real drawbacks to this unit are the lack of GPS (although you can purchase the GPS antenna separately), and the price. The unit retails for over $200.



Warranty: 12 Months.

Buy At Amazon

Papago Videos

 

#2 – Vantrue N2 Pro (Best Value)

best dash cam for uber vantrue n2pro

 

Pros: The Vantrue N2 Pro was the first dual 1080p dash cam on the market. It captures both the front and rear views at 1920x1080p at 30 frames per second. It also boast a front viewing angle of 170 degrees, and a rear viewing angle of 140 degrees. Has 4 infrared lights to enhance interior video, even at low light levels. Has a longer warranty than most other dashcams. Has a G-sensor that auto detects a sudden shake or collision and emergency locks the footage to prevent that video from being overwritten. Records front and back cameras to separate files.

Cons: Only supports up to a 64GB sd card. Does not include an sd card. It has a GPS module, but it must be purchased separately.

Takeaways: The Vantrue N2 Pro is a great dash cam with excellent video and audio quality. It fulfills all the requirements of a great dash cam including front and rear high quality recording, high quality audio recording, front and rear infrared, and continuous loop recording. It does not come with GPS, but you can purchase the Vantrue GPS module for an extra $22. The Vantrue also has a parking detection mode that turns the camera on if it detects movement around your vehicle while parked. Overall, the N2 Pro is a vast improvement on the original Vantrue N2.



Warranty: 18 Months.

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#1 – BlackVue DR900S / DR750S – IR

Pros: The Blackvue DR750S was the second dual 1080p dash cam to hit the market. The BlackVue Dr900s is the updated HD video version. The picture quality of both Blackvues (750 and 900) exceed the already high picture quality on the Vantrue. Unlike the Vantrue, the Blackvue comes with a built in GPS sensor. It also has a G sensor to detect an accident and automatically lock the footage to prevent it from being overwritten. An sd card is included with most models. Works in high temperatures (rated up to 158 degrees) if you live in Arizona or a similarly hot area. The Blackvue has built in WIFI so you can view your footage on your phone or in the cloud.

Cons: Pricey. Works best with Blackvue’s sd cards. BlackVue Infrared for 900S not available yet.

Takeaways: The BlackVue DR900S is the best dash cam for Uber & Lyft drivers available in 2019. It’s not surprising since the older model, the DR750S, was the previous holder of the title. While the BlackVue is pricier than most dash cams, the quality and features you get are simply unmatched. Currently, the infrared interior lens is not available yet for the 900, but the Sony Starvis sensors work pretty well unless it’s really dark. If you want the best infrared interior video, you’re better off going for the 750, or waiting until the DR900S infrared lens is released sometime in the first half of 2019. Overall, if you’re buying a BlackVue to drive for Uber, Lyft, or another service, the DR750S, 2 channel infrared model is your best option.




Warranty: 12 Months.

Buy At Amazon

Blackvue Videos

Best SD Cards For Your Dash Cam

When it comes to sd cards for you dash cam, you want a high quality sd card with high read and write capabilities. The reason is that you are recording high quality video (lots of data), so the card has to be able to read and record that data quickly. So, for the best dash cam experience, be sure to use the best CD cards.

You should also purchase an sd card that holds at least 64gb of data, or about 3.5 hours of video.



Why Uber And Lyft Drivers Need A Dash Cam

You may be wondering if you really need a dash cam. So, I’m going to go over some of the reasons you might want a dash cam for Uber or Lyft. Many drivers I’ve talked to are unconvinced that a dash cam is necessary. However, if you drive Uber, Lyft or even a delivery service like Instacart or DoorDash, there are many situations where having a dash cam can save you time, money, and aggravation.

A Dash Cam For Uber And Lyft Provides Evidence If You Have An Accident While Driving Uber Or Lyft

Sometimes, even the best Uber or Lyft drivers can have an accident. One of the purposes of a dash cam is to show what happened in an accident so fault can be determined. It’s pretty common for people to lie about what happened in an accident and a dash cam is your best defense against such false claims.

You can give your dash cam footage to your insurance company as proof that your version of the accident is accurate and true. This can help you get your deductible back and prevent the major rate increase that comes with an at-fault accident. This reason alone is enough to warrant purchasing a dash cam for Uber or Lyft driving.

A Dash Cam Can Help Uber And Lyft Drivers Fight Phony Tickets

It’s well known that there’s an epidemic of crooked and corrupt police officers in the United States. Video evidence from a dash cam can help an Uber or Lyft driver fight back.

Here’s a video of some officers in Wilmington, NC who told an Uber driver he couldn’t record them because of “a new law”. Unfortunately for the cops, the driver was also a lawyer. He politely called bullshit on the officer and continued to record the entire encounter.

This video is from a cell phone, but it illustrates your rights. If you are pulled over by a police officer in the United States, it is your right to record every second of the encounter. Glik v. Cunniffe held that a private citizen has the right to record public officials in a public place. If an officer tells you different, or tells you that you must turn off the camera, they are lying or they don’t know the law. A police officer has no right to tell you to stop recording. Sgt. Kenneth Becker, one of the officers in the video, was demoted as a result of the video.

 

A Dash Cam Can Watch Your Car While It’s Parked

Lots of things can happen when you leave your car unattended. Your car can get scraped, or people can try and steal gas from your vehicle. In recent years, thieves have taken to stealing catalytic converters out of cars because they contain valuable rare earth metals. A few years ago, someone dinged my fender while it was parked somewhere. I didn’t notice it until a few hours later. If I had a dash cam at the time, I might have been able to figure out who the culprit was.

Most dash cams can be set to record even while you’re not in the vehicle. Certain models even have a motion sensor that will turn the dash cam on if something hits the vehicle. Having a dash cam can give you the peace of mind that your car is being watched even if you’re not there.

A Dash Cam Can Protect You Against Fraudsters

A popular scam, illustrated below in the clip from Better Call Saul, involves someone jumping onto to your car and then claiming that you hit them. Often, these fraudsters have a history of similar claims, and are just looking for a quick payout to go away. Having a dash cam means you’ll have evidence to show the police when they arrive.

 

A Dash Cam Offers Some (but not total) Protection Against False Passenger Claims

A dash cam can also help protect you against dishonest passengers. On occasion, a passenger who wants to get a free ride, may complain to Uber or Lyft that you were driving under the influence or that they smelled marijuana in your vehicle. Or they may complain that you harassed them in some way. Having a dash cam in the car can prove you did nothing wrong.

However, dash cams have limitations. The main limitation is recording time. Dash cams record the footage on an sd card. Even a very large sd card (128GB) can only hold about 7 hours of video. At this point, only Blackvue offers a cloud storage option, and it’s only really feasible to use on a wifi connection. So, once you run through all the recording time on your sd card, the dash cam will start recording over earlier footage. So, if a passenger makes a complaint the next day, you probably won’t have the footage. Nevertheless, having a dash cam in the car can often prevent a passenger from making false claims in the first place because they know they’re being recorded.

Features You Want In A Dash Cam For Uber And Lyft Driving

If you’re an Uber or Lyft driver, you’ll want some features that many dashcams, (even some of the better dash cams) don’t have. Most dash cams are designed to record the exterior (usually the view of the front) of the vehicle only.

The reason for this is that before Uber and Lyft existed, the main point of dash cams was to record what happened in an accident. Dash cams first became very popular in Russia because of the sheer number of insurance scams in the country a decade ago. This is the main reason why almost everyone in Russia has a dash cam.

However, if you’re a rideshare driver, you’re going to need your dash cam to do a bit more. Here’s a list of all the features that are essential to have on a dash cam for Uber and Lyft driving.

  • Exterior video recording of the front of the car
  • Video and high quality audio recording of the interior of the car
  • Infrared interior and exterior video recording for nighttime
  • GPS recording
  • Dash cam records continuously

Best Dash Cam: Exterior Video Recording

You want the dash cam to record exterior video so you have evidence if you have any kind of accident. The biggest reason you need this is to prevent insurance fraud. There are plenty of scam artists out there who fake accidents and injuries to get a quick payoff. Here’s a real life example of the Better Call Saul scam I mentioned earlier.

 

Also, in many accidents, people lie because they don’t want to admit fault and have their insurance rates shoot up. Thankfully, a dash cam recording can prove your side of the story is true.

Best Dash Cam: Interior Video and High Quality Audio Recording

You will likely never need this feature. However, if you’re going to be transporting strangers in your car, it’s essential to protect yourself against false claims. Your dash cam should record the interior of your vehicle with high quality audio recording. If a passenger makes a false claim, it’s essential that you can clearly see and hear what was said. Many dashcams on the market have pretty good video, but terrible audio. This can be problematic because sometimes what a passenger says, as opposed to their actions, is the issue. If you don’t have good audio of the situation, you can’t prove anything. The five dash cams that made our list have top notch video and audio.  The guy below was really happy he had a dash cam, because some passengers are just plain nuts. As a side note, this driver’s ability to stay cool and collected is top notch.

 

Best Dash Cam: Infrared Recording

For dusk or night driving, your dash cam will need to have interior and exterior infrared recording capabilities. You need to be able to clearly see what is happening on the recording. If it’s night, and your dash cam doesn’t have infrared, neither the interior or exterior recordings will be very helpful.

 

Best Dash Cam: Built In GPS

This is a rare and often overlooked dash cam feature but is a great rideshare dash cam option. If you have an accident, the GPS is how you will be able to prove your position and speed at the time of the accident. If the other party tries to claim you were speeding, the GPS data can refute their false claim.

Best Dash Cam: Continuous Recording

You want a camera that will record continuously while you’re on the road. So, it’s important to make sure the dash cam has loop recording. This simply means that when the dash cam runs out of recording space, it will start recording the newest footage over the oldest footage.

Most dash cams come with an SD card that will record a few hours of footage. If you want to record more footage before your dash cam starts recording over the oldest footage, simply buy an extra large SD card.

Other Uber And Lyft Dash Cam Considerations

While you really should get a dash cam if you’re driving for Uber or Lyft, it’s not a magic shield that will protect you against everything that may happen on the road.

Even if you have a 128GB sd card, you can still only record about 7 hours of footage.

So, as I mentioned earlier, if a rider complains to Uber or Lyft the next day, the footage of the ride will most likely be gone. Likewise, if you get a ticket in the mail, you’re unlikely to have the footage from the day you got the ticket. However, if you have an accident, or an incident involving a passenger you will be very thankful that you have a dash cam.

Another situation you’ll want a dash cam for is if you have an abusive or belligerent passenger. When you report them to Uber or Lyft, you can also send them the footage. If you have a dash cam though, this will probably happen less. Passengers tend to behave better when they know they’re being recorded, which brings me to another thing you should remember.

Know Your State’s Laws Regarding Recording People

In most states, you can record video without obtaining consent. However, if you’re recording audio, in most states, you must notify the person you’re recording.

Also, there’s an ongoing argument between drivers as to how visible the dash cam should be. Some think a dash cam should be pretty inconspicuous, but not invisible (because of notification laws). The rationale is that some riders may not like that they’re being recorded. Other drivers think it doesn’t matter much. I’m in the latter camp. While some passengers may not like being recorded, most are fine with it. If a passenger asks about the dash cam, simply tell them it’s there to record everything for the safety and protection of both the passengers and the driver.

The Final Word On Dashcams For Uber And Lyft Drivers

If you drive Uber or Lyft, any of the dash cams on this list will serve you well. While the Blackvue DR900S is the top of the line model, if you drive a lot at night, the Blackvue DR750S will work better for you, at least until Blackvue releases the infrared lens for the 9000. If you don’t require that absolute highest video quality, then the Vantrue or the Pruveeo will do the job just fine.

If you drive Lyft or Uber part or full time for a year, you will likely not need to consult your dash cam footage. However, if you do need your dash cam footage, it’s likely to be in a situation where that footage could save you thousands of dollars. So, be sure to protect yourself out there and get a dash cam.

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best phone mount uber

The Best Phone Mounts For Uber & Lyft Drivers

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Whether you’re driving for Lyft, Uber, or a delivery service like Amazon Flex or Instacart, a good phone mount setup is essential.

Driving around holding your phone, or resting it in the cup holder isn’t safe, and is a sure way to get low ratings.

[su_box title=”What is the best phone mount for Lyft and Uber?” style=”soft” box_color=”#d1a927″ title_color=”#d1274f”]

best phone mount uber

Photo by DariuszSankowski [/su_box]

There are three main categories of cell phone mounts:

  • Air Vent Phone Mounts
  • Dashboard Phone Mounts
  • Windshield Phone Mounts.

There are also cigarette lighter/power outlet mounts. We don’t recommend these types of mounts because the phone usually rests too low.

Your phone should be mounted at or near eye level, making it easy to keep your eyes on the road.

Read on to learn more about the different types of phone mounts and see our recommended phone mounts for Uber and Lyft drivers.

Air Vent Phone Mounts

Air vent mounts clip onto to your air conditioning vents. Many drivers like these mounts because they have a very low profile compared to dash and window mounts.

For most air vent models, you attach a small adhesive magnet (included) to the back of your phone. The magnet on the air vent mount will then hold your phone in place.

However, if your phone is in a case, you often don’t need the adhesive, as the case will hold the magnet in place.

Also, some air vent mounts use a cradle instead of a magnet to hold the phone.

Recommended Air Vent Phone Mounts For Uber & Lyft

[su_box title=”TechMatte MagGrip Air Vent Magnetic Universal Car Mount Holder” style=”soft” box_color=”#d1a927″ title_color=”#d1274f”]
Pros: Elegant, cradle-less design. Compatible with almost all smartphones including the Iphone X and Samsung Galaxy S8. Strong neodymium magnets hold heavier phones in place.
Cons: Thick cases may interfere with the magnet. May not work with some round or vertical vents.
Note: For Qi-enabled phones, use the smaller circle plate as the square plate can interfere with wireless charging.
Dimensions: 1-3/4″ Width; 1-1/2″ Length
Warranty: 30-Day Money Back Guarantee; 12-Month Replacement Warranty
[/su_box]

[su_box title=”iOttie Easy One Touch Mini Air Vent Car Mount Holder Cradle” style=”soft” box_color=”#d1a927″ title_color=”#d1274f”]
Pros: Cradle rotates 360 degrees for optimal viewing. One click lock provides strong clamp to vent blade while minimizing device vibration. Fits all smartphones and cases from 2.3 to 3.5 inches wide. More compact than most cradle mounts.
Cons: May not work with some round or vertical vents.
Dimensions: 2.2 x 4.8 x 5.7 inches.
Warranty: 1 Year.[/su_box]

[su_box title=”TechMatte MagGrip 360 Multi Angle Magnetic Air Vent Mount” style=”soft” box_color=”#d1a927″ title_color=”#d1274f”]
Pros: Mount swivels, and rotates 360 degrees. Compatible with almost all smartphones including the Iphone X and Samsung Galaxy S8. Strong neodymium magnets hold heavier phones in place.
Cons: Thick cases may interfere with the magnet. May not work with some round or vertical vents.
Note: For Qi-enabled phones, use the smaller circle plate as the square plate can interfere with wireless charging.
Dimensions: 1.78″ diameter; 2.27″ length
Warranty: 30-Day Money Back Guarantee; 12-Month Replacement Warranty[/su_box]

[su_box title=”WizGear Universal Twist-lock Air vent Magnetic Car Mount Holder” style=”soft” box_color=”#d1a927″ title_color=”#d1274f”]
Pros: Twist lock is a unique design that prevents the mount form falling off the vents. Swivel and lock mount prevents unintended rotation.
Cons: Thick cases may interfere with the magnet. May not work with some round or vertical vents.
Note: Not recommended for Qi-enabled phones.
Dimensions: 4.2 x 3 x 2 inches[/su_box]

Dashboard Phone Mounts

Dashboard mounts usually have a suction cup, or adhesive silicone base, that attaches to your dashboard.

You may also be interested in:

The phone then rests in a cradle, or attaches to the mount via magnet.

Recommended Dashboard Phone Mounts For Uber & Lyft

[su_box title=”Scosche MAGDMB MagicMount Universal Mount” style=”soft” box_color=”#d1a927″ title_color=”#d1274f”]
Pros: Cradleless Design. Mount secures to dash with automotive-grade 3M adhesive. Mount swivels for convenient viewing.
Cons: Thick cases may interfere with the magnet. Not recommended for Qi-enabled phones. Mounting surface must be flat, and untextured.
Dimensions: 2.1 x 3 x 2.3 in
Warranty: 36 months[/su_box]

[su_box title=”Easy One Touch 4 Dashboard Mount” style=”soft” box_color=”#d1a927″ title_color=”#d1274f”]
Pros: Holds all phone and case combinations from 2.3 – 3.5 inches. Can also be mounted on the windshield. The telescopic arm extends from 4.9 – 8.3 inches and pivots on a 225° arc for a variety of optimal positions.
Cons: The One Touch 4 is larger and bulkier than most mounts.
Warranty: 1 year
Dimensions: 5 x 3 x 9 inches[/su_box]

[su_box title=”Volport Magnetic Dashboard Phone Mount” style=”soft” box_color=”#d1a927″ title_color=”#d1274f”]
Pros: Fully rotatable. Mount secures to dash with automotive-grade 3M adhesive. Mount swivels for convenient viewing.
Cons: Not recommended for use with a thick case. Must be mounted on a flat and smooth surface.
Note: For larger devices, use the larger metal plates.
Dimensions: 2.5 x 5 x 1.5 inches
Warranty: None[/su_box]

Windshield Phone Mounts

The last type of mount is the window phone mount. These mounts attach to your windshield using a suction cup. The iOttie 4 above is also recommended as windshield mount model.

Many drivers love these mounts because they place the phone right at eye level.

Recommended Windshield Phone Mounts For Uber & Lyft

[su_box title=”Marsee Windshield Phone Mount” style=”soft” box_color=”#d1a927″ title_color=”#d1274f”]
Pros: Holder can be mounted to window or dash. Gravity Self-locking – The weight of your phone automatically locks your phone in place when the phone is touching the bottom. Holds phones from 2 – 3.62 inches.
Cons: Suction cup requires periodic cleaning.
Warranty: 18 Months; 45 day return policy
Dimensions: 2.5 x 7.1 x 3.2 inches[/su_box]

[su_box title=”Exshow Car Windshield Phone Mount” style=”soft” box_color=”#d1a927″ title_color=”#d1274f”]
Pros: Extra long arm with flexible base. Cradle quick release. Holds phone 1.9 – 3.7 inches wide.
Cons: Some drivers say the cradle grip could be stronger.
Warranty: 1 Year.
Dimensions: 2.9 x 13.6 x 4.9 inches[/su_box]

[su_box title=”Scosche MAGWSM2 MagicMount Suction Cup Mount” style=”soft” box_color=”#d1a927″ title_color=”#d1274f”]
Pros: Suction-mounts onto car window, windshield or dash. Short-necked design for use with GPS devices. Cradle-free design.
Cons: Some drivers say the Scosche magnets are not as strong as the Techmatte magnets.
Warranty: 3 Years.
Dimensions: 4.7 x 8.5 x 1.7 inches[/su_box]

[su_box title=”Mpow Windshield Long Arm Phone Mount ” style=”soft” box_color=”#d1a927″ title_color=”#d1274f”]
Pros: Extra long arm with flexible base. One button release. Width adjustable to hold devices up to 6 inches. Extra dashboard suction cup offers additional support.
Cons: The suction cup needs periodic cleaning. Some drivers have complained the suction cup functions poorly in hot weather.
Warranty: 18 Months. 45 day money back guarantee.
Dimensions: 4.9 x 3.1 x 2.5 inches[/su_box]

 

best cell phone carrier for uber or lyft

Best Cell Phone Carriers For Lyft & Uber

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Selecting A Cell Phone Carrier for Uber or Lyft driving

A good cell phone plan is essential if you’re going to Drive With Lyft, Uber, or another on-demand service. The three main factors to consider when selecting your cell phone carrier are price, network coverage, and the data plan. If you’re full-time, you’ll want a plan with a minimum of 4 gigabytes (really 5GB to be safe) of data. If you’re part-time, figure on using about 1 gigabyte of data for every 50 hours driven. These are rough estimates. Luckily, many carriers now offer unlimited data.

When it comes to price, if you drive for Uber or Lyft, you’re eligible for discounts from certain wireless carriers. In terms of network coverage, all four of the largest wireless carriers have pretty strong networks at this point. However, all the major carriers also still have some dead zones outside of major metro areas. This is something to keep in mind since you’ll occasionally get a really long (60 miles+) ride that takes you out of your metro area. If you drive in an area where you get a lot of rural trips, AT&T or Verizon may be a better choice because they have better coverage outside major metro areas than Sprint or T-Mobile.

Best Uber & Lyft Cell Phone Carriers

We’ve looked over the four largest wireless carriers in the U.S. and listed the pros and cons of each for Lyft and Uber driving. We haven’t ranked the carriers because the level of cell phone coverage varies from city to city. WhistleOut has a list of which carrier has the best network coverage in each state. However, while Verizon and AT&T have the best networks in most states, that doesn’t mean that they’re the best choice in your city. Even though Verizon has the highest ranked network nationally, Sprint or AT&T may be a better choice in certain cities. The time tested way to find out who has the best coverage in your area is to ask some people in your town. A good person to ask may be your next Uber or Lyft driver.

Sprint

Sprint’s plans include unlimited talk, text and data. While their national coverage area is the smallest of the big four carriers, they still cover 93% of the country. If they have good coverage in your area, Sprint is an excellent choice, especially if you need to have multiple lines on your wireless account. They offer incentives for switching and have the best per line rates of the major carriers.

Driver Discounts: Uber only

Sprint is currently offering Uber driver partners $100 for each line they transfer to sprint. Drivers can receive a maximum of $300 if they transfer 3 or more lines to Sprint. Sprint also has a special discounted price of $19 per line (up to 5 lines) for Uber drivers.

Pro: Most affordable Plans.
Con: Overall service area coverage is ranked behind Verizon, T-Mobile, & AT&T.

Sign Up For Sprint

AT&T

AT&T has 2 types of unlimited data plans – unlimited choice ($60/1 line) and unlimited plus ($90/1 line). The lower priced plan limits data speed to 3Mbps, but that is more than sufficient to do rideshare. If you need multiple lines, you can get 4 lines on the unlimited choice plan $160 per month. These prices are with paperless billing and autopay enabled. They also have shared plans, but those plans include per device access fees of $20, which makes the unlimited plan the better deal. These prices don’t include taxes and fees.

Driver Discounts: Uber Only
AT&T has some of the best discounts available for Uber drivers. They are currently offering Uber drivers 20% off service plans, and a $650 device credit if you’re switching to AT&T. They also offer an extra 1GB per month if you choose a shared data plan.

Pros: Slightly less than Verizon with similar network stats. Great Uber deals
Cons: Still a little pricey.

Sign Up For AT&T

Verizon

Verizon recently launched unlimited data plans on both single and family accounts. Before the driver discount, the unlimited data plan for a one line account runs $80, or $140 for two lines. Alternatively, a driver could get an 8GB shared plan (multiple lines) for $70. However, Verizon also charges $20/month per device for “line access” on shared plans. So, if you go with Verizon, you’re better off with an unlimited data plan.

Driver Discounts: Lyft & Uber
Verizon currently offers both Lyft and Uber drivers 15% off their monthly bill (including family plans), and 25% off certain accessories.

Pro: Best overall network
Con: Plans are priced on the higher end.

Sign Up For Verizon

T-Mobile

T-Mobile’s unlimited data plan is called T-Mobile One. You can get one line on this plan for $70 per month, including taxes and fees. They offer discounts the more lines you add. For three lines, the monthly cost drops to $47 per line per month.

Driver Discounts: None
For some reason, T-Mobile doesn’t offer driver discounts. They have a rider promotion going with Lyft, but no driver promotions on either platform.

Pro: Prices are lower than Verizon & AT&T
Con: No driver discounts.

Sign Up For T-Mobile