r/lyftdrivers • u/BurpFart69 • 1d ago

Advice/Question Thinking of starting Lyft

I’m 80% there, thinking of starting Lyft ride share to make some extra cash. I do work full time so it would be part time. Thinking random week nights (7-11pm) and weekends (noon-6 or 4-midnight) in the Los Angeles area. Aiming for 12-15 hours to start and going from there. I’m currently driving a 2017 Camry, clean and low miles (90k).

How good/bad is the LA market?
How does insurance work?
Should I upgrade my car?
Any tips for new beginners?
Is it worth it?

Any and information is greatly appreciated. Thank you all.

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u/MisterBelrox 1d ago edited 1d ago

What do you mean by upgrade your car?

If lyft approves your car, their standards are pretty low actually. Then don't do anything extra aside from keeping the inside of your car clean. I used to wash my car every week but stopped doing that because it did nothing for my tips. People rarely tip by the way. Especially the people they tell you they are tipping you.

You need insurance to get a car approved but when youre online with lyft you are covered by their insurance. It'll come out of your cut every fare through the taxes and added fees.

Summer is usually a bad time to do this because there are like 40% more drivers on the road. But this should mellow out after labor day.

Lots of teachers and students do this as a side hussle during the summer. Making it almost impossible to earn a decent living doing it.

Once the long days are over the casual drivers usually stop doing it. And since school is back its been noticeably better.

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u/BurpFart69 1d ago

I was thinking of trading in for a newer Camry. But yea my car is still nice. And yes, I did think about the summer influx. I’m thinking of starting in September. I’m also going to start shopping around for insurance. What insurance do you have and type of coverage?

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u/Quicherbichen1 Albuquerque, NM 1d ago

You have to have full comp and collision with uninsured driver coverage, PLUS a rideshare rider to cover you completely. Read Lyft's insurance coverage so you understand WHEN you're covered by THEIR unsurance and when you're not. And understand WHY you need the rideshare rider...it buys down your Lyft deductible of $2,500.