Looking for ways to make some extra cash using your car? There are plenty of options out there, and they don’t all involve driving long distances. Here’s a rundown of some popular and legit ways to earn money with your car. The best fit for you will depend on factors like your car’s age and condition, what’s available in your area, and your personal preferences.
1. Ridesharing Apps: This is a straightforward way to earn money. You drive people from point A to point B, they pay through the app, and you get most of the money. Uber and Lyft are the big names here. You need to be at least 21, pass some checks, and meet vehicle standards. You’ll also have to cover most vehicle expenses. You can work for both apps to maximize your earnings.
2. Food Delivery: If you’d rather not drive people around, you can deliver food instead. You pick up food from local restaurants and deliver it to customers. DoorDash and Uber Eats are popular choices. The requirements are a bit easier to meet than for ridesharing.
3. Grocery Delivery: For a bit more variety, you can shop for and deliver groceries. You’ll need to pass a background check and prove you know your way around a grocery store. Instacart and Shipt are common apps for this.
4. Amazon Flex: Amazon Flex offers up to $25 per hour for independent contractor drivers to deliver packages. You’ll need a valid driver’s license, active auto insurance, and a mid-size four-door sedan or larger.
5. Car Advertising: If you have a newer car and a long commute, you could get paid to wrap your car in removable advertising decals. Carvertise and Wrapify are popular companies that offer this service.
6. Car Rental: If you have a car you’re not using, you could rent it out for short-term rentals. Turo and Getaround are common apps for this.
7. Moving Help: If you’re willing to do some physical labor, you can help people move. You can advertise your services on a marketplace like TaskRabbit.
Before you start, there are some things to consider. Most of these gigs classify you as an independent contractor, not an employee. This means you’re responsible for things like income tax and self-employment tax, and you’ll have to cover your own expenses. You’ll also need to think about the wear and tear on your vehicle, the potential decrease in its resale value, and the opportunity cost of using your car to earn extra income.
Finally, be realistic about how much you can earn. Take into account your expenses and the time you’ll spend on the job. And remember, just because you can earn extra income with your car doesn’t necessarily mean you should.
