10 Ways to Make Money With Your Car

Owning a car offers many opportunities to boost your income. You can deliver packages, provide rideshare services or rent out your car when it’s not in use. Depending on your gig and demand, you can earn anywhere from $10 to $50 per hour or more. Each option has its own benefits and requirements — pick one (or more) that suits your lifestyle and financial goals.

Before getting started, secure the right car insurance coverage for your gigs. Schedule regular car maintenance to avoid costly repairs and provide excellent customer service to score better ratings and higher earnings. With the right approach, your car can become a valuable asset in generating income.

We've compiled 10 effective ways to earn income using your car, including potential earnings, platforms to get started and tips to help you succeed in each gig.

Turn your car into a rideshare service with Uber or Lyft to meet new people, explore your city and earn some extra cash on your terms. To start, you need to be at least 21 years old, have a clean driving record and own a four-door vehicle under 15 years old.

Choose your operating hours, whether during the bustling morning rush or late at night. Just be mindful of the extra wear and tear on your vehicle and the need for additional rideshare insurance, which standard policies don’t usually cover. Regular maintenance and simple safety checks will ensure a smooth ride for you and your passengers.

Earnings Potential: $15 to $25 per hour, with higher rates during peak times.

Food delivery through apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub and Postmates is one of the easiest ways to get cash fast. Unlike rideshare services (which have stricter standards), food delivery generally only requires a reliable car and a quick background check.

For higher earnings, work during peak meal times like lunch and dinner. Use insulated bags to keep food hot and fresh, and be friendly and prompt to make better tips. You can also check for app promotions and incentives to boost your income.

Earnings Potential: $12 to $20 per hour, with the added benefit of tips.

If you enjoy browsing store aisles and picking out fresh produce, platforms like Instacart and Shipt offer an engaging way to earn money by shopping for and delivering groceries. Familiarity with store layouts and different grocery essentials can make your shopping trips more efficient, leading to happier customers.

Accept batches with higher payouts or multiple orders from the same store to save time. Shop during peak hours or weekends to boost your income from higher demand. Communicate any shopping changes or substitutions immediately with your clients to ensure satisfaction.

Earnings Potential: $10 to $20 per hour, plus additional tips.

Choose your shifts and work at your own pace when you deliver packages for services like Amazon Flex. Start by ensuring you have a valid driver’s license and a reliable vehicle. It’s also wise to consider delivery driver insurance or a rideshare endorsement to cover your commercial activities.

Work during peak times, like holidays and weekends, to boost demand and opportunities. Since package delivery involves longer drives than food or grocery deliveries, be sure to optimize your delivery route to ensure timely deliveries and save fuel.

Earnings Potential: $18 to $25 per hour, with the possibility of tips.

If your vehicle is relatively new and meets certain mileage requirements, you can turn it into a moving billboard. Companies like Carvertise and Wrapify will pay to display ads on your car, granting you passive income just by driving your daily routes.

Keep your vehicle clean and well-maintained to attract more ad campaigns. Some companies might require you to drive a minimum number of miles per month, so keep track of your mileage. Review the terms before signing up for a campaign to understand the duration and specific requirements.

Earnings Potential: $100 to $400 per month, depending on the campaign.

Rent out your car through platforms like Turo and Getaround to earn passive income. When making your listing, include high-quality photos and detailed descriptions to make your vehicle stand out and attract more renters.

While this is a convenient way to make money, consider how renters might treat your car. Before lending it, set clear rules and expectations to avoid misunderstandings. Additionally, regularly check your vehicle’s condition and schedule maintenance to keep it in top shape. Offering extras like a GPS device or child seat can also make your car more appealing to renters.

Earnings Potential: $30 to $75 per day, depending on the car and rental frequency.

If you have a vehicle with ample cargo space, assist people with moving through services like TaskRabbit and turn your car into a valuable asset. Be prepared for some physical labor, as this gig involves lifting and transporting heavy items.

Have the right equipment, like moving blankets, straps and a dolly, to make the process smoother and protect your car from damage. Enhance your reputation by clearly communicating with clients about their moving needs and being punctual.

Earnings Potential: $20 to $50 per hour, plus tips.

If you love animals, you can use your car to provide pet taxi services for vet visits, grooming or boarding. Platforms like Rover and PetBacker can connect you with pet owners who need transportation for their pets. Make sure your vehicle is pet-friendly and comfortable, with pet carriers or seat belts designed for animals to ensure safety.

To build a loyal customer base, develop skills in pet handling and send updates to pet owners about their furbabies’ trips. You can also offer small amenities like pet treats or toys and partner with local vets, groomers and pet shops to help spread the word about your services.

Earnings Potential: $15 to $30 per trip, with the potential for tips.

Parents value reliable transportation for getting their kids to school safely and on time. Platforms like HopSkipDrive offer opportunities to provide school transport services. To build trust with parents, equip your vehicle with car or booster seats and ensure it’s always clean and safe.

Punctuality and clear communication are essential with this gig. Inform parents about any delays and maintain a reliable schedule. Keep kids happy during the ride with small comforts like snacks or engaging music. Offer GPS tracking so parents can monitor the trip and add an extra layer of security.

Earnings Potential: $20 to $40 per hour, depending on the number of children and distance.

When family or friends are unavailable, patients often rely on hired drivers for medical appointments. This service is essential for ensuring they receive the care they need. Your vehicle should be comfortable and easily accessible to accommodate patients’ needs. You should also ensure timely arrivals, as many depend on these checkups for their health.

Prepare necessary items like a first-aid kit in your car and keep it clean and well-maintained. Get cushions or blankets and play soothing music to give patients and their caregivers a smooth experience. You can also network with local clinics and hospitals or hop on platforms like Lyft Healthcare, Uber Health and Modivcare to secure more clients.

Earnings Potential: $25 to $50 per hour, with the potential for tips.

Ignoring the above factors can lead to legal complications, unexpected costs and poor customer experiences, all of which can impact the earnings you make with your car.