Did you know your car could be more than just a way to get from point A to B? With the rise of the gig economy and peer-to-peer platforms, it’s easier than ever to make money with your car—even if you’re not using it 24/7. Whether you’re driving passengers, delivering packages, or renting it out while you’re not using it, your vehicle can generate income in flexible and creative ways.
In this guide, we’ll explore five smart and profitable ways to make money with your car, plus tips to maximize your earnings and protect your vehicle.
1. Ridesharing with Uber or Lyft
One of the most popular ways to earn money with your car is by driving for rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft. This flexible gig allows you to work on your own schedule, whether that’s evenings, weekends, or during peak commute hours.
Why It’s Smart:
- You control when and how much you work.
- High demand in cities or near airports.
- Bonuses and surge pricing can boost income.
Requirements:
- A 4-door vehicle in good condition.
- Valid driver’s license and insurance.
- Background check and vehicle inspection.
Pro Tip:
Drive during high-demand hours (e.g., Friday nights, rush hour, holidays) to maximize your earnings with surge pricing.
2. Food and Grocery Delivery
Don’t want to transport passengers? Try delivering food or groceries with platforms like DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub, or Instacart.
Why It’s Smart:
- No need to deal with riders—just pick up and drop off.
- Flexible hours.
- You can work in virtually any area.
Best Platforms:
- DoorDash – Great for restaurant deliveries.
- Uber Eats – Similar to Uber but for food.
- Instacart – Shop and deliver groceries.
- Shipt – Similar to Instacart, often with higher pay per batch.
Pro Tip:
Stack deliveries during lunch and dinner rushes and track mileage for tax deductions.
3. Rent Out Your Car When You’re Not Using It
If your car sits idle most of the day or on weekends, renting it out can generate easy passive income. Apps like Turo and Getaround allow you to list your vehicle for short-term rental, much like Airbnb for cars.
Why It’s Smart:
- Earn passive income without driving.
- Set your own rental prices and availability.
- Insurance and roadside assistance are often included.
Top Car Rental Platforms:
- Turo – The most popular platform for personal car rentals.
- Getaround – Offers contactless key exchange.
- HyreCar – Rent your car to rideshare or delivery drivers.
Pro Tip:
Clean and maintain your vehicle regularly, offer flexible pickup times, and get great reviews to increase bookings.
4. Advertising on Your Car
Turn your car into a moving billboard by wrapping it with advertisements from companies like Wrapify or Carvertise. You simply drive as usual, and you get paid monthly for displaying the ad.
Why It’s Smart:
- Minimal effort—you’re getting paid to drive normally.
- Passive income opportunity.
- No upfront costs (wraps are installed professionally and removed easily).
Best Car Advertising Platforms:
- Carvertise – Pays $100–$300/month.
- Wrapify – Pay varies depending on miles driven and campaign.
Requirements:
- Car must be in good condition.
- Clean driving record.
- Minimum daily mileage (depending on platform).
Pro Tip:
Opt for full-wrap campaigns to earn the highest monthly payouts.
5. Help People Move or Haul with Your Vehicle
If you own a truck, SUV, or van, you can make money helping people move furniture, haul large items, or make local deliveries. Use apps or local listings to offer your service.
Why It’s Smart:
- High demand in cities and college towns.
- Great for people with larger vehicles.
- Can charge premium rates for same-day or heavy lifting.
Where to Find Gigs:
- TaskRabbit – Offers local handyman, moving, and hauling jobs.
- Dolly – Pairs you with customers needing help with large-item moves.
- GoShare – Connects delivery drivers with businesses and individuals.
Pro Tip:
Offer weekend or evening availability and bring basic tools (straps, blankets) to stand out from the competition.
Bonus Tip: Track Expenses and Maximize Deductions
No matter how you make money with your car, be sure to track your mileage, fuel, maintenance, and other expenses. These costs are often tax-deductible, which can save you hundreds (or even thousands) per year.
Top Mileage Tracker Apps:
- Stride
- MileIQ
- Everlance
- QuickBooks Self-Employed
Consult with a tax professional to understand how to file correctly and keep more of your earnings.
Things to Consider Before You Start
Making money with your car is a fantastic way to boost your income, but it’s not without trade-offs. Be aware of the following:
Wear and Tear:
Increased mileage means more frequent maintenance, tire replacements, and oil changes.
Insurance Adjustments:
You may need to update your policy for commercial use or get extra coverage through gig platforms.
Time Commitment:
Even flexible gigs require your time. Be realistic about how much time you can devote and set goals accordingly.
Final Thoughts: Your Car Is More Than a Vehicle—It’s a Side Hustle Tool
Whether you want to build a business or just earn some weekend cash, your car can become a valuable income stream with minimal upfront investment. From ridesharing and delivery to advertising and rentals, the options are abundant and increasingly accessible.
Pick the side hustle that matches your lifestyle, and start turning those miles into money.
Have a question about using your car to make money, or need help choosing the right option for you? Let me know—I’m here to help!