Most rideshare platforms have baseline vehicle standards, which typically include:
4 doors
Clean title (no salvage or rebuilt)
Passing a vehicle inspection
Meeting minimum model year requirements
No excessive cosmetic or interior damage
If you plan to work with delivery gigs like DoorDash and Instacart, these requirements may slightly vary such as the option to use 2-door cars.
Insurance is where many new drivers get tripped up.
Rideshare companies typically provide coverage only during active trips. That leaves gaps when:
You’re logged into the app but haven’t accepted a ride yet
You’re driving between trips
You’re using the car for personal reasons
Personal auto insurance often does not cover rideshare activity, which can leave drivers exposed if something goes wrong.
The good news is: Mobi vehicles come with rideshare-friendly insurance options designed specifically for gig driving - so you’re covered when driving for gigs like Uber, DoorDash, and more.
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Mileage isn’t just wear and tear - it directly impacts your taxes and profitability.
Why it matters:
The IRS mileage deduction can significantly reduce your taxable income
More miles = more maintenance, depreciation, and future repair costs
If you’re using your own car, you’re absorbing all of that long-term cost
Many new drivers don’t track mileage properly, leaving money on the table at tax time.
Pro tip:
Use a mileage tracking app from day one - even for “dead miles” between rides.
As a rideshare driver, you’re considered an independent contractor, not an employee. That means:
No taxes are automatically withheld so you’re responsible for estimated tax payments
You’ll likely owe self-employment tax
Expenses like mileage, phone plans, and cleaning can be deductible
This catches many first-time drivers off guard - especially during their first tax season.
By separating vehicle access from personal ownership, Mobi can make expenses clearer and easier to track - which simplifies bookkeeping and tax prep.
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Most rideshare platforms require:
A clean driving record
Background check approval
Valid driver’s license
Proof of insurance
Vehicle inspection documents
What’s less obvious is that delays in documentation - especially insurance or inspection issues - are one of the biggest reasons drivers never get fully activated.
Every hour your car is in the shop is an hour you’re not earning.
New drivers often underestimate:
Tire replacement frequency
Oil change intervals
Brake wear from city driving
Unexpected breakdowns
If you’re using your personal car, these costs add up quickly - and downtime hits your income directly.
With Mobi, maintenance and vehicle reliability are built into the experience, helping reduce surprise costs and downtime.
Flexibility Matters More Than You Think
Many drivers start rideshare driving to:
Supplement income
Bridge employment gaps
Maintain flexible schedules
Test gig work without long-term commitment
Locking yourself into a long auto loan or lease can work against that flexibility.
Mobi lets you drive without long-term vehicle commitments - so you can scale up, scale down, or stop entirely without financial penalties.
👉 Browse cars near you and book today
Rideshare driving can be a powerful income opportunity - but only if you understand the full picture before you begin.
The biggest challenges new drivers face aren’t driving passengers - they’re insurance gaps, hidden costs, tax surprises, and vehicle wear.
That’s why more drivers are choosing platforms like Mobi to:
Start driving without owning a car
Avoid insurance confusion
Reduce upfront costs
Focus on earning, not logistics
If you’re thinking about getting started, the smartest first step isn’t downloading an app - it’s setting yourself up with the right vehicle, coverage, and support from day one.