How to Make Money With Your Car

1. Rent Out Your Car

If your car sits idle while you work from home or take public transportation, you can earn money by renting it out to others. Car-sharing platforms like Turo and Getaround connect car owners with people who need temporary access to a vehicle.

• How it works: You create a listing with photos, set your daily price and availability, and the platform handles the booking process. Renters can search for cars in their area and reserve yours for a few hours or several days.
• Earning potential: According to Turo, hosts earn an average of $634 per month by renting out their car. Your actual earnings will depend on factors including how many cars you rent out, your car's make and model, location and how often you make it available.
• What to consider: Car-sharing platforms typically provide insurance coverage during rentals, but you should review the policy details carefully. Also, keep in mind that older vehicles may require regular inspections and maintenance to maintain eligibility—and some may not qualify at all.

You'll also want to screen renters and set clear expectations about mileage limits and vehicle condition when they return it. Finally, note that frequently renting out your car can increase wear and tear on it.

2. Sign Up for a Ridesharing App

Driving for ridesharing services like Uber or Lyft allows you to earn money by transporting passengers on your own schedule. This option works well if you enjoy meeting new people and prefer flexible hours.

• How it works: After passing a background check and, in some areas, a vehicle inspection, you can start accepting ride requests through the app. You pick up passengers, drive them to their destinations and earn money for each trip.
• Earning potential: According to Salary.com, Uber and Lyft drivers earn an average of $19 per hour, though actual earnings vary by city, time of day and demand. Peak hours, like morning and evening commute times, typically offer higher rates due to surge pricing.
• What to consider: You'll need to meet vehicle requirements, which typically include having a newer vehicle that's in good condition. You'll also pay for your own gas, maintenance and insurance. Ridesharing can be physically demanding during long shifts, and earnings fluctuate based on when and where you drive.

3. Drive for a Food or Grocery Delivery Service

Food and grocery delivery services have grown significantly in recent years, creating more opportunities for drivers. Apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, Instacart and Grubhub let you deliver meals and groceries to customers' doors.

• How it works: You sign up with a delivery platform, accept delivery requests through the app and pick up orders from restaurants or stores. After delivering to the customer, you receive payment plus any tips.
• Earning potential: According to Glassdoor, DoorDash drivers earn between $17 and $24 per hour on average. For Instacart, shoppers can expect to earn between $15 and $20 per hour, with fluctuations based on location and individual work patterns. Earnings depend on your location, the number of deliveries you complete and customer tips.
• What to consider: Delivery driving offers flexible scheduling—you can work during lunch rushes, dinner hours or weekends based on your availability. To get a full picture of your income from these services, you'll also need to factor in gas costs and vehicle wear. Some services, like Instacart, also require you to shop for groceries in addition to delivering them, which adds time to each delivery.

4. Help People Move

If you have a truck, van or SUV with cargo space, you can earn money helping people move furniture and other items. Platforms like GoShare, Dolly and Lugg connect drivers with people who need moving assistance.

• How it works: Customers request help through the app and you accept jobs that fit your schedule. You may need to load and unload items in addition to driving, depending on the service.

• Earning potential: What you make will depend on the platform you choose and the type of vehicle you own. For example, here are the potential earnings through GoShare:

  • Labor only: Up to $60 per hour
  • Courier (cars, SUVs and minivans): Up to $45 per hour
  • Pickup truck: Up to $70 per hour
  • Full-sized cargo van: Up to $105 per hour
  • Box truck: Up to $168 per hour
• What to consider: This work can be physically demanding, as you may need to lift heavy furniture and boxes. Make sure your vehicle can handle the weight and size of items you'll be transporting. You should also consider additional insurance coverage, as your personal auto policy may not cover business use. You're also at greater risk for injury on the job due to the physical nature of the work, which could result in medical costs.

5. Deliver Packages Via Amazon Flex

Amazon Flex offers delivery opportunities for people who want to deliver Amazon packages using their own vehicles. This program provides scheduled delivery blocks rather than on-demand work.

• How it works: You reserve delivery blocks (typically lasting two to six hours) through the Amazon Flex app. You pick up packages from an Amazon delivery station, follow the app's navigation to deliver them and return any undelivered packages.
• Earning potential: According to Amazon, drivers earn an average of $18 to $25 per hour. The exact amount varies based on where you live, the type of deliveries you take, how long it takes to complete the required deliveries and any tips you receive.
• What to consider: Delivery blocks are typically available on a first-come, first-served basis, so you'll need to frequently check the app for openings. For Prime Now orders, any reliable vehicle will do. But for regular Amazon orders, you'll need a midsize sedan or larger vehicle to accommodate packages; trucks with open beds are ineligible. The work requires organization and time management to complete all deliveries within your scheduled block.

6. Turn Your Car Into an Advertisement

Car wrapping turns your vehicle into a mobile billboard for advertisers. Companies pay drivers to wrap their cars in advertisements and drive their regular routes.

• How it works: You apply to car advertising companies like Wrapify or Carvertise. If selected for a campaign, the company wraps your car in an advertisement (either partially or fully). You then drive your normal routes while earning money based on miles driven or campaign terms.
• Earning potential: According to Wrapify, drivers can earn between $181 and $452 per month depending on the campaign size and your driving habits. Full wraps typically pay out more than partial wraps or window decals. Carvertise offers $450 to $1,500 per campaign.
• What to consider: Not everyone qualifies. In general, companies look for drivers who log significant daily miles in areas with high visibility. Your vehicle must meet certain requirements (such as when it was made and the condition it's in). The wrap shouldn't damage your paint if it's applied and removed properly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Turn Your Car Into a Money-Making Machine

Your vehicle represents a valuable asset that can generate income in multiple ways. Whether you choose to transport passengers, deliver goods, rent out your car or combine several strategies, the earning potential is significant. Success requires understanding the requirements, managing expenses and maintaining proper insurance coverage.

With planning and effort, your car can become a reliable source of supplemental or even primary income.