Make Money with Your Car for Extra Income

If you’re like most Americans, your car sits idle for hours every day, while your bills don’t. With 91.7% of U.S. households owning at least one vehicle, that’s a lot of untapped potential just sitting in driveways.

That’s where learning how to make money with your car comes in. Whether it’s through active work like deliveries or passive income streams like renting it out when you don’t need it.

This guide explores how to earn money with your car, plus the best platforms and opportunities—all while staying in control of your schedule. 

What should you know about earning money with your car?

Using a smartphone for navigation. (Source: iStock)

The car-based gig economy in the US remains a promising income source for those looking for other flexible ways to earn money. From delivering packages or groceries to providing rides or taking on professional courier tasks, our data across yearly, quarterly, and monthly periods shows clear opportunities, especially for those who know where to look.

Pick up & delivery: Reliable income with steady growth

Across all timeframes, Pick Up & Delivery stands out as the most stable and scalable car-based task. Between 2022 and 2024, task volume surged around 150%, and while competition has grown—with over 2 offers per task in 2024—average earnings have remained strong. 

Monthly and quarterly data also confirm this trend: tasks rose 65% from Q4 2024 to Q2 2025, and prices rebounded in June 2025 to over $100 per closed task.

For drivers looking for consistent work, delivery remains the safest bet. It offers volume, flexible hours, and steady pay, especially if you’re efficient and responsive.

Transporting/taxi services: High-value, low-volume payouts

Transport gigs boast the highest average payouts. In Q2 2025 alone, average posted prices rose to more than $370, and assigned prices climbed over $140 per task. June 2025 was especially profitable, with closed prices averaging over $200.

While there are fewer jobs, transporting/taxi service tasks pay well. This is ideal for car owners who prefer quality over quantity and can be flexible with timing when it comes to taking gigs. As demand fluctuates, pairing this with delivery work may increase your income opportunities.

Courier work: A small but growing niche

While this niche has inconsistent demand and pricing, particularly for less complex deliveries, it’s still worth taking on when such opportunities arise on the platform. Some assigned courier work prices have reached over $240. 

Courier work is best for Taskers with specific skills or setups, such as secure transport or legal/medical delivery. It’s not a full-time income source yet, but it’s worth watching for specialized opportunities.

Essential skills to get started and make money using your car in the US 

Driving in heavy rain. (Source: iStock)

Essential skills

Driving for a living might sound simple, but to actually earn extra money with your car and keep the income flowing, there’s more to it than just having a license. While you won’t always need formal driving lessons to build these habits, the skills below will help you stay safe, avoid penalties, and get consistent five-star ratings.

Safe and defensive driving skills and habits

Your driving style affects more than just your arrival time. It affects your earnings, safety, and platform status. Ridesharing apps often monitor driver behavior through accident reports, cancellations, and rider feedback. A single reckless trip could get your account suspended or deactivated.

Defensive driving means anticipating hazards, keeping safe distances, and staying cool in traffic. It’s especially important if you’re transporting fragile goods. 

Bonus: A clean driving record often means lower insurance premiums, which is a big win when you’re paying for private hire or courier cover.

Good interpersonal skills

Being friendly, clear, and professional goes a long way for rideshare and delivery jobs. Think: polite greetings, status updates, and respecting people’s time and property.

Whether you’re dropping off a package or giving someone a lift to the airport, a good impression often leads to repeat bookings, better tips, and glowing reviews.

Time management

The best gig drivers know how to work efficiently. Time management helps you line up jobs across different apps, take advantage of peak pricing, and avoid late arrivals that could hurt your reliability score.

Good navigation and route planning

Apps can help with navigation, especially if you’re not familiar with the area or your destination. Still, it’s essential to know your way around nearby areas and pay attention to road signs for unexpected road closures to plan ahead. Good route planning keeps you from getting lost, stuck in traffic, or taking a wrong turn into a zone that charges fees.

For drivers working on logistics, route planning also means avoiding narrow lanes, low bridges, or tricky loading spots, especially with larger or delicate items.

Basic vehicle troubleshooting

When your car is your job, every breakdown costs you money. Learning how to check your oil, change a tire, jump-start a battery, or spot a warning light can save you time and stress.

Delivery and rideshare platforms won’t cover missed trips due to mechanical issues. Being self-reliant keeps you on the road and in control of your income.

Basic digital literacy 

Every gig platform runs on apps. If you want to make money with your car, you'll need to know how to install, navigate, and update them confidently.

You’ll also need to communicate clearly using in-app messaging, upload documents, understand your ratings, and respond to alerts about incentives or safety. 

How to prepare and build your car-based income stream

A passenger getting into the vehicle. (Source: iStock)

Knowing how to earn money with a car is one thing. Actually getting started is another. To turn your vehicle into a steady income stream, you’ll need to make a few decisions and tick off some setup steps first.

1. Decide how you want to use your car 

Start by figuring out what kind of work makes the most sense for your schedule, vehicle and skills. 

If you've got a clean, comfortable sedan or SUV, ridesharing through Uber, Lyft, or Via might be a good fit. For transporting specialized groups, services like HopSkipDrive focus on children's transportation. 

Got a van, pickup, or vehicle with larger cargo space? Look into moving services through Dolly, Airtasker, or Roadie XL.

If you’d rather keep things low-contact, food delivery through DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub, or Postmates offers flexibility without much passenger interaction. Grocery delivery with Instacart, parcel delivery with Amazon Flex, and even medication delivery through Roadie’s pharmacy-certified gigs provide additional options.

For those interested in passive income, consider renting your car or wrapping your vehicle with advertisements. The goal is to match the work to how hands-on you want to be and what your car can handle.

2. Get your paperwork and legal documents in order

Before you can legally start and earn money with your car, make sure your driving license is valid and up to date. Most platforms require drivers to be at least 18 years old, with many requiring drivers to be 21+.

Your vehicle registration must be current in your state, and many platforms have age restrictions for vehicles (typically less than 10-15 years old). While standard personal insurance is required, consider getting rideshare endorsements or commercial policies if you’ll be working regularly. Most platforms will conduct criminal and driving history background checks before approval.

Requirements vary significantly by location. New York City drivers need a TLC (Taxi and Limousine Commission) license for all for-hire driving, and vehicles must be TLC-plated. In California, you may need to register your car as a commercial vehicle if you use it for profit. 

Some cities require business licenses or additional insurance for vehicle-based freelancers. Be prepared to provide proof of residency, your Social Security Number for tax purposes, and potentially a vehicle inspection certificate, depending on the platform and state requirements.

3. Prepare and/or upgrade your vehicle

Your car needs to be reliable, efficient, and ready for the type of work you’re taking on. For example, if you’re trying to earn money with advertising on your car, you have to make sure that your car’s paint and body are flawless. You should also conduct a full-service check before starting:

• Check tyre tread depth and inflation

• Ensure brakes are responsive and quiet

• Top up oil, coolant, and fluids

• Verify all lights and indicators are functioning properly

• Test your battery to ensure reliability for long days

• Have any necessary repairs performed

Stock up on required tools and equipment as well:

• Phone mount and in-car charger: Required by most platforms for navigation safety

• Dashcam: Recommended for rideshare and delivery (liability protection)

• Insulated bags: Required for food delivery platforms

• Straps, trolley, and blankets: Necessary for Airtasker moving jobs or large item transport

• Tracking app or signage: Sometimes needed for courier work

Lastly, keep your car clean inside and out. Even car upholstery matters! After all, passengers and renters expect a tidy ride. Plus, food and pet transport require even higher hygiene standards.

4. Think about your business model

Decide whether you’re looking for full-time, part-time, or occasional supplemental ways to make money with your car. Many successful gig drivers explore and compare platforms for income potential, workload, and flexibility, often using multiple apps to maximize earnings. 

Don't overlook local options like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or Nextdoor for community-based errands or delivery gigs, or specialized niches like medical transport, pet taxiing, catalogue delivery, or mobile services.

Plan financially by using mileage trackers to log expenses and optimize tax deductions. Set aside a percentage of your income for self-employment tax, plus additional income tax. 

Factors that determine your rates and price your services 

Refueling the car at a service station. (Source: iStock)

Setting the right prices to make money using your car involves balancing what customers will pay with what you need to earn. Before listing your first job, consider these key factors that can affect your bottom line.

Fuel

Gas or diesel costs add up quickly and vary based on your vehicle type, journey distance, and local prices. Use apps like Waze or Google Maps to estimate mileage before accepting jobs. Electric vehicle owners should also calculate charging costs and plan routes around charging points.

Time

Your time is valuable beyond just driving hours. Factor in traffic delays, waiting time at pickups or restaurants, and delivery complexities. A 10-mile airport run might take 20 minutes at 5 am but over an hour during rush hour.

Insurance

Standard car insurance won’t cover commercial use to earn money driving. You’ll need specific coverage depending on your work: courier insurance for parcels, hire and reward cover for goods, or private hire insurance for passengers. 

Vehicle wear and tear (based on make and model)

Every mile you drive for work accelerates your car’s decline. Higher mileage means more frequent tire replacements, brake servicing, oil changes, and faster depreciation. Your vehicle’s make and model also affect pricing: larger or premium vehicles justify higher rates but cost more to run.

Platform/service fees

Most gig platforms take a cut of your earnings. Always calculate your rates after these deductions, or you might end up working at a loss.

Pricing models you can offer

• Hourly rate: Perfect for moving help or event transport, where time is the main factor. 

• Per trip rate: Ideal for airport transfers or fixed-route journeys.

• Per mile rate: Common for courier work or long-distance transport.

• Package deals: Great for regular clients or multi-stop jobs.

How to calculate your profit margins for your car-based services

Use this simple formula to track your actual earnings: 

For example, if you earn $500 from deliveries in a week but spend $75 on fuel, $50 on insurance, $30 on maintenance reserves, $60 on platform fees, and $15 on parking and tolls, your actual profit is $270.

Keep detailed records of all expenses to understand your actual hourly rate and identify the most profitable jobs or platforms.

How to price your services competitively

• Start in the middle: When you’re new, don’t be the cheapest or the most expensive. Aim for the middle of the market until you build a reputation.

• Add value instead of cutting prices: Offer extras like boot organizers for groceries or phone chargers for passengers rather than competing solely on price to make money driving.

• Create tiered pricing: Offer basic, standard, and premium options to capture different customer segments.

• Adjust for time of day: Charge more during peak hours, weekends, or holidays when demand is higher.

• Know your minimum: Calculate the absolute lowest rate you can accept while still making a profit, and never go below it—even for "exposure" or promises of future work.

Types of car-based services you can offer

Putting luggage into the trunk of a car. (Source: iStock)

When thinking about how to make money with your car, you’ve got more options than just the obvious taxi work. Here are five profitable services you can launch with just your car and the right approach.

Rideshare driving

Use your car to make money by transporting passengers on demand via platforms like Uber or Lyft for flexible, part-time income or full-time earnings in urban areas. All you’ll need is a valid driver’s license, background check, and personal auto insurance, plus a vehicle that meets platform requirements (usually less than 10-15 years old, 4-door, with a clean title).

If you don’t have a qualifying vehicle, rentals are available through programs like Lyft Express Drive. Stand out by specializing in Women+ Connect (Lyft) for female/non-binary only rides, offering electric or hybrid rides through Uber Green, or focusing on nighttime or weekend shifts when surge pricing increases earnings.

Furniture delivery or removals

Provide help with local moves, furniture transport, or junk removal. This service is ideal if you own a pickup truck, van, or SUV with cargo space. 

Tasks typically include loading/unloading, furniture pickup from stores like IKEA or Costco, and apartment or office moving. You’ll need proof of insurance, background checks, and the ability to lift 50 to 100 pounds, plus equipment like cargo straps, moving blankets, and a dolly or trolley. 

Long-distance private hire

Offer scheduled, pre-arranged transport services for individuals, families, or business travelers across state lines. This could include interstate drop-offs, private road trips, city-to-city airport runs, or VIP and luxury transport for weddings and special events. 

While mainstream platforms may not directly support this service model, you can build your own client base through local concierge services, tourism sites, corporate travel portals, or ad listings.

This service is best suited for larger vehicles or luxury models like sedans and SUVs. But pay careful attention to licensing requirements and additional costs like tolls, parking fees, or overnight lodging for multi-day trips.

Grocery or food delivery

Deliver anything from groceries to prepared food or essentials. As a shopper-driver, you’ll shop and/or deliver items on demand or during scheduled time blocks. 

Explore niche options like coffee runs for offices, late-night snack delivery, pharmacy delivery, or pet supply courier services. Some apps like DoorDash also offer “Shop & Deliver” gigs where you shop in-store before completing the delivery.

Airport pickups and drop-offs

Provide transportation to and from major and regional airports, preferably through established platforms like Uber or Lyft (which have airport access protocols and commercial insurance coverage). If using mainstream platforms, you may need to complete an airport-specific onboarding module, and some airports require a special permit or windshield decal.

If operating independently, check airport authority rules for drop-off/pick-up zones, secure commercial registration and insurance, and ensure compliance with city/state transport laws. 

Remember that airport trips often include wait time, assistance with heavy luggage, and tolls, so factor these into your pricing. This service is ideal for sedans, SUVs, or vans with large trunks and comfort features.

How to market your car-based services and find clients

Boxes being loaded into the back of a pickup truck. (Source: iStock)

Even with the perfect vehicle and skills, you’ll need to get the word out about your services to make money using a car. Here are the most effective ways to market yourself and find your first clients.

Freelance platforms

Digital marketplaces connect people who need transport services with those offering them. One such example is Airtasker. 

It connects people needing things done to Taskers who can help them out for a set fee. For car owners, Airtasker connects drivers to people who need driving and delivery services. You get complete control over your schedule and can offer specialized services that big platforms don’t. 

To start, create a profile showing off you and your vehicle, then bid on relevant jobs with your price. Customers will pick based on your ratings and response time. 

Job ads or postings

Use Gumtree, Facebook Marketplace, and Nextdoor to promote your services locally. Make your listings detailed with examples of prices, areas you cover, and what your vehicle can handle. Update them regularly and respond quickly to messages. 

Include testimonials to build trust. Put up physical ads in cafes, supermarkets, and community centers to reach people who aren’t always online.

Social media marketing

Create a dedicated business page on Facebook, Instagram, or WhatsApp Business with a catchy name like "California Courier Van" or "City Airport Transfers." Share photos of successful jobs, update followers about your availability, and post customer reviews. 

You can also join local community groups where people often ask for transport help. Use location-based hashtags to get noticed by people in your area who need your services.

Networking with local businesses and organisations

Build relationships with businesses that regularly need transport—estate agents, furniture shops, florists, and event planners make great partners. Here are some specific ideas:

• Drop your business cards at car dealerships, rental agencies, and serviced apartments where customers might need a lift. 

• Contact care homes, schools, and small shops that could use reliable delivery options. 

• Pop into local business networking events to meet potential clients face-to-face.

Word-of-mouth referrals

Make every job count by being punctual, professional, and friendly. These small touches create lasting impressions. 

If you have extra time and knowledge with it, start a referral program with discounts for customers who bring you new business. Hand out business cards that people can easily pass along. 

Basically, build a loyal base of repeat clients, especially for services like airport runs where trust matters. A personal recommendation carries more weight than any advert, particularly when it comes to transporting valuable items.

Drive carefully and learn as you go

You don’t need a second job. You just need to drive your car and make money doing work that actually fits your lifestyle. From moving gigs to food delivery and everything in between, Airtasker lets you choose the jobs that suit your car, schedule, and skills. Sign up and become a Tasker to find your next driving job today!