How to Get Paid to Drive Your Car: Legit Apps & Programs

Imagine earning extra money just by driving your car, without needing to pick up passengers or deliver food. Thanks to the gig economy, there are now several legit ways to get paid to drive your car, whether you’re running errands, commuting, or simply going about your day. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the most popular apps and programs, what you can realistically earn, and how to get started-even if you’re a complete beginner.

Table of Contents

How Getting Paid to Drive Works

There are several ways to earn money by driving your own car. The most common methods include:

  • Car advertising: Wrapping your car with ads or placing decals for brands and getting paid for every mile you drive.
  • Delivery services: Using your car to deliver food, groceries, or packages for companies like DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Amazon Flex.
  • Rideshare driving: Giving rides to passengers through apps like Uber or Lyft.
  • Car sharing: Renting out your car to others when you’re not using it through platforms like Turo or Getaround.

For this article, we’ll focus on the easiest, lowest-commitment options-car advertising and passive car-sharing-since these are best for beginners, students, stay-at-home parents, and anyone looking for simple side income.

Top Legit Apps & Programs to Get Paid to Drive

1. Car Advertising Apps

  • Wrapify
    • Wrapify pays you to wrap your car with vinyl ads from major brands.
    • You drive as you normally would, and the app tracks your mileage and routes.
    • Payouts range from $150 to $450 per month, depending on the campaign and how much you drive.
    • Wrapify is available in most major U.S. cities and is known for working with reputable companies.
  • Carvertise
    • Carvertise matches drivers with advertising campaigns and pays for placing ads on your car.
    • Typical earnings are $100 to $300 per month.
    • Campaigns usually last 2-6 months.
    • Carvertise is selective and may require a minimum number of miles driven per day.

2. Passive Car Sharing

  • Turo
    • List your car for rent on Turo when you’re not using it.
    • You set your own price and availability.
    • Some users earn $300-$1,000+ per month, depending on car type and location.
    • Turo provides insurance and handles payment processing.
  • Getaround
    • Similar to Turo, but Getaround focuses on short-term rentals and instant bookings.
    • Cars must be 2008 or newer and meet certain requirements.
    • Earnings vary; expect $100-$500/month for occasional rentals.

3. Delivery Apps (Bonus Option)

  • DoorDash, Uber Eats, Instacart, Amazon Flex
    • These apps pay you to deliver food, groceries, or packages using your car.
    • Flexible hours-work when you want.
    • Typical earnings: $10-$25/hour before expenses.
    • Great for those who want active, on-demand work.

Earning Expectations & Time Commitment

It’s important to be realistic about how much you can earn and how much effort is involved.

  • Car advertising: $100-$450/month, mostly passive. You just drive as usual, but you may need to meet minimum mileage requirements.
  • Car sharing: $100-$1,000+/month, depending on demand, car type, and location. Some effort is needed to clean and hand off your car.
  • Delivery driving: $10-$25/hour, but you’re actively working and covering your own expenses (gas, wear and tear).

Most people use these methods as a side hustle, not a full-time income. Your results will depend on your location, car, and how much you participate.

Requirements & Startup Costs

  • Car advertising: Must have a clean driving record, a relatively new car (usually 2008 or newer), and live in or near a city. No upfront costs; the ad company pays for the wrap.
  • Car sharing: Your car must meet age and condition requirements. You may need to clean and maintain your car regularly. Turo and Getaround take a percentage of your rental income.
  • Delivery apps: Must be 18+ (21+ for some apps), have a valid driver’s license, insurance, and a reliable car. No upfront costs, but you pay for your own gas and maintenance.

Pros and Cons

  • Pros:
    • Flexible-work when you want, or earn passively.
    • No special skills required.
    • Can combine with your daily routine or commute.
    • Legit companies with real payouts.
  • Cons:
    • Car advertising and sharing aren’t available everywhere.
    • Your car must meet certain requirements.
    • Income is not guaranteed and can be inconsistent.
    • Delivery driving has expenses (gas, maintenance, taxes).
    • Potential for scams-always use reputable apps and never pay upfront fees.

Beginner Tips for Success

  • Research each app or program-read reviews and check for BBB accreditation.
  • Never pay to join a car advertising program. Legit companies cover all costs.
  • Keep your car clean and well-maintained for higher ratings and better opportunities.
  • Track your mileage and expenses for tax purposes.
  • Combine methods (e.g., car advertising + delivery) for more income.
  • Start with one app to learn the ropes, then expand as you gain confidence.

Real-World Example

Sarah, a stay-at-home mom in Dallas, signed up for Wrapify and drives about 25 miles a day taking her kids to school and running errands. She earns around $200/month just for having ads on her car. On weekends, she rents her car out on Turo when her family doesn’t need it, earning another $300/month. She spends about 30 minutes a week cleaning her car and managing bookings. It’s not a fortune, but it pays for groceries and a night out each month-without a traditional part-time job.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is getting paid to drive my car legit?

    Yes, as long as you use reputable apps like Wrapify, Carvertise, Turo, or DoorDash. Avoid companies that ask for upfront payments or make unrealistic promises.

  • Do I need a new or fancy car?

    Most programs require your car to be in good condition and under a certain age (usually 10-15 years old). Luxury cars can earn more on Turo, but any reliable vehicle can qualify for most apps.

  • Will car advertising damage my paint?

    Legit companies use high-quality vinyl wraps that are designed to be removed without damaging your paint, as long as your car is in good condition.

  • How do I avoid scams?

    Never pay to join. Research each company, read reviews, and check for complaints online. If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

  • Do I have to pay taxes on my earnings?

    Yes, income from these apps is typically considered self-employment income. Keep good records and consult a tax professional if needed.

Summary & Next Steps

Getting paid to drive your car is a real, flexible way to earn extra money-whether you want passive income through car advertising, occasional cash from car sharing, or active work with delivery apps. While it won’t make you rich, it’s a practical side hustle you can fit around your life. Remember to stick with legit platforms, manage your expectations, and start small to see what works for you.

Ready to explore more ways to earn? Check out other beginner-friendly side hustles and online earning tips right here on Survey Rewards. There’s a gig out there for everyone-why not start earning today?