Don’t Make These 15 Uber Mistakes

Uber's on-demand convenience and budget-friendly fares have become a go-to for many. However, hailing the perfect ride isn't always smooth sailing. 

Before you hop in, steer clear of these 15 common rider mistakes to keep more cash in your wallet and ensure a stress-free Uber experience.

Uber offers passengers several different services. For a sleek ride in a luxury vehicle, opt for UberBLACK. If you need a van that can hold a large group of travelers, you’ll want an UberXL.

A standard ride is UberX, which the company coined as a, “private ride at an everyday price.”

This happens when you order a ride and cancel it after the driver has reached or headed toward your location. 

Fees vary, but you could get dinged $5 or more.

Always try to avoid surge pricing. During high-demand periods, you could pay more than twice the usual rate. There are even cases of riders paying $500 for a $75 ride during surges.

Plan on arriving early. You can just hang out in a coffee shop and wait.

Uber has a huge coverage area, but it’s not available everywhere. Some cities don’t offer it, while many rural areas just aren’t large enough to sustain demand.

Before traveling, check the available transportation options.

Depending on the region, UberPOOL could be cheaper than UberX. The service matches you with up to four riders going in the same direction. Each person in the pool saves a little money.

For a trip that’s only a few miles, the savings may only be a couple of bucks. But if you’re going a longer distance, the savings can add up.

Many passengers zone out during their Uber ride and just scroll through their phone. Thanks to GPS,  they assume that the driver knows exactly where to go.

However, even with GPS a driver can miss a turn. This can mean a U-turn at a long red light, adding several minutes to your trip.

We’ve all ordered an Uber or a taxi for a friend. However, trusting a stranger to take care of your incapacitated friend is inconsiderate and unsafe.

The driver does not want to clean up after your sick friend, especially if it causes damage to their source of income and livelihood. 

Good and bad people are everywhere. After completing a trip to your home or work, keep in mind that drivers may know your routine. 

Don’t give your driver, who is still a stranger regardless of the length of the ride, personally identifying information. 

Additionally, the company faces pending litigation regarding allegations of harassment and assault committed by their drivers. 

If you use Uber during work trips, then you can create multiple ride accounts to use specifically for business. This will save you a headache during tax season.

Lyft and Uber rates are not identical. According to one driver in south Florida who gigs for both apps, the price difference can vary by as much as $10.

Uber operates on a system of trust. Riders and drivers trust each other to provide a good experience.

Always leave a rating at the end of your trip. Ratings are anonymous unless you leave identifying trip details in your review.

Drivers with ratings below the minimum for their city may lose partial or complete access to the app. 

Don’t tell your driver, 'Pick me up at the concert hall main entrance.' That’s going to be a nightmare.

 Instead, select an easy-to-access spot on the right-hand side of the road. The driver will get there faster, and they'll spot you more easily.

Some drivers note that if they can’t find you within five minutes, then they will mark you as a no-show and collect the $5 cancellation fee. That charge can vary based on location and other factors.

Safety laws vary by state or local jurisdiction, but all Uber drivers must follow the law regarding car and booster seats for children. If you order an Uber without an appropriate car seat for your child's weight and height, then drivers are advised to cancel the ride. Riders may be charged the cancellation fee as well. 

Some cities with Uber have an in-app 'Car Seat Service,' but you'll need to make an advanced booking plus pay a $10 surcharge. 

Always double-check that you have everything before exiting the car.

On its website, Uber states, "While we do sincerely hope you get your item back soon, neither Uber nor drivers are responsible for any items left in a vehicle after a trip ends. We’re here to help, but cannot guarantee that a driver has your item or can deliver it to you since they are independent contractors."

Although Uber may help you contact the driver, you could still face an additional fee to compensate for the driver’s time. 

Uber is often the cheapest option, but not always. If you’re in a city with excellent public transportation and you just have one bag, then it may make more sense to take the subway. It will be cheaper and probably quicker without all the traffic lights and street congestion.

In some instances, you can avoid wasting money by using a taxi, so make sure to research your options. 

By following safety guidelines and practicing common courtesy, you can continue to save money on travel with access to convenient and reliable rides. 

Most importantly, booking your next trip as an informed passenger could make your next journey a smoother one.