Don’t Make These 15 Uber Mistakes

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

Before you hop in, steer clear of these 15 common rider mistakes to keep more money in your wallet and ensure a seamless 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 is Uber’s “everyday 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 everywhere. Some cities don’t have it. Plus, many rural areas just aren’t large enough to sustain demand.

Before traveling, check the available transportation options.

UberPOOL is even cheaper than UberX. The service matches you with up to four co-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, figuring the driver has GPS and knows exactly where to go.

True, but 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 done it. We’ve ordered an Uber or a taxi for a friend. Trusting a stranger to take care of your incapacitated friend is inconsiderate and unsafe.

The driver is a side hustler using their car to make extra money, not a nurse who wants to clean up vomit or take care of your sick friend.

Beyond that, there have been many allegations of assault against Uber drivers. There is a pending lawsuit against Uber for over 9,000 driver sexual assault incidents from 2017 to 2020.

Good guys and bad guys are everywhere. This goes for drivers, too, who, after drop-off, know where you live or work. Don’t give your driver, another stranger, personally identifying information.

If you use Uber during work trips, you can create multiple ride accounts to use one 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. Drivers who get enough bad ratings can be terminated. Ratings are anonymous unless you leave identifying trip details in your review.

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 spot you more easily.

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

Uber drivers must follow the law. This means children under three years old must be in car seats. This can be frustrating for parents who grumble, “I’ve already done it a million times,” and “Uber lets me.”

No, Uber doesn’t. It means you’ve placed some drivers in an awkward situation where, had they been pulled over, they could have landed in hot water — probably getting terminated. 

Safety laws vary by state or local jurisdiction, and in some locations, car seats or booster seats may be required for children older than three.

If you order an Uber and don't have a car seat for your child, most drivers will do as Uber prescribes: cancel the ride. You’ll be charged a cancellation fee and could be reported to Uber for child endangerment, which deactivates your account.

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

On its website, Uber states: “Drivers are independent contractors. Neither Uber nor drivers are responsible for the items left in a vehicle after a trip ends.”

If you forget something, Uber may help you contact the driver, but you could be out of luck. And if the item is returned, Uber charges a $20 fee 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, 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. Fare calculators like Taxi-Calculator.com can help you research taxi rates.

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

Remember, both Uber and Lyft offer similar services and etiquette expectations. Focusing on being a responsible rider keeps your options open and makes every journey a smooth one.