Lyft, primarily known as a ride-sharing service, has expanded its offerings to include vehicle rentals. This article delves into Lyft’s car rental program, providing a comprehensive overview based on their official rental terms and conditions. If you’re wondering “Does Lyft Have A Car Rental And Or Leasing Program?”, the answer is yes, Lyft does offer a rental program, although it’s structured as a rental service rather than a traditional leasing program. This guide will explore the key aspects of Lyft’s rental service to help you understand how it works and whether it meets your transportation needs.
Understanding the Lyft Rental Agreement
When you rent a vehicle through Lyft, you enter into a “Rental Agreement” with Lyft Center, Inc. This agreement is formed by several documents including the Lyft Center, Inc. Vehicle Rental Terms and Conditions, other transaction documents, and a return record detailing fees and charges. It’s crucial to understand that this rental is a transfer of vehicle possession for the rental period, not a transfer of ownership.
Lyft utilizes its app for program access. Once your enrollment in the Lyft rental program is approved, you can use the Lyft App to reserve vehicles. The app allows you to select the start and end dates and times for your rental. Membership can be terminated at any time.
You, as the renter, confirm that you are the driver making the reservation, have provided accurate driver information, and are using a credit or debit card in your name for reservation and payment. Lyft retains the right to modify the Rental Agreement terms, with changes applicable to rentals reserved after notification, either written or posted on their website.
Vehicle Details in Lyft Rentals
The term “vehicle” in the Lyft Rental Agreement encompasses the rented car and any replacement vehicle, including tires, tools, equipment, accessories, license plates, and vehicle documents present in the car.
Who is Authorized to Drive a Lyft Rental Vehicle?
Driving a Lyft rental vehicle is restricted to “authorized drivers”. Unless specific legal provisions state otherwise, authorized drivers are limited to:
- You, the renter.
- Your spouse.
- Your employer or coworker if engaged in a business activity with you.
- Any additional driver you explicitly authorize and add to the vehicle reservation at or before vehicle pickup.
All authorized drivers must be at least 22 years old, possess a valid driver’s license in good standing, and be capable and qualified drivers. Lyft may impose charges for drivers under 25 and/or each additional authorized driver. Lyft reserves the right to verify driver’s license validity and standing and can refuse rental or terminate membership for reasons including license suspension, failure to provide necessary documentation, past due payments, or previous rental issues like vehicle repossession, damage, excessive cleaning fees, prohibited use, or excessive cancellations.
Rental Charges and Fees Explained
Lyft rental charges encompass various aspects of the rental service, ensuring transparency in billing.
1. Rental Charges
Payment must be made using a credit or debit card in your name. Charges are based on mileage and rental duration, calculated at the rate specified in your rental document. A 24-hour day is the minimum charge, plus mileage if applicable. Mileage is determined by the vehicle’s odometer. Daily charges are applied in 24-hour periods from the rental start time. Additional charges may include:
- Early or late returns
- Additional or underage drivers (except in California for additional drivers)
- Optional products and services like car seats
- Airport and other facility fees, taxes, and surcharges
2. Late Return Additional Charges
Rentals are based on a 24-hour period. Returning the vehicle within 59 minutes past the 24-hour mark incurs no extra charge. However, returns exceeding 59 minutes late will result in an additional daily rental rate plus 100% of charges for additional products/services and miscellaneous charges for each 24-hour period past the scheduled return time.
3. No Show Fee
A $50 no-show fee is applied for failing to pick up the vehicle at the reserved time. To avoid this, reservations must be canceled at least 24 hours in advance. If a reservation is made within 24 hours of pickup, cancellation still avoids the fee.
4. Fuel Service Charge
Vehicles are provided with a full fuel tank and renters are requested to return them full. If the vehicle is returned with less fuel, a fuel service charge will be applied based on the fuel needed to refill the tank and the prevailing per-gallon fuel price at the rental location.
5. Cleaning Fees
Lyft maintains a smoke-free and clean fleet. Renters are expected to return vehicles in the same condition. Cleaning fees up to $300 may be charged for interiors and exteriors requiring cleaning due to stains, odors (including smoke), dirt, or soil from animals, pets, or other vehicle uses.
6. Key and Owner’s Manual Replacement Costs
Renters are responsible for replacing lost or damaged keys. Failure to return functional keys also incurs replacement costs. Similarly, missing owner’s manuals will lead to replacement costs plus an administrative fee of up to $25.
7. Card Charge/Reserve
Renters authorize Lyft to charge their card for all rental charges, fees, and incidental costs. A security deposit, alongside estimated rental charges, may be reserved on the credit card. This hold may be adjusted if the reservation is changed. Excess reserve amounts are released upon rental completion, but card issuer processing times may vary.
8. Collections
Late payments incur a 1 1/2% monthly late charge on the overdue balance, or the maximum legal rate, whichever is lower. Renters also agree to cover collection costs, including court fees, attorney fees, and administrative fees up to $100, cost recovery expenses, insufficient funds fees, and collection agency fees. Lyft or its agents may use provided personal information for collection efforts and may report payment deficiencies to credit agencies.
9. Errors in Charges/Fees
Charges on the initial return record are not final and are subject to review. Undercharges will be collected, and overcharges may be refunded upon review by Lyft.
10. Taxes
Renters are responsible for all applicable taxes and additional charges detailed in the Rental Agreement, which may include surcharges and recovery fees to cover specific costs, as legally permitted.
11. Currency
All rental charges are in U.S. Dollars. International credit/debit card users may encounter currency conversion fees from their financial institutions.
Prohibited Uses of Lyft Rental Vehicles
Certain vehicle uses are strictly prohibited and violate the Rental Agreement. Violations can result in automatic rental termination and, where legally allowed, void liability protection and optional services. Renters may also be liable for penalties, fines, forfeitures, liens, recovery and storage costs, and legal expenses incurred by Lyft.
Prohibited uses include:
- Unauthorized Drivers: Operating or permitting operation by anyone not an authorized driver as defined in the agreement.
- Fraudulent Information: Use by anyone who provided false information, which would have prevented rental approval if accurate information had been provided.
- Impaired Driving: Operating under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any substance impairing judgment or driving ability.
- Commercial Use: Carrying persons or goods for hire, including ridesharing or gig economy platforms, or other commercial purposes.
- Towing/Pushing: Towing or pushing anything unless the vehicle is specifically equipped for it.
- Contests and Training: Use in speed tests, contests, or driver training activities.
- Off-Road Driving: Operating on unpaved roads.
- Felonious Conduct: Use in connection with activities chargeable as a felony.
- Mexico Operation: Operating the vehicle in Mexico.
- Reckless or Intentional Misuse: Operating in a reckless, willful, or intentional manner, including:
- Overloading beyond vehicle capacity or with illegal/dangerous materials.
- Exceeding passenger limits or without seatbelt use.
- Transporting children without proper child safety seats.
- Operating while texting, emailing, or using mobile devices.
- Driving with warning lights on or with known mechanical issues likely to cause damage.
Furthermore, violations occur if the renter or any authorized driver:
- Failure to Report Damage/Theft: Fails to immediately report vehicle damage or theft to Lyft and local police.
- Accident Report Failure: Fails to provide a comprehensive written accident report at the scene or cooperate with investigations.
- Claim Process Non-Cooperation: Fails to cooperate with Lyft in any claim process or legal proceedings.
- Negligence in Vehicle Security: Fails to secure the vehicle by removing keys (excluding valet), locking doors, and closing windows/trunk, leading to theft or vandalism.
- Smoking/Vaping: Allows smoking or vaping in the vehicle.
- Drowsy Driving: Drives while too sleepy or drowsy to operate safely.
- Late Return/Failure to Return: Fails to return the vehicle on time, upon Lyft’s demand, or as per an agreed extension.
Returning Your Lyft Rental Vehicle
You are required to return the Lyft rental vehicle in the same condition it was received, on the agreed date, time, and location specified in the rental document. Vehicle return is mandatory upon Lyft’s demand.
1. Consequences for Late Return
Failing to return the vehicle as agreed or demanded constitutes a Rental Agreement violation and unlawful vehicle possession. This may lead to legal action, including arrest warrants, as unauthorized vehicle possession is often a crime punishable by fines and/or imprisonment.
2. Fees for Late or Early Return
Returning the vehicle early or late may result in adjusted rental rates. Late returns can incur late return fees. Returning the vehicle when the rental location is closed is sometimes permitted, but responsibility for vehicle condition and accruing charges continues until the location reopens and Lyft regains possession and checks the vehicle. If the vehicle is not found upon reopening, your responsibility continues until actual return or recovery.
3. Extension of Rental Period
Rental extensions must be requested before the scheduled return date by contacting Lyft or modifying the reservation online. Extensions are subject to Lyft’s approval and may involve different rates and service fees.
4. Place for Return of the Vehicle
Vehicles must be returned to the Lyft rental location specified in the Rental Agreement. Returning to a different location may incur a one-way service fee. Unauthorized returns to different locations will result in applicable fees.
5. Condition of the Vehicle Upon Rental and Return
You are required to inspect the vehicle for damage before leaving the rental location and report any pre-existing damage. The vehicle must be returned in the same condition, barring normal wear and tear.
Repossessing a Lyft Rental Vehicle
Lyft reserves the right to repossess the vehicle at any time without prior notice if it is illegally parked, used unlawfully or against the Rental Agreement terms, or appears abandoned. All repossession costs are the renter’s responsibility.
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) Explained
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or “Cover the Car” is optional and not insurance. If offered and accepted, CDW requires a daily fee for each rental day. With CDW and compliance with the Rental Agreement, Lyft waives responsibility for loss or damage to the vehicle, except for damages from prohibited uses specified in Section 4 of the Rental Agreement, where permitted by law. State-specific provisions may further define CDW terms.
Responsibility for Loss or Damage to the Lyft Rental Vehicle
Without CDW, or with CDW but damage resulting from prohibited use, you are responsible for all vehicle loss or damage, regardless of fault, plus Lyft’s Incidental Costs where legally permissible.
1. Damages to Vehicle
For vehicle damage, you will pay for repair costs or the difference between the vehicle’s fair market value before damage and sale proceeds if Lyft sells it damaged. You may also be liable for:
- Loss of vehicle use (repair time multiplied by daily rental rate minus saved expenses).
- Diminished vehicle value (difference in fair market value before and after damage).
- Towing, storage, and impound charges, and related expenses (“Incidental Costs”).
- An administrative fee up to $150.
2. Vehicle Theft
If the vehicle is stolen and unrecovered within 30 days, you will pay its fair market value before theft, plus an administrative fee up to $150, depending on claim value.
3. Insurance Procedures
If your insurance covers your responsibility, you must provide insurer details and authorize Lyft to claim against your policy. You remain liable for amounts exceeding insurance coverage and for deductibles.
4. Credit Card Company Procedures
If using a credit card and declining CDW, and you believe your Credit Card Issuer covers vehicle damage, you must provide Credit Card Issuer details and authorize Lyft to resolve damage disputes with them. You are responsible for costs not covered by your Credit Card Issuer.
Liability Insurance/Protection in Lyft Rentals
You are responsible for all damages or losses you cause to yourself, the rental vehicle, and others. You are expected to have auto liability, collision, and comprehensive insurance. Where state law mandates Lyft to provide liability insurance, it is secondary to your own insurance unless legally required to be primary. Lyft-provided insurance covers “bodily injury” or “property damage” caused to others by an authorized driver, meeting minimum financial responsibility limits. It does not cover the authorized driver’s own “bodily injury” or “property damage.” Supplemental liability insurance (SLI) may be available for purchase.
Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI)
Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI) offers additional liability coverage and can be purchased during rental. SLI is provided by an independent insurance company, with its own terms, conditions, costs, coverage amounts, restrictions, and exclusions, detailed in a separate SLI brochure available from Lyft. Lyft has no control over SLI terms or claims administration and bears no responsibility regarding SLI coverage.
Personal Articles Coverage (PAC)
Personal Articles Coverage (PAC) for personal belongings can be purchased. PAC is also provided by an independent insurer with its own terms, conditions, costs, coverage amounts, restrictions, and exclusions, detailed in a PAC brochure from Lyft. Lyft has no control over PAC terms or claims processing.
Personal Injury Coverage (PIC)
Personal Injury Coverage (PIC) may be available for purchase. PIC is also offered by an independent insurance company, with details in a PIC brochure. Lyft is not responsible for PIC terms or claims.
Waiver of Liability Insurance/Protection
To the maximum legal extent, Lyft does not provide and both Lyft and the renter waive coverage for:
- Renter’s death, bodily injury, or property damage within the vehicle.
- Death, bodily injury, or property damage of family members of the renter or driver, or fellow employees.
- Supplementary no-fault, non-compulsory uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, or other optional coverages.
Where legally required, coverage limits will be the minimum financial limits mandated by law.
Voiding of Rental, Optional Services, and Insurance Coverages
Violation of the Rental Agreement, such as unauthorized drivers or prohibited uses, automatically terminates the rental and voids all liability protection and optional services, including CDW, SLI, PAC, and PIC, to the extent permitted by state law.
Lost or Damaged Property Responsibility
Lyft is not responsible for loss or damage to personal property in the vehicle, service vehicles, or Lyft premises, regardless of receipt or handling by Lyft. Vehicles may have infotainment systems that can pair with mobile devices and download personal data. It is the renter’s responsibility to delete personal information from the vehicle system. Lyft is not responsible for data privacy after vehicle return.
e-Toll and Traffic/Parking Violations
Renters are liable for all tolls and traffic/parking violations incurred during the rental period. Payment options for tolls include personal transponders, cash lanes, or route planning to avoid tolls. Failure to pay tolls via these methods automatically enrolls renters in Lyft’s toll service, incurring toll charges plus administrative fees. Lyft may also transfer violation liability to the renter, with administrative fees. Renters authorize Lyft to share rental and billing information with toll processors and charging authorities.
Indemnification and Waiver
Renters agree to indemnify, defend, and hold Lyft harmless from all losses, liabilities, damages, injuries, claims, demands, costs, attorney fees, and expenses related to the rental transaction, vehicle use, or breach of the Rental Agreement. This includes claims from third parties. While renters may claim from their insurance, they bear ultimate responsibility to Lyft for all losses. To the extent permitted by law, renters waive claims against Lyft for incidental, special, or consequential damages related to the rental.
Arbitration and Dispute Resolution
Disputes are subject to a pre-dispute resolution process involving written notice and good-faith efforts to resolve issues 30 days before initiating proceedings. Unresolved disputes are settled via binding arbitration through the American Arbitration Association (AAA), waiving rights to court resolution by judge or jury and Class Action. Arbitration is individual, not class-action based. Small claims and personal injury/vehicle damage claims are exempt from arbitration.
Roadside Assistance
For roadside assistance or customer service, renters should call (833) 767-LYFT. For emergencies, dial “911”.
GPS, Telematics, and Event Data Recorders
Vehicles may be equipped with GPS, telematics systems, and event data recorders (EDR). Renters authorize remote monitoring of vehicle use, including location, odometer, fuel level, and diagnostic data, to the extent permitted by law. This data can be used for vehicle tracking, recovery, and law enforcement requests. Lyft may disable the vehicle if necessary, including for Rental Agreement breaches. There is no privacy expectation regarding vehicle use. Renters must inform all drivers and passengers about these systems and data collection. Lyft is not responsible for telematics system operability or data accuracy and is indemnified against damages arising from system failures. In California, electronic surveillance may be activated for vehicles unreturned 72 hours after the due date.
Communications from Lyft
By entering the Rental Agreement, renters agree to receive communications from Lyft via email, text, calls, and push notifications, including operational, promotional, and news updates. Standard text messaging charges apply. Opt-out options for promotional emails are provided in emails. Opt-out for promotional calls/texts is via texting “END” to 46080. Opting out of all texts/calls, including operational ones, is possible by texting “STOPALL” to 46080, but may affect platform and service use.
Child Safety Seats
Child safety seats can be rented from Lyft or renters can use their own. Renters are solely responsible for inspecting and properly installing child seats, whether rented or personal. Manufacturer instructions are available upon request for rented seats, but proper installation and use remain the renter’s responsibility.
Business Travel Benefits
Lyft Business Profile users may receive extra benefits depending on their employer’s relationship with Lyft and the rental purpose. “Business Trip” rentals, exclusively for business activities, may qualify for Collision Damage Waiver and “Business Insurance,” which includes primary liability coverage up to specified limits. “Business Insurance” is void if the rental is deemed non-business related by Lyft or its insurer.
Miscellaneous Terms
Lyft’s failure to enforce any term is not a waiver of rights. Agreement terms are severable; if one part is invalid, others remain effective. California law governs the Rental Agreement to the extent permitted by law. Prevailing parties in legal proceedings are entitled to cost and attorney fee reimbursement. Lyft’s privacy policy is available on their website.
State and Local Provisions
Specific state and local laws may modify the general terms. For example, Arizona terms clarify insurance responsibility and legal consequences for failing to return the vehicle. California provisions detail renter responsibility for vehicle damage, notice about financial responsibility and damage waivers, child restraint system laws, and warnings about vehicle chemicals and theft prevention in San Francisco. Illinois terms detail Collision Damage Waiver conditions, renter responsibility for damage or loss based on vehicle MSRP, and notices about tolling devices and estimated rental rates. New York provisions outline renter damage/loss responsibility, Optional Vehicle Protection (OVP) conditions and voiding scenarios, damage reporting requirements, theft reporting, anti-discrimination notices, child restraint laws, and reservation honoring rules.
In conclusion, Lyft offers a car rental program governed by a detailed Rental Agreement. Understanding these terms is essential for anyone considering renting a vehicle through Lyft. While Lyft is primarily known for ride-sharing, their rental service provides an alternative transportation option with its own set of rules, responsibilities, and protections. For anyone asking, “does Lyft have a car rental and or leasing program?”, it’s clear they have a rental program with specific terms outlined in their agreement, not a leasing program. Always refer to the official Lyft Rental Agreement for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
