Everyday wear and tear on cars by people who only drive to work and home can add up quickly. And when your car is providing many of those same trips every single day, with dozens of passengers, that damage can grow exponentially.
"I wish I would have known how much damage customers were going to do to my vehicle and the wear and tear and how much it would cost to maintain it," Barb M., a driver in Michigan, told Business Insider. "If you're not having a good week the gas and maintenance alone can blow all your profit."
Sometimes, damage can easily top Uber's $250 credit for repairs and cleaning, multiple drivers said. If a ride isn't currently in progress, Uber's third-party insurance providers likely won't provide coverage.
"I was surprised to learn about this after an accident," Nick, a driver in Washington DC, said. "Now I'm stuck paying out of pocket for something I thought the insurance I pay for would cover."