Getaround Key Exchange owner success guide

Article updated on 05/10/2024

Currently, this program is only available in Florida, Atlanta and Denver.

Key exchange rentals: What to expect before and during a rental

When a driver sends a booking request

  • Make sure you accept it as quickly as possible. Drivers may request up to 3 vehicles at a time. Prompt responses will help you secure the booking.

  • You’ll receive a message via email and push notification for every booking request.

  • After you’ve accepted a booking request, the rental will not be confirmed until the driver pays for and confirms the rental.

  • Message the driver in the app to confirm the meeting place. Choose a well-lit, easy-to-find, and safe location.

When the trip is about to begin

  • Be prompt at check-in. In the unlikely event that drivers are over an hour late, you’ll be paid in full for the rental.

  • Confirm the main driver’s license has the same first and last name, license number, and 'Valid from' date as the booking agreement.

  • Inspect the driver’s bank or credit card and confirm it has the same first and last name as on the agreement.

  • Conduct a walkaround inspection and make sure the driver signs the rental agreement in the app.

If something happens during the rental

  • During your driver’s trip, your car and its occupants are covered by our insurance, with a range of protection plans available to the driver at checkout.

  • In case of an accident, the driver can contact our roadside assistance. Our Trust & Safety agents are available 24/7.

When the trip is about to end

  • If a driver needs to extend their trip, they can send a request directly in the Getaround app. You'll then need to approve their request, otherwise the rental won't be extended or modified.

  • If you decline an extension request, or the driver isn't able to extend the rental, the driver will have to return the vehicle at the date and hour originally planned.

  • For extensions, the rental agreement doesn't need to be updated — the original is still valid.

Ending the rental

  • Agree with the driver on a check-out location. The rental ends automatically at the check-out time booked.

  • Rental agreement must be signed in the app by both parties at checkout. The driver's signature is required for insurance purposes.

  • If a driver returns your car with less fuel, or exceeds mileage limits, you'll be reimbursed for the difference. If the car is returned with more fuel than the beginning of the trip, the cost difference is deducted from your earnings so the driver can be refunded.

  • The price update at the end of the rental must be applied when the check-out agreement is signed on the mobile app.

All owners: What to expect after a rental is complete

Getting paid

  • Owners are required to submit banking info, so that we can send your payouts via direct deposit.

If you’re operating a registered business or LLC, register here to ensure proper invoicing and tax compliance.

If you intend to receive direct deposit payments to a bank account registered to an individual (not a business entity), please register here.

  • From there, transfers to your bank account are automatically sent on the 15th of each month.

  • If you earn enough through carsharing, you may receive a 1099 tax form from Getaround. Learn more about taxes.

Reporting claims and requesting additional charges

  • If your vehicle is damaged during a trip, follow these steps to use the in-app form to report a claim. Your claim must be supported with check-in and check-out photos.

  • You have 48 hours after a trip ends to request compensation for cleaning fees, excess mileage, or late check-out. This can be done directly from the app.

  • Drivers must return the vehicle clean, and compensation may be charged for excessive mess. Learn more about compensation levels here.

  • If you request compensation for cleaning, make sure to clean the car before your next rental. If the compensation request is for distant check-out, make sure to move the car back to the listing address before your next rental.

Make your listing stand out

Upload quality photos

The easiest way to capture a potential driver’s attention is to take good photos of your car. We've highlighted a few of our favorite photography tips below, but be sure to check out our complete guide to uploading car photos in the Help Center.

  • Clean the exterior and interior of your vehicle prior to the car photo shoot. Remove all personal belongings from your car.

  • Take all photos horizontally, with a 4:3 aspect ratio in mind.

  • Ensure there are no visible parking restrictions, people, or other cars in the background.

Park your car in a high-demand home location

Proximity is one of the primary determining factors for drivers searching for cars to book. Consider locating your vehicle near a transit center, in a downtown area, dense neighborhood, or other areas with high foot traffic. Drivers often choose the car that is most accessible to them.

Make your vehicle available during busy times

In general, the more hours your car is available to be booked, the greater that vehicle's carsharing earning potential. It's more likely your car will show up in driver searches when you make it available for long, uninterrupted chunks of time.

Remember: There is more rental demand for shared cars on weekends, holidays, and commuting hours.

Deliver a great driver experience

Keep your car clean and safe

Check your car after each rental, and clean the interior if necessary. Little things go a long way — shake out the floor mats, wipe down the dashboard, etc. On the occasion a driver fails to return your car in a reasonably clean condition, you can request cleaning fees from your owner dashboard.

It's also important to regularly perform routine maintenance and safety checks. Whenever possible, inspect the tire pressure, check fluid levels, and confirm no warning lights are on inside the vehicle.

Click here to learn more about how maintaining your vehicle can help you earn repeat bookings from drivers.

Make it easy for drivers

Minimize confusion among drivers by providing clear and detailed instructions for accessing and returning your car. If you drive your car between bookings, be sure to park it at the exact address mentioned in your listing (or within a quarter mile radius for on-street parking).

Honor your commitments

Keep your availability calendar up to date to avoid having to cancel any bookings. You can also set personalized rental conditions — such as a minimum booking lead time of 24 hours or a maximum booking notice of 3 months — to make it easier for you to manage your car's schedule.

Enable your notifications, so that you’ll know immediately when you receive a booking request. We suggest that you accept these within 24 hours, to prevent drivers from booking with another owner.

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