Renting a car can be expensive and inconvenient, especially if you only need one occasionally. That’s where car sharing services like Getaround and HyreCar come in. These platforms allow car owners to rent out their personal vehicles to others in need of temporary transportation.
Both Getaround and HyreCar provide easy access to cars on demand, but they have some key differences when it comes to policies, fees, availability, and more.
This comprehensive guide examines the pros and cons of using Getaround versus HyreCar so you can decide which option best fits your needs.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Getaround | HyreCar |
| Pricing | Hourly and daily rates; lower overall costs | Owners set prices; rates can be higher |
| Availability | Large network; hundreds of US cities | Smaller inventory; dozen metro areas |
| Insurance | Comprehensive coverage included | Owners provide commercial insurance |
| Owner Earnings | 60% commission; no monthly fees | 70-85% commission; monthly platform fees |
| Renter Requirements | Extensive background checks | Basic background checks |
| Vehicle Requirements | 2005 or newer; strict condition standards | 2005 or newer; no condition rules |
| Booking Experience | Instant booking & access via app | Owner coordination for pickup & dropoff |
| Support | 24/7 via app, email, phone | Business hours only; slower response times |
Overview Of Getaround
Founded in 2009, Getaround is one of the largest and most established car sharing marketplaces. The peer-to-peer service is available in over 300 cities across the United States.
How it works: Car owners list their personal vehicles on the Getaround platform. Renters browse available listings, book the car they want, and unlock it using Getaround’s app. Insurance and 24/7 roadside assistance are included.
Fees: Getaround charges hourly ($5-15/hr) and daily ($40-80/day) rates that vary by vehicle type and location. There is also a one-time account sign up fee ($20-30). Owners earn 60% commission on every rental.
Requirements: To rent a car, you must be over 21 years old with a valid drivers license. Owners must have a vehicle that is a 2005 model or newer with under 125k miles.
Availability: Getaround has the largest network of available vehicles, from economy cars to luxury vehicles and SUVs. Larger metro areas have the most inventory.
Key benefits
- Huge selection of vehicles and wide availability
- Rental cars can be instantly booked and unlocked via the app
- All-inclusive insurance and roadside assistance
- Rates often cheaper than traditional rental companies
Overview Of HyreCar
Founded in 2014, HyreCar is a newer peer-to-peer car sharing company. It is currently available in select major cities in the U.S.
How it works: Like Getaround, owners list their personal cars on HyreCar to rent out. Renters book, pay, and access vehicles directly through the platform.
Fees HyreCar charges $9.95 booking fee plus 15-35% commission. Daily rates are set by owners and vary based on car type. Insurance is also bundled into the rental price.
Requirements: Renters must be 21+ with valid license and credit card. Vehicle requirements are similar to Getaround (2005 or newer, under 125k miles).
Availability: Since HyreCar is smaller, inventory is more limited than Getaround. But it still offers a range of economy to luxury vehicles.
Key benefits
- Convenient booking and rental process
- Competitive rates, often cheaper than rental car companies
- Mandatory insurance protects owners and renters
- Available across the U.S. in most major cities
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s do a deeper dive into the key differences between the two platforms:
Also Read: Is Sixt Better Than Turo?
Getaround And HyreCar: In-Depth Comparison Of Key Features
Rental Prices and Fees
When it comes to rental pricing, Getaround tends to be more affordable – especially for shorter bookings. Hourly rates start as low as $5/hour depending on the vehicle. Daily rates can be 50% or more cheaper than rental car companies.
HyreCar’s rental pricing is set by owners, so costs are variable. Overall, daily rates are competitive though not necessarily lower than Getaround.
Both services have extra fees like application/signup fees, insurance fees, late return fees, and penalties for damage. Getaround has slightly lower fees overall plus they offer unlimited mileage on rentals.
Winner: Getaround for the lowest rates and fees.
Availability and Selection
Getaround has a major advantage when it comes to availability. Since it’s in hundreds of cities across the U.S., there is likely ample inventory wherever you are located. Even within cities, Getaround has more options in terms of times and locations to pick up vehicles.
HyreCar has grown quickly but supply is still limited to around a dozen metro areas. Selection is inconsistent and varies widely between cities.
For exotic, specialty, or luxury vehicles, Getaround also has much more inventory – another advantage of its larger owner network.
Winner: Getaround for significantly more rental options nationwide.
Insurance and Liability Protection
Insurance is a major priority for owners and renters alike when using peer-to-peer services. Both Getaround and HyreCar provide insurance bundles with each rental to protect all parties.
Getaround has a comprehensive insurance policy. It combines commercial insurance with an additional policy that covers up to $1 million in damages. Owners pay a deductible in case of claims.
HyreCar also offers insurance up to $1 million but requires owners to maintain their own commercial policies. This puts more burden on owners. However, renters may have lower deductibles through HyreCar’s insurance plan.
Ultimately, Getaround takes the lead for simpler, more comprehensive insurance coverage.
Owner Earnings and Commissions
Car owners on both platforms keep 60-85% of rental earnings. Getaround owners make 60% by default. HyreCar owners earn between 70-85% since they can set their own rates.
With HyreCar, owners also pay a monthly fee for access to the platform. Getaround has no monthly fees – owners just pay the one-time signup cost.
HyreCar owners have the potential to offset platform fees and earn more by setting optimal pricing. But Getaround’s larger user base and lower fees make it easier for owners to get bookings.
For most owners, Getaround is the better option to maximize rental income.
Renter Requirements and Qualifications
To rent through either service, you must have a valid driver’s license and be over 21 years old. Getaround also requires renters to have a smartphone capable of running the mobile app.
Both platforms conduct DMV and background checks during signup. Getaround has a more extensive vetting process including credit checks and reviews of driving records.
Due to its more rigorous screening, Getaround tends to offer added peace of mind for owners allowing strangers to rent their cars.
Owner Vehicle Requirements
Owners on both platforms can only list personal vehicles that meet certain requirements:
- Model year 2005 or newer
- Fewer than 125,000 miles
- No commercial branding or taxi vehicles
Getaround has additional requirements around vehicle condition. Cars cannot have any cosmetic damage, missing parts, or modifications like lift kits. Tires, brakes, and battery must also be in good condition.
Getaround has stricter vehicle standards to provide better quality rental options for users.
User Experience and Technology
Getaround and HyreCar both offer convenient mobile apps for renters. But Getaround’s proprietary technology gives it a leg up. Users can instantly book and unlock cars using Getaround’s app – no need to meet owners for keys.
The app also has useful features like extended booking and cancellation, in-app support, and location services to find nearby rentals. Reviews are built into the platform to vet owners and renters.
HyreCar offers an easy booking process but renters and owners must exchange keys in person. Overall, Getaround provides a more streamlined, self-service rental experience.
Customer Support
Getaround provides 24/7 customer support via email, phone, and in-app messaging. Support response times are prompt and helpful according to reviews.
HyreCar offers customer support during regular business hours over email and phone. But some users report inconsistent and slow responses from HyreCar’s team.
Getaround is the safer bet for responsive, timely support for issues before, during, or after a rental.
Pros And Cons Of Getaround And HyreCar
Here’s a quick recap of the key pros and cons for Getaround and HyreCar:
Getaround
Pros:
- Lower prices and fees
- Larger vehicle selection and availability
- Excellent insurance protections
- Higher rental income potential for owners
- More rigorous renter vetting
- Advanced booking technology and features
- 24/7 customer support
Cons:
- Stricter vehicle requirements for owners
- Only available in the U.S.
HyreCar
Pros:
- Owners can set rental pricing
- Lower deductibles for renters
- No monthly fees for owners
Cons:
- Limited supply and availability
- Inconsistent pricing
- Weaker insurance protections
- Lower owner earnings potential
- Slower support
Overall, Getaround is the better option for most users – whether you’re looking to rent a car or have one to list. The size and scale of its network makes finding or listing a vehicle simple and affordable. From insurance to support and technology, Getaround generally provides a smoother peer-to-peer rental experience as well.
However, HyreCar may be worth considering if you want maximum rental income as an owner and don’t mind higher effort and fees. For renters looking for specific vehicle types or lower deductibles, it’s another alternative too.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
For owners, HyreCar can provide added income by renting your car out when you aren’t using it. But the platform does involve more fees, higher effort, and lower rental frequency compared to Getaround.
You also have to handle obtaining commercial insurance. Overall, Getaround tends to be more lucrative and easier for owners.
In early 2022, HyreCar announced it was pausing operations due to financial challenges from pandemic disruptions and increased insurance costs.
However, the company was able to secure funding to relaunch in select markets later in 2022. But the closure impacted owners and temporarily reduced renter access.
Getaround is the clear alternative to HyreCar. As the largest peer-to-peer car sharing platform, Getaround offers greater availability nationwide along with better features, pricing, and protections. Traditional rental car companies could also be an alternative but are less cost-effective for longer rentals.
No, Getaround and Turo are separate competing companies. Turo is also a peer-to-peer car sharing platform that works similarly.
But Getaround and Turo were founded independently and operate as distinct entities. Getaround maintains partnerships with Uber and other transportation providers.
Also Read: Choose Between Thrifty And Hertz.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to convenience, selection, and reliability, Getaround beats out HyreCar for both car renters and owners. Getaround continues to lead the peer-to-peer car sharing space thanks to its massive inventory, affordable rates, and stellar customer experience.
However, HyreCar still offers a viable alternative for some owners and renters. Assessing your specific needs and priorities can help determine if Getaround or HyreCar is the right fit. But for most situations, Getaround provides big advantages for your car sharing needs.