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Looking for an Uber inspection near you?
Uber has a 19-Point Inspection list, which you must pass before driving for the rideshare company. And mind you, passing this inspection is not always easy, especially if you go for an inspection unprepared.
Failing the inspection leads to wasting your time plus a good $20 or more. Want to pass the Uber inspection? Of course you do!
In the following sections, we provide some tips about how to prepare your vehicle for an Uber inspection.
We also have a guides on the most common mistakes drivers make that cause them to fail a vehicle inspection as well as step by step instructions for passing it with flying colors.
Working as an Uber or Lyft driver is not as easy as it sounds.
There are several prerequisites that you need to pass before you can start driving. One of those requirements is passing the Uber inspection.
Uber won’t allow just any car to tread the road under their banner.
Most of this is because great customer service is crucial to Uber, and unsafe cars could cause harm or liability to passengers and drivers.
So, Uber needs to inspect and verify that every vehicle is safe before it can formally be used as part of the Uber service.
Uber may demand a car inspection, depending on your state you'll be driving in.
Regardless of the State in which you will be working, you must meet the vehicle requirements.
You can't become an Uber driver until you satisfy the qualifications and pass the test, but passing the inspection doesn't have to be a hassle. Uber does these inspections every year.
Uber Inspection 2021 Requirements
Uber has a 19-Point Vehicle Inspection itinerary that every partnered mechanic must check and verify.
And you need to look for certified Uber inspection centers, rather than just going to any random mechanic's shop.
To find them, try using the search phrase "Uber inspections near me."
For helping the Uber drivers ensure a smooth inspection process, Uber has set up Greenlight Hubs and partnered with respected auto shops across the country (find a complete list below).
The 19-Point Uber Inspection list comprises things like front lights, wipers, horn, tires, windows, air conditioning, etc.
As mechanics complete parts of the inspection, they will mark the stamp over PASS on the inspection form on each individual point that meets the required standard.
Although 19 items may seem like a lot, you won't have to worry about a lengthy inspection. It is a pretty quick process.
It should take about 30 minutes for a mechanic to conduct an inspection.
What Does Uber Look for When They Inspect Vehicles?
Uber wants to make sure that you and your passengers are safe. Uber wants to know two things about your car:
- Is your car safe to drive?
- Will your passengers enjoy their ride while experiencing the amenities that come with the car?
As a result, an Uber car inspection requires that you think about all of your automobile's safety and mechanical components that make it safe to drive.
Mechanical concerns, visual damage, and safety systems are all checked during the examination.
In order for your car to pass, you must meet all 19 vehicle inspection points.
If you don't meet all of the 19 requirements, you'll fail your inspection. If you fail, you can do another inspection, but obviously you'll want to address the failed points before trying again.
Here are some reasons why your trip to an Uber inspection might lead to a dud journey.
- Old Car: Uber cars must be less than ten years old. Starting from the current year, count to 10 backwards. If your car is older than 10 years, it will not pass inspection.
- Payload Capacity: Uber needs a minimum of four people to be able to ride safely in your car. UberX is the most popular Uber service. This service also requires that you use a vehicle with a seating capacity of four or more passengers.
- No Insurance: Even if your vehicle passes all other inspection points, Uber will reject it if your complete name is not on the insurance policy.
- Dents in the Car: This can be a bit unfair because not every dent is the fault of the driver, but apparently, Uber won’t allow you to drive if you have a denty car, because it makes them think that you are a bad driver. A minor blemish here and there may not be an issue, but anything that leads the inspectors to believe you are a bad driver can result in your automobile being denied.
- Salvage automobiles: Uber is concerned about the safety of its passengers. After a big accident, a car that has been reconstructed using parts from other automobiles may not be safe, and the inspectors will reject it.
- Categorical Limitations: Uber has different categories of cars that can be listed on its platform, and some models are completely banned. For instance, Uber XL cars must be able to seat six passengers at minimum. Additionally, an Uber Plus car must be a luxury car like BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, etc. Uber Black cars must have been registered in 2012 or after. Any car registered before then won’t pass the inspection.
- Not Listed on Approved List: Some cities or states have a list of permitted car models. Before you take your vehicle in for inspection, you may want double-check that list.
- Interior Damage: If the car under inspection has interior damage like torn seat fabric or damaged dashboards, etc. it will be rejected.
- Paint Issues: Chipped or damaged car paint projects a bad image on Uber and its service and makes the car look ugly. As a result, the car won’t pass inspection.
- Record of Accidents: A car that has been in several accidents indicates that either the driver is inattentive or that the vehicle's safety compliance is in question. This alone will cause it to be rejected.
- Incomplete Documents: Uber may dismiss your car if your driver's documents are incomplete or insufficient.
- Car Features are not Working Properly: Suppose a passenger gets into the car but is unable to leave because the door lock won’t work or you have to open it from the outside. In a case like this, it won’t pass inspection. If the mechanic finds any such issues, the car will be rejected.
The list of features and functions extends to wipers, tail lights, indicator lights, brakes, exhaust system, air conditioning, tires, seat belts, windows, rear, and front shield, etc. You get the idea.
The purpose of having these inspection metrics is to reduce the number of fatalities caused by Uber drivers.
And if we are to believe the Uber Report, this has worked.
The number of Uber-related fatalities decreased from 0.59 per 100 million miles traveled in 2017 to 0.57 per 100 million miles in 2018.
The purpose of the inspection is to make sure that Uber rides are passenger friendly and safe. In any instance, Uber doesn’t want its customers and your passengers to ride in a damaged vehicle and to compromise on their riding experience.
Because Uber has such a comprehensive vehicle inspection system, it is better to go prepared. Read on to know how to prepare for a Uber inspection near you.
How to Prepare for an Uber Inspection?
It's easy to get your car ready for ridesharing services like Uber, but some things should be checked ahead of the inspection.
There are numerous advantages to rideshare driving, including the ability to choose your own schedule, meet new people, and effectively be your own employer. To me, this sounds like a great deal.
But everything comes after passing the vehicle inspection. In addition to the points you see above regarding why cars can fail an inspection, it will help to pay attention to the following aspects.
Clean the Car Thoroughly: Before the inspection, make sure your car is absolutely clean. Is it required to be spotless? No, but it should be as clean as possible. You will be driving for strangers, so keep in mind the experience they'll have when riding.
Remove everything from your automobile, including the trunk, that is garbage, or is unnecessary.
The interior should be carefully vacuumed and wiped down. Remove all the stains from the seat and floor upholstery and from the exterior.
Cosmetic Cleaning: A cosmetic assessment for faults is also included in the inspection.
Although cosmetic damage requirements differ by market, your car should be free of substantial damage, such as visible dents and extensive areas of faded paint. Small chips and dings should be fine.
Documents Check: Before going to the inspection make sure that you have the required documents for the car and for yourself.
So, things like a driver's license are essential. After checking the car, you will need to pass a background check. The purpose is to ensure that you have not been in accidents or have a criminal record.
In any case, you should not think about faking or skipping the inspection. Because Uber is strict about these things and they will deactivate your account if they discover that you don't have a road-ready vehicle.
How to Pass Your Uber Inspection
Passing an Uber inspection by visiting a Greenlight Hub or an approved mechanic is required.
Here, you will find more information about the inspection, which often start with searching for an "Uber inspection near me."
If you get an Uber car inspection at an Uber Greenlight Hub, it's free. Otherwise, an Uber partner like Jiffy Lube or Firestone can inspect your vehicle. This could cost you anything between $20 and $30.
If you'd rather go the free route, sign in at Uber and visit the Help page to find the closest Greenlight Hub site in your region and schedule an appointment.
If there are no Greenlight Hubs or Uber partners in your area, you can have the inspection done at an Uber-approved mechanic. Uber will give you an inspection form to fill out and bring with you.
What’s an Uber Inspection Form?
This is like an entry pass into the Uber Greenlight Hub or into a mechanic’s shop.
You will get a form at the Greenlight Hub, but don’t expect to get one from a mechanic’s shop.
So, it's better to print out a form and take it along. Download the Uber inspection form.
Read over every point in the form. These are the things an inspection mechanic will check along with the other details of the car.
An Uber inspection may be simple but you shouldn’t take it lightly.
Uber Vehicle Inspection Cost
If you go via a Greenlight Hub location, Uber inspections are free. Third-party mechanics, on the other hand, charge a fee.
Also note that these expenses are not covered by Uber.
They also won't contribute to any necessary repairs or maintenance for your car to pass the test.
Best Place to Get an Uber Inspection
You will need to visit a Greenlight Hub or book an appointment an Uber-approved/partner auto shop.
Remember to carry your form along.
Uber Greenlight Hub
Getting an inspection at an Uber Greenlight Hub is the same as getting an inspection at a regular car shop.
A certified car inspection mechanic will assess your vehicle and stamp it pass or fail according to the outcome.
You can obtain a free Uber inspection if you visit one of their Hubs.
Make sure to double-check your information based on your exact area. Appointments are not accepted at Greenlight Hubs.
The biggest advantage is that it is free for Uber drivers, and the inspectors are familiar with Uber's requirements.
At a Mechanic Shop
Uber allows vehicle inspections in collaboration with reputed mechanic shops in every city.
If you go to a local store, be sure to print the form and carry it with you.
They aren't going to have it on hand. You'll be able to schedule an appointment at a nearby store. There are a lot of them all around the United States, which is a great plus for some people.
It will cost you money to get the inspection done at a shop.
For this examination, each shop may charge a different price, so do your research and compare your options.
Keep in mind that any issues discovered during the inspection will cost you money to resolve.
Because you must pass all of the areas on the checklist, failing even one will result in a second inspection once the problem has been resolved.
Here is a list of the best places in the country to get an Uber Inspection.
What if you Fail an Uber Inspection?
An Uber vehicle inspection shouldn’t take more than half an hour. You'll quickly get to know if the car has passed or failed.
If the mechanic tells you that your inspection failed, they will give a reason. If the fault is minor, such as one of your brake lights or headlights being out, you can get it serviced the same day and then return to the Greenlight center or mechanic shop to confirm that the problem has been rectified.
If you can't fix it right immediately, you'll have to arrange another appointment for the second inspection. But the cost of the inspection must be paid again.
After failing a first inspection, you should take the initiative to have your vehicle repaired, and you can even ask the mechanic for recommendations.
Tips For Speedy Uber Vehicle Inspection
To experience a speedy inspection be sure to visit the Greenlight Hub during the day and preferably early on a weekday. This way you’ll get a faster reception.
You may always request that your paper inspection document be given back.
It’s a longshot, but some people on Reddit have claimed to have used the same form for Uber and Lyft. Lyft charges around $20 for one inspection.
You can also try to ask for the inspection form back after the Lyft vehicle inspection or vice versa.
So, give it a try and see it happens. Beware that if your car has issues this can also mean getting rejected in both inspections.
Fill out your form ahead of time. Enter your name, address, and other information before getting in line or while waiting in line.
This way, once the technicians have finished inspecting your vehicle and filling out the paperwork, you can just hand it over to the Uber representatives to scan and be on your way.
Now that we've covered all the relevant questions regarding your future "Uber inspection near me" query, listed below are the locations of Greenlight Hubs and mechanics you can visit.
Conclusion
Getting your Uber inspected by a professional is essential to getting started as a driver with the company. The fact that Uber wants you to take this inspection every year means they are serious about your car’s appearance, maintenance and safety.
And this is understandable, given that Uber is a customer service business.
When you take a rider you are a representative of Uber, and the company expects your car to meet a minimum standard. To ensure this, Uber needs to inspect and approve your car for services annually.
