So, you're thinking about driving for Lyft and wondering about the ins and outs of renting a car, right? Specifically, you've probably come across 'Flexdrive' and 'Lyft' in the same breath, and maybe you're curious about how that works, especially when it comes to your personal driving.
It's a pretty common question, and honestly, it's a smart one to ask. When you're renting a car through Lyft's Express Drive program, which partners with companies like Flexdrive, Avis, and Hertz, you're not just getting a vehicle for your rideshare hustle. You get to use it for your own life too. That's where the 'personal mileage plans' come into play, and they're a pretty neat feature.
Think of it this way: when you're logged into the Lyft Driver app and actively giving rides, those miles are generally covered. They don't eat into your personal allowance. But what about when you're running errands, visiting friends, or just heading to the grocery store with the Lyft app off? Those are your personal miles, and Lyft understands you'll rack those up too.
With Flexdrive (and other Express Drive partners), you get to choose a personal mileage plan when you first sign up. This plan essentially sets a limit on how many miles you can drive for personal use each week. For instance, you might opt for a plan that gives you 250 personal miles per week. The cool part is, the miles you drive while working for Lyft don't count against this personal limit. So, if you drive 75 miles for Lyft in a week and your plan is 250 personal miles, you still have your full 250 personal miles available.
How do they keep track? Well, when you're not in 'Driver Mode,' the vehicle's activity is monitored to track those personal miles. You can easily check your usage right from the Lyft Driver app – just swipe up on the main screen when you're not driving for Lyft. It’s pretty straightforward.
Now, what if your needs change? You can't switch your personal mileage plan mid-week, which makes sense – it keeps things consistent for that current rental period. But for the following week, you have the flexibility to adjust it. You can do this in the 'Your Vehicles' tab within the app. This means if you know you'll be doing a lot more personal driving one week, you can switch to a plan that accommodates that, and vice versa.
It's worth noting that the Express Drive program itself is available in a good number of U.S. cities through Flexdrive, Avis, and Hertz. You'll need to meet Lyft's driver requirements, including being 25 or older, and there's a minimum number of rides you'll need to complete each week to keep your rental active. This minimum can vary by region, and your first week's requirement is often prorated, which is a nice touch.
Ultimately, the Flexdrive personal mileage plan is about giving drivers a bit more freedom and predictability. It acknowledges that your life doesn't stop when you're not actively earning with Lyft, and it provides a structured way to manage your personal use of the rental vehicle without unexpected charges.