Got a car sitting in your driveway that’s not getting much use? You’re not alone. Millions of Americans own vehicles they rarely drive, whether due to remote work, city living, or simply having an extra car in the household. But here’s the good news: that idle asset can become a steady income stream.
From renting it out by the hour to transforming it into a mobile billboard, there are more ways than ever to make money from your used car. Some methods require minimal effort and can generate passive income, while others demand more involvement but offer higher returns. The key is finding the approach that matches your schedule, comfort level, and financial goals.
Whether you’re looking to offset your car payments, save for a vacation, or build an additional revenue stream, this guide will walk you through 12 proven strategies to monetize your vehicle. Let’s explore how you can turn those parked wheels into real dollars.
1. Rent It Out on Peer-to-Peer Car Sharing Platforms
Car sharing platforms like Turo, Getaround, and Zipcar have revolutionized how people monetize their vehicles. These services connect car owners with renters who need temporary transportation, similar to how Airbnb works for homes.
How it works: You create a listing with photos, set your availability and pricing, and the platform handles the booking process. Most platforms provide insurance coverage during rentals, though you’ll want to review the terms carefully.
Earning potential: Depending on your car’s make, model, and location, you could earn anywhere from $500 to $2,000+ per month. Luxury vehicles and SUVs typically command higher rates.
Best for: People who don’t use their car daily and live in urban or tourist-heavy areas where demand is high.
2. Drive for Rideshare Services
Uber and Lyft remain popular options for monetizing your vehicle, especially if you enjoy driving and meeting new people. The flexibility to set your own hours makes this an attractive side hustle.
How it works: After passing a background check and vehicle inspection, you can start accepting ride requests through the app. You earn money based on distance, time, and surge pricing during high-demand periods.
Earning potential: Rideshare drivers typically earn $15-$25 per hour before expenses, though this varies significantly by market and time of day.
Best for: People who want flexible scheduling and don’t mind frequent interaction with passengers.
3. Deliver Food or Packages
Food delivery services like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub, along with package delivery platforms like Amazon Flex and Instacart, offer another way to put your car to work.
How it works: You accept delivery requests through an app, pick up items from restaurants or warehouses, and drop them off at customers’ locations. Most platforms let you work whenever you want.
Earning potential: Delivery drivers typically make $12-$20 per hour, with tips often boosting earnings during busy meal times.
Best for: Those who prefer minimal customer interaction and like the predictability of pickup-to-dropoff tasks.
4. Advertise on Your Car
Turn your vehicle into a mobile billboard by partnering with companies that pay you to display advertisements while you drive your normal routes.
How it works: Companies like Wrapify, Carvertise, and StickerRide connect advertisers with drivers. After approval, they’ll wrap your car with branded graphics. You simply drive as usual, and the company tracks your mileage to calculate payments.
Earning potential: Depending on the campaign and how much you drive, you can earn $100-$500 per month. Full wraps typically pay more than partial decals.
Best for: People who drive regularly and don’t mind having advertisements on their vehicle for weeks or months at a time.
5. Offer Moving and Hauling Services
If you own a truck or van, you can capitalize on the constant demand for moving and hauling services through platforms like GoShare, Dolly, or TaskRabbit.
How it works: Customers request help moving furniture, appliances, or other large items. You provide the vehicle and muscle to get the job done.
Earning potential: Movers with vehicles can earn $30-$60+ per hour, especially for bigger jobs requiring heavy lifting.
Best for: Those with larger vehicles and the physical ability to handle moving tasks.
6. Rent Your Car for Events
Special events like weddings, proms, and photo shoots often require unique or luxury vehicles. If your car has character or style, you can rent it out for these occasions.
How it works: List your vehicle on specialty rental sites or reach out directly to event planners, photographers, and wedding coordinators in your area.
Earning potential: Event rentals can command premium rates, from $200-$1,000+ per day depending on the vehicle and event type.
Best for: Owners of classic cars, luxury vehicles, or distinctive models that photograph well.
7. Use Your Car for Mobile Billboards
Similar to car wrapping but more temporary, some companies pay drivers to display digital screens or magnetic signs on their vehicles for specific campaigns or routes.
How it works: Companies provide the advertising materials and specify routes or areas where they want visibility. You drive these routes and earn compensation based on completed trips.
Earning potential: Campaigns typically pay $50-$300 per campaign, with some ongoing opportunities available.
Best for: Drivers who frequent high-traffic areas or specific neighborhoods targeted by advertisers.
8. Start a Courier Service
Small businesses and individuals often need same-day delivery services for documents, packages, or specialty items that require careful handling.
How it works: You can work with established courier services or start your own local delivery business, marketing to medical offices, law firms, and retail shops.
Earning potential: Courier drivers can earn $15-$30 per hour, with medical couriers often commanding higher rates due to specialized requirements.
Best for: Detail-oriented individuals comfortable with time-sensitive deliveries and proper handling of important materials.
9. Provide Airport Transportation
Airport runs remain consistently profitable, especially if you live near a major airport. Many travelers prefer private car services over traditional taxis or public transportation.
How it works: You can join airport transportation networks, offer services through rideshare apps, or market directly to business travelers and frequent flyers in your area.
Earning potential: Airport trips typically pay well due to distance and reliability requirements, often earning $40-$100+ per trip.
Best for: Reliable drivers who maintain clean, comfortable vehicles and don’t mind early morning or late-night schedules.
10. Rent Storage Space in Your Vehicle
Some platforms allow you to rent out storage space in your car or trunk for people who need temporary storage solutions.
How it works: Services like StashBee or neighbor-to-neighbor storage arrangements let you offer your vehicle’s cargo space when you’re not using it.
Earning potential: This is typically supplementary income, ranging from $50-$200 per month depending on space and duration.
Best for: Those with larger vehicles and secure parking who want truly passive income.
11. Offer Specialty Transportation Services
Niche transportation services can command premium rates. Consider offering pet transportation, medical appointment rides for seniors, or child transportation services for busy parents.
How it works: Market your services to specific demographics through local advertising, social media, and partnerships with veterinary clinics, senior centers, or schools.
Earning potential: Specialty services often charge $20-$50 per trip, with recurring clients providing steady income.
Best for: Patient, reliable individuals who enjoy working with specific populations and can pass enhanced background checks.
12. Sell Your Car Outright
Sometimes the best way to monetize a used car is to simply sell it. If maintaining and insuring a vehicle you rarely use costs more than the income it generates, selling might make financial sense.
How it works: You can sell privately through platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or AutoTrader, or get instant offers from services like Carvana, Vroom, or CarMax.
Earning potential: This depends entirely on your vehicle’s make, model, year, and condition. Private sales typically net more than dealer trade-ins, though they require more effort.
Best for: People who don’t need a second vehicle and would rather have cash to invest elsewhere.
Maximizing Your Car’s Earning Potential
Before diving into any monetization strategy, consider these factors:
Insurance requirements: Most income-generating activities require additional insurance coverage. Check with your provider before starting any car-based side hustle to ensure you’re properly protected.
Tax implications: Income from your vehicle is taxable. Keep detailed records of earnings and expenses like gas, maintenance, and depreciation for accurate tax reporting.
Maintenance costs: More driving means more wear and tear. Factor in oil changes, tire replacements, and repairs when calculating your net income.
Time investment: Some methods require active participation and scheduling, while others offer more passive income. Choose strategies that align with your available time and energy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I monetize my car if I’m still making payments on it?
Yes, but check your auto loan agreement first. Some lenders restrict commercial use of financed vehicles. You’ll also need to ensure you have appropriate insurance coverage that satisfies both your lender and any platform you use.
How much can I realistically earn from monetizing my car?
Earnings vary widely based on your location, vehicle type, time investment, and chosen method. Part-time rideshare or delivery drivers might earn $500-$1,500 monthly, while full-time drivers or those renting out desirable vehicles could earn $2,000-$5,000 or more.
Will monetizing my car void my warranty?
Commercial use may void manufacturer warranties on new vehicles. Review your warranty terms carefully and consider whether potential earnings justify this risk.
Do I need special insurance to rent out my car?
Most peer-to-peer rental platforms provide insurance during rental periods, but you should verify coverage details and consider supplemental policies to protect yourself during gaps in coverage.
What happens if my car gets damaged while being rented or used for business?
Insurance through rental platforms typically covers damage during active rentals. For other business uses, you’ll need commercial auto insurance. Always document your vehicle’s condition before and after each use.
Turn Idle Time Into Income
Your used car represents more than just transportation with Motorist. With the right approach, it can become a valuable income-generating asset. Whether you choose the flexibility of rideshare driving, the passive income of car sharing, or the creativity of advertising opportunities, there’s a monetization strategy that fits your lifestyle.
Start by evaluating which methods align with your schedule, comfort level, and vehicle type. Many people successfully combine multiple strategies, renting their car on weekends while driving for food delivery during weekday evenings. The key is starting small, testing different approaches, and scaling up what works best for you.
Ready to transform your parked car into profit? Pick one strategy from this list, do your research, and take that first step. Your vehicle has been depreciating in value anyway—it’s time to make it work for you instead.