Uber Drivers: How to Claim an Uber Cleaning Fee

As an experienced Uber driver, I understand the challenges that come with maintaining a clean and pleasant ride for your passengers. Beyond providing a smooth journey, there are times when you may need to claim a cleaning fee due to unexpected messes left behind by riders. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll not only walk you through the steps of claiming a cleaning fee but also share my personal experiences and insights.

Uber takes rider accountability seriously and covers the costs of cleaning. According to Uber’s official policy,

“Riders are responsible for damage to the interior or exterior of a vehicle caused by incidents such as vomiting or food spills.”

Uber

I’ve had my fair share of such incidents, and I can attest to the effectiveness of the cleaning fee process.

How much does Uber pay for cleaning fees?

Uber’s cleaning fee payouts range from £15 to £110 in the UK, depending on the extent of the mess. Uber does not pay for items that can be thrown away or wiped up quickly including minor mess caused by water. Here’s a breakdown of the fees:

After each ride, it’s a good idea to check your car for any messes left behind by the rider. Sometimes there may be messes that you or subsequent riders don’t notice right away, and it can be hard to determine which rider was responsible. By developing this habit, you’ll have a better chance of being able to claim a cleaning fee when necessary.

It’s important to make a quick decision about whether to claim a cleaning fee or not. Keep in mind that submitting a claim will take up some of your time, which could mean lost income. It may also disqualify you from any consecutive ride promotions. In some cases, it might be worth it to clean up small messes yourself to avoid losing time, but in other cases, you may want to claim a small cleaning fee to send a message to riders not to make a mess in your car.

How to Claim Uber Cleaning Fee?

Here’s each step explained in detail:

Step 1: Take two clear photos of the mess

If you notice a mess in your car left by a rider, stop taking new ride requests. This will prevent the mess from affecting subsequent riders. If you are not parked in a safe place, drive to a safe location and park your car.

Now, it is important to take two clear photos for Uber to review and process your claim. If it’s dark, turn the interior lights on and take at least two good-quality photos of the mess. I usually take a slightly zoomed-out photo and a close-up shot. Make sure the photos are legible and not blurry, and cover the full extent of the mess.

Step 2: Take a photo of the cleaning receipt

Once you have taken the required photos, it is best to clean up the mess immediately. Leaving it for later will make cleaning more complicated.

Go to your regular cleaning service, get a quote, and have the car cleaned. Once again, take a good photo of the cleaning receipt.

It can be helpful to have a 24-hour car cleaning service in your local area. The one I use, which is local to me, is American Carwash in Shoreditch, London.

Step 3: Report the incident to Uber

To report the incident to Uber, follow these steps:

1. Open the Uber app, tap the menu icon (hamburger) and select “Help” from the list.
2. From the list of topics, select “Help with a trip“, then “Issue with a rider”, then “A rider made a mess in my vehicle“.
3. Read the details under “A rider made a mess in my vehicle” and fill out the form:
   • Start by adding the photos of the mess you took. Add two photos, one in each box. Then add the photo of the cleaning receipt.
   • If you know the rider’s name, add it. If not, add the trip details.
   • Confirm if the mess was made by an animal and whether it was a service animal.
   • Under “Share additional details”, provide details of the mess. Also, mention your losses and any promotions you missed out on while cleaning the car.
   • Finally, select the trip. Make sure it’s the correct one and submit it.

Now that you’ve submitted your claim and cleaned your car, you are ready to accept new ride requests as normal. This will allow you to get back to earning money as an Uber driver and provide a great ride experience for your riders.

Tips for preventing and handling messes in the future

Set rules for riders: One of the most effective ways to prevent messes in your car is to set clear rules for riders. You can request that riders refrain from eating or drinking in your car. If you notice drink bottles or food, remind them that they can’t eat inside the car. This will help to prevent spills and stains, as well as reduce the risk of strong odours being left behind.

Keep cleaning supplies in the car: Another tip for preventing messes is to keep cleaning supplies in your car. This will allow you to quickly and easily clean up any small spills or messes that occur during a ride. Some supplies you may want to consider keeping in your car include:

• Microfibre Cleaning Cloth: This is a must-have cleaning cloth to be used with various cleaning products.
• Wet wipes: Wet wipes are handy for cleaning up spills and stains, as well as removing dirt or grime from hard surfaces.
• Fabric cleaner: Fabric cleaner can be used to remove stains and odours from upholstery and other fabric surfaces.
• Glass cleaner: Glass cleaner can be used to keep your windows and mirrors clean and streak-free.

By keeping a small supply of cleaning supplies in your car, you can be prepared to tackle any messes that may occur and keep your car clean and well-maintained.

In conclusion, claiming a cleaning fee through Uber is a simple process that can help drivers cover the cost of cleaning messes left behind by riders and maintain their car’s cleanliness. By following the steps outlined above and taking preventive measures like setting rules for riders and keeping cleaning supplies in the car, you can minimize the occurrence of messes and keep your car in good condition.

Frequently Asked Questions