From Uber X to XL: Everything XL Drivers Need to Know to Succeed (Lyft Too)

50 Comments

1. Carl Arnold on October 8, 2023 at 12:40 am

   Interesting stuff. I’ve never used ride share…anxious to learn

   
   
   
2. JP’s Gig Corner on October 8, 2023 at 12:42 am

   Hi Chris, I have not finished watching the video yet, I have an order I need to go shop. Wanted to comment while its fresh on my mind. With the Uber app, you can take the XL size, when they requested an UberX. When the ride is finished, you can go in and report it to Uber that there were more than four people or five people in the car and Uber will up charge the rider and pay you the difference. Now I haven’t done an Uber ride in over a year, but it was still working when I stopped driving rideshare. The other item that Uber and Lyft both told me, because one of my vehicles would allow for seven passengers, they said, I am insured as long as I am not carrying more than what the legal limit is for the vehicle. So as long as you have a seatbelt for each rider, your you will be insured. Course they could’ve change this in the last year but I doubt it take care. Pardon any typos I was using talk to text.

   
   
   
3. Gary Morales on October 8, 2023 at 12:46 am

   Sounds like way too much trouble I would rather deliveries then deal with stupid ass people stupid ass and I have to do all this talkin and all this when I could have our made some deliveries already going to pull nothing fast on you and they’re not going to talk and people are not going to listen and your advice is good but there’s always going to be people that are going to try and act like a lawyer and they won’t until they get their way it sounds like doing Lyft are doing uberxl or whatever is way more trouble than it’s worth especially if you’re only going to get paid 20 bucks to drive there fat ass to another from point A to point B

   
   
   
4. Ruckes13 on October 8, 2023 at 12:46 am

   I have been driving Uber x for over 7 years,and I have gotten rides that were 5 people in a 2018 Chevy trax 😐😐. But not anymore.

   
   
   
5. Jase L on October 8, 2023 at 12:47 am

   Chris, liability is important, but you give Uber/Lyft and their Insurance Carriers too much credit. Insurance companies main functionality is to deny claims and pay out as least as possible regardless — Just like banks, insurance companies have less regulations than they’ve ever had before. If you allow more than 4 passengers on a standard ride, the bigger issue is the driver not being compensated for the added pax and being taken advantage of. If you let 6 people ride and there are in 6 legal seats with seatbelts, neither your insurance nor Uber/Lyfts will deny a claim based strictly on that — They deny claims regardless all the time — Allowing those 6 people is "completely lawful" — It’s YOUR vehicle and YOUR business, therefore your decision. There’s a reason why personal injury law is such a big business in every city, they have to incessantly sue insurance companies to pay fair compensation.

   In other videos you go on about Liability which is in error or not true, or doesn’t apply in every state. In Colorado for example, if a parent/guardian chooses to have their child ride unrestrained, the liability is strictly on the parent, not the driver. Besides the fact that any driver who would allow that is an idiot, nevertheless, the liability lies with exactly who it should. Same with a big HDTV, they are assuming all the risk, not you.

   And speaking of liability, no one should be operating a rideshare business without LLC status anyway. Sole Proprietors and such are just asking for trouble in ANY number of scenarios as they and their assets can be held liable in potential civil litigation. Distinguishing ones self from their business is essential and just makes sense. This is also why I opt-out of Arbitration Clauses with both Lyft and Uber — I’m not relinquishing my rights to sue either platform if its necessary.

   
   
   
6. kelcey burris on October 8, 2023 at 12:47 am

   On uber only you can upgrade the trip from x to xl if they ordered x and have 5 or 6 ppl
   (college students ) they try to play that game!!!!

   
   
   
7. Julio Garcia on October 8, 2023 at 12:48 am

   Congratulations for your new vehicle, I have been driving my Kia sorento LX thatt fits up to six passengers and it is a great advantage it is like driving two cars, an X size ride and an XL ride. Sometimes people with only two in their party order an XL ride because it is more spatious and they feel more comfortable riding in a larger vehicle. Another advantage is that when driving around very busy places or during a busy season I get to choose "rides XL only" in the platform wich allowes me to get XL rides onlyand i end up getting with a better pay for every ride during those busy times,congratulations again for your new vehicle.

   
   
   
8. Mike Smith on October 8, 2023 at 12:51 am

   Sure, riders try to load in too many people. Happens fairly frequently. But that’s not an XL specific problem. Happens on X too. Just be firm, "I can only take 6." If you get any attitude AT ALL, cancel the ride. Your problem at that point is there are too many riders out there who are petty spiteful & vindictive, they’ll give you a 1-star rating and likely make up a false complaint against you was well.

   The big screen TV pickups at BestBuy have been good trips. In my experience, they’ve all been over the top good tippers. By good tips, I mean $20, $40, $60 or more, for rides that the on-app pay is in the $10-$15 range. When people go out shopping at a place like BestBuy, it’s usually the closest BestBuy to where they live. And oh yeah, 90% of the time in cash.

   As for people moving a lot of "stuff," it’s a driver’s judgement call. The way I look at, a few boxes and/or whatnot ain’t really all that different than someone with a bunch of luggage going to the airport. My personal general rule of thumb is two parts: (1) Is it going to take an excessive amount of time loading and unloading? And (2) Is their stuff risking damaging or dirtying my car? If it can be loaded and unloaded quickly and isn’t going to damage or dirty my car, I’m fine with it. These types of riders are hit or miss on tips. Sometimes they’re generous, sometimes not.

   
   
   
9. User has been banned for naughty words. on October 8, 2023 at 12:52 am

   I had 3 coke heads get in the car one time and the first thing the guy said was "do you have any weapons?". My reply was "im in control of a metal box that goes 0 to pole in 6 seconds and im the only one wearing my seatbelt." 😏 just remind them who is in control.

   
   
   
10. PURPLE SHADE SMOOTHIE on October 8, 2023 at 12:53 am

    ❤

    
    
    
11. JHONSON MOJICA on October 8, 2023 at 12:53 am

    I was going broke driving xl honda oddysey 6 cylinder

    
    
    
12. Daniel Magallanes on October 8, 2023 at 12:54 am

    I am not willing to take a cancellation hit. The insurance explanation should be enough to calm the situation. Wait 5 and no show them. Send a message through the app and explain your situation.

    
    
    
13. Chile Tiger on October 8, 2023 at 12:55 am

    I used to be the nice stupid guy taking ppl moving there sh1t in the car until i found i was losing money and my car get damage so don’t give the customer more then what they deserve and value your self cause no one also will do

    
    
    
14. DIY Diva and Moe on October 8, 2023 at 12:56 am

    Upfront pricing killed the XL market.

    
    
    
15. Rideshare Rocks on October 8, 2023 at 12:57 am

    I feel the same about people and their 20-plus grocery bags. I just drive off when I see that.

    
    
    
16. Tia Petaia on October 8, 2023 at 12:58 am

    Quick question for anyone. New Uber driver here. If I signed up as a Uber XL driver, can I also get UberX requests? Thanks fam.

    
    
    
17. SM on October 8, 2023 at 12:58 am

    I hope Uber is listening. They need to add the number of riders to the app so that it automatically designates the rideshare possibility.

    
    
    
18. EscapeThink on October 8, 2023 at 12:58 am

    Up to 6 riders on xl? On a Fri or Sat night? Who will be the loudest?

    
    
    
19. Patrick Pitts on October 8, 2023 at 12:59 am

    Keep it moving and cancel… It always works best/ trying to be a good merchant of change is not negotiable at all….

    They will always try to run game and say they ordered an XL… I don’t do XL and they will lie right in your face. Cancel and move on…

    
    
    
20. Scott Boveia on October 8, 2023 at 1:00 am

    Oddly enough, I more often get XL requests from parties of 4 or less than I get X requests from larger parties.

    
    
    
21. Gamer 609 on October 8, 2023 at 1:01 am

    why uber is not doing upfront offer in NJ?

    
    
    
22. William Howard on October 8, 2023 at 1:03 am

    I’m still driving a 2015 Nissan rogue it’s hard to upgrade when Uber doesn’t pay enough to upgrade my vehicle being in a college town I’m working on saving my money to upgrade but will take over a year

    
    
    
23. The Rideshare Guy on October 8, 2023 at 1:06 am

    Do you drive Uber XL or Lyft XL? What tips do you have?
    📺 Watch this video next: https://youtu.be/sQ7ZSCDwucI
    👉 Did you know The RideShare Guy also publishes in-depth articles? Get all our money-making tips and tricks in your email for free: https://therideshareguy.com/subscribe-rsg/

    
    
    
24. Robin Rienerth on October 8, 2023 at 1:06 am

    Thanks Chris for this educational video on insurance liability issues. Most riders NEVER read the COMMUNITY GUIDELINES, and once the trip is started, if drivers try to explain guidelines and/or cancel the trip based on issue with number of passengers, the driver is at risk of getting a low star rating from rider with a nasty message from Uber that says "Driver was not polite." Uber MUST change this business practice for penalizing driver for FOLLOWING THE COMMUNITY GUIDELINES AS WELL AS THEIR STATE LAWS!

    
    
    
25. Rideshare joker on October 8, 2023 at 1:06 am

    its not profitable to drive Xl Anymore .. More people more problems … x is best as long as you can keep up with thugs AKA lyft and uber …its not worth to drive anymore at all .. your life at risk , since these companies are manipulating the Rating system

    
    
    
26. roulettewheel on October 8, 2023 at 1:06 am

    I can’t believe I had a female passenger asks me to hold a drink while she tries to put the child seat in the car. Canceled asap.

    
    
    
27. Cesar Millan on October 8, 2023 at 1:07 am

    This video should be shown to riders as much as drivers.

    
    
    
28. tmyqns on October 8, 2023 at 1:08 am

    I have a Cadillac xt6 – Uber classified me as an xl but my 2nd row has 2 captain chairs limiting to only 5 passengers including the front seat. Is there an option to do xl with only a 5 passenger capability. Thanks in advance. Love your videos

    
    
    
29. Jeff Allen on October 8, 2023 at 1:08 am

    In March 2023 I had to cancel an UBER X ride when there was 6 passengers. When they reorder for XL, it would not match with me. It kept matching with someone 5 min away.

    I’m not sure it wouldn’t match with me because I had just canceled on them.

    
    
    
30. sliver108 on October 8, 2023 at 1:10 am

    Since you were solely foing X and now you’re doing X and XL it would be fantastic if you could give the breakdown as far as how many of your rides or XL versus X. You know possibly some other statistics as well because I think it would help a lot of people pick out a new vehicle.

    
    
    
31. ss on October 8, 2023 at 1:11 am

    Very easy way keep your self-safe from a lawsuit if you have too many in the
    car. iPad consent form, including a video, also form an LLC.

    
    
    
32. Patrick Pitts on October 8, 2023 at 1:11 am

    Why would you want that many people in your vehicle 🚗 at any particular time. Her in the metropolitan Atlanta, Ga are and it’s not worth it at all

    
    
    
33. Michael Rehn on October 8, 2023 at 1:11 am

    I have an xl qualified vehicle and find that many people order an xl even though they have 4 or less passengers. I also frequently have my own stuff taking up my 3rd row and with uber I can just turn off xl but continue with x and comfort rides. With lyft however you cannot, I even called support to try and get them to change me back to just an x driver as I do very few lyft rides. They refused so I have to look closely to make sure I don’t accept xl rides when my 3rd row is not available.

    
    
    
34. My Gig Life on October 8, 2023 at 1:16 am

    I have been driving Uber and Lyft XL for four years now. During COVID when the front seat was off limits, 4 passengers constituted an XL. Many riders still hold to this in my market. Just a caution, I had a group of intoxicated people (5) and the Karen of the group wanted to have someone sit on her lap instead of getting in the third row. When I told them that it was unsafe and illegal I got a 1 star rating for NOT being POLITE. Also you can request a ride upgrade on both apps from X to XL if the criteria is met. And, sometimes just two people at the airport with lots of luggage will need an XL. Thanks for the video! Always good stuff.

    
    
    
35. OriginalKarasu on October 8, 2023 at 1:17 am

    Hurry the fok up EMPOWER and grow already!!! if everyone knew EMPOWER, uber would be done!!!

    
    
    
36. Benjamin music on October 8, 2023 at 1:19 am

    The bad thing about everything you say is that if a passenger complains that you don’t want to give them the ride, they can make false accusations and then they can even disconnect you for days. 5:12 And if it’s a woman, things are worse

    
    
    
37. Belinda Frazier on October 8, 2023 at 1:20 am

    If I cancel it affects my cancelation rate and fee.

    
    
    
38. MileHighCatMom on October 8, 2023 at 1:21 am

    UberX pax will catfish you for your vehicle. I have experienced this. I deal with it at the airport all the time. Cant tell you how many rides ive turned down due to this lately. Left em on the curb in Colorados freezing temps no fks given. I ONLY do XL for airport trips now. Got sick of people crying or rating me low for not taking more than 6 cus my vehicle "clearly" seats 7 as one pax threw a fit over. We market butts in seats not luggage space and pax dont conprehend that either. Also im not a delivery vehicle-so no store pickups either and I will leave pax if i see them trying to use me as a mover. Its sad we have to be this mean lol.

    
    
    
39. Jabari Jones on October 8, 2023 at 1:21 am

    We need to demand that all these rideshare companies not allow the front seat to be occupied. I have a regular vehicle and would really prefer not to take anybody in the front seat.

    
    
    
40. Joe on October 8, 2023 at 1:22 am

    I’m looking to get XL for a ride to airport. Can most accommodate 4 people with 4 check in luggage and 2 small crated dogs?

    
    
    
41. TheYabbayoo on October 8, 2023 at 1:23 am

    This will be a long comment because I’ve been driving XL rides for both platforms in the Chicago market since 2015 and given over 25,000 trips. My vehicle qualifies for several levels of service on both platforms, so I almost never give shared, X, or even comfort rides, but have done so. Chris highlights a lot of good points in this video, but here are some additional considerations.
    First, make sure you have a dashcam, as it will assist in dealing with awkward situations with riders. Most of them don’t want to look like a jerk if they are being recorded and you will have an accurate record of the interaction.
    1:30 Too many people, part 1(X vs XL.) I almost never receive or accept X rides, but if the rider orders an X but needs an XL, the platforms handle it differently. With Uber, you can contact support after the ride and they can change your pay for the trip. Lyft does not do that (from my experience), so you’re stuck with X pay if you start the trip. Both platforms suggest you take as many passengers as you can and suggest the group order another car for the riders that don’t fit. This seems like a nice idea, but it tends to irritate the customers and gives them an opportunity to punish you for following rules. From what I have seen, this opens you to getting a bad rating and a potentially bogus report about you as a driver, especially if the rider is pissed and wants a refund for the experience. The dashcam is essential to combat this should it happen.

    Side note about insurance: I have not found documentation that breaks down the coverage of $1 million policy Uber and Lyft have during a trip. I have seen nothing that calls out how many people are covered (unless the number exceeds your vehicle’s capacity) or limits on personal belongings, jewelry, electronics, or other high value items. If anyone can show how the insurance is restricted or delineated, that would be greatly appreciated. Along those lines, it is a great idea to have your auto insurance agent add a rideshare coverage premium to your policy, since the coverage of Uber and Lyft has been unreliable and incomplete for too many people.
    3:45 Moving stuff. First, it’s a good idea to carry a tape measure in your vehicle. This enables you to know if something will fit before you waste time trying to load it. It’s also good to have a blanket or towel in your vehicle (for emergncies and spills), but also to protect your interiors. Secondly, this has changed greatly since upfront fares were introduced, but this is a case by case situation to be determined. The biggest change with the new pricing is Lyft does not pay for driver’s waiting time, but Uber does (if you don’t start the trip until after everything is loaded). Usually, riders just have awkward items, or a few large ones. In my trips, I have helped passengers transport artwork, mirrors, drums, harps, bass, balloons, golf clubs, hockey gear, skis, televisions, bicycles, rubbermaid tubs, sewing machines, wedding decorations, groceries, plants, lumber, ladders, and even a surfer with his surfboard that I picked up at the beach on Lake Michigan, plus numerous other things I wasn’t aware. While those items run the risk of damaging my vehicle or abusing my time, the same can be said for some mobility scooters and pets, which we have to accept. The same can be said for riders with difficult luggage.
    In Chicago, many people do not own vehicles, or even have driver’s licenses, so suggesting a rider get a U-Haul or rent a truck from Home Depot is not an option. Additionally, there are several college students and people from out of town/country who suck at driving here. Most riders that are moving items will contact you when you are on your way to the pick up and ask if an item will fit. Last summer, I picked up at least 3 different people who purchased the same type of bicycle at Costco and each called me to let me know. I folded down they seats and supervised the loading of the merchandise, but did not lift anything or touch anything without asking. Uber offers an hourly service in some markets that I think is specifically geared towards people moving items, but these trips almost never take that long. Circling back to liability with insurance, the $1 million policy should cover what the rider is loading into your vehicle. If what they had was more valuable, they likely wouldn’t be calling Uber or Lyft.
    As another side note, I have suggested to both Uber and Lyft that they have riders call out the details of the trip when the car is ordered. Is it 6 adults, or 3 adults plus a kid in a car seat and a mastiff, or 2 adults with 6 pieces of luggage, or 1 person with a 6′ plastic skeleton? The rideshare industry neglected to collect some interesting data by only reporting that a trips occurred but not recording what was placed in the car for the trip.
    5:45 Too many people, part 2. This is where having the dashcam is essential, which enables you to inform them that Uber or Lyft can review the ride to make policies are followed. (The same applies to people who don’t have car seats.) I do not unlock my doors until I verify the riders name and what they are putting in the vehicle. No body riders on the floor, a lap or in the trunk.
    9:15 Cancelation. Do not cancel for the passengers benefit. Once you have arrived and determined that they need to order a different level of service, you can tell them to cancel or let them know that you will wait 5 minutes and cancel so your cancellation rate is not impacted. It is essential that you do not start the trip! If you start the trip, ending it right away will report the ride as being cancelled. If for some reason it doesn’t show as cancelled, expect a 1 star review and some comment about being polite. As for having them order again and that you’ll hang around, the app doesn’t always work that way, so you may not get matched with them. Plus, you once again run the risk of getting a bad review from a rider who you just made spend more money, especially if there’s now a surge in the area.
    10:15 Too many people, part 3. In addition to passengers sneaking in too many people, some will also try to bring in solo cups or open containers of alcohol. Most municipalities have laws against it, but you also don’t want to deal with spills or people leaving empties in your vehicle. Also, watch out for those who want to smoke or vape as they enter or exit, and some who try to duck behind a seat and assume you won’t notice.

    One other thing I have noticed that this video didn’t cover is something that Lyft has started to do in the past few months. They elevate a rider’s level of service, if there’s a high enough surge and few drivers available. For instance, let’s say a rider orders a Lyft X rides under standard rates, the charge might be $5 and the driver would get $3. Now if that same trip is ordered during a 100% surge (or Prime time, for old school Lyft drivers), the rider is charged $10. A driver on the Lyft X platform could get matched with that rider and get $5 ($3 ride +$2 surge), but if there are no Lyft X nearby, a driver on Lyft XL would get the ride as $5 total. Lyft still comes out ahead and earns the same amount, while they seemingly appease each driver. I often drive late at night and recently there have been numerous riders freaking out, thinking they accidentally ordered an XL when I arrive. Their app show the trip they ordered and are paying for as a Lyft X, but my app shows I received an XL request and I am getting paid for that. From what I have seen, Uber is not doing this. They likely have enough drivers on X that they don’t need to make the adjustment.

    
    
    
42. Makda Huruy on October 8, 2023 at 1:26 am

    Is it OK if 7 ppl get in the xl uber If they can all fit in comfortably or no?

    
    
    
43. TYVANTV on October 8, 2023 at 1:31 am

    In my area Uber doesn’t show the trip or price.

    
    
    
44. Chris White on October 8, 2023 at 1:32 am

    This happens more often than you think. Many, including myself, have taken more passengers than we’re supposed to. Not thinking about the liability if something happens. Keep in mind this just might get you temporarily deactivated as well because customers do lie at times. This is an apparent scam and false allegations happen often. Me & other drivers have had this problem. Thanks for the share. This is very informative. 🏙️🚘☮️😎

    
    
    
45. Danny Jones on October 8, 2023 at 1:34 am

    That happened to me the other day. I refused and his 1 friends says I catch you later and then everything went well until they gave me a 1 star. I called Uber and they said they cant do anything.

    
    
    
46. O'Donovan O'Donovan on October 8, 2023 at 1:34 am

    My acceptance rate is 56% with Uber, will I get in trouble if it goes any lower? please help. thank you, Mark

    
    
    
47. BM VA on October 8, 2023 at 1:35 am

    How to deal with people 5 people with 6 bags or 6 people with bags?

    
    
    
48. Mr. Valdez on October 8, 2023 at 1:37 am

    Hi. As an Uber XL Driver, do you also do UberX? Or do you just keep it at XL only and take rides from single riders who are willing to pay a little extra for the XL maybe cause you are the only uber available or because you are closer then any UberX drivers?

    
    
    
49. Ezra S on October 8, 2023 at 1:38 am

    i move stuff no problem

    
    
    
50. George DIAZ on October 8, 2023 at 1:38 am

    Uberx, pays the same as uberxL