To become and maintain eligibility as a driver for Uber in Missouri, there are several costs drivers need to consider:

1. Vehicle Costs

• Purchase or Lease: The vehicle must be a four-door car that meets Uber's standards, likely incurring purchase or lease costs.

• Maintenance and Repairs: Regular upkeep to ensure the vehicle remains in good condition.

• Fuel: Continuous expense based on the amount of driving completed.

• Insurance: Covering personal auto insurance, plus additional rideshare-specific policies.

2. Compliance Costs

• Background Checks: These are required annually and generally involve some fees.

• Vehicle Inspection: While not mandated by the state, cities might have differing requirements, and ensuring compliance can mean inspection costs2.

• License and Registration Fees: Keeping necessary driving documents up to date.

3. Other Potential Costs

• Phone and Data Plan: Essential for accessing the Uber driver app.

• Taxes: Self-employment taxes and other deductions affecting overall earnings.

Overall, the costs can vary based on varying vehicle conditions, driving frequency, and compliance to local regulations. By understanding these, potential drivers can make an informed decision.

Driver Requirements:

• Minimum age to drive in your city.
• At least one year of licensed driving experience in the US (three years if under 25).
• In-state license required.
• Valid US driver's license.
• Proof of residency in your city, state, or province.
• Proof of vehicle insurance if driving your own car.
• Passing a vehicle inspection.
• Driver profile photo.
• Background check reviewing driving record and criminal history.

Vehicle Requirements:

• Eligible 4-door vehicle.
• No cars older than 15 years.
• Good condition with no visible damage.
• Current Missouri license plate.
• No salvage title.
• No advertising.
• Five to eight seatbelts, depending on the number of seats.
• Some subcompact cars are prohibited.

Insurance Requirements:

• Maintain automobile liability insurance on all vehicles you operate while driving for Uber.
• Insurance limits equal to or greater than the minimum requirements for the state where you drive.
• Uber's insurance program coverage starts the instant you tap "Go" on the Uber app to wait for a ride request.
• From the time you're online with Uber until you accept a trip, Uber may maintain automobile liability coverage on your behalf where required by law in amounts of at least:
  • $50,000 for the driver's liability for bodily injury per person in case of a covered accident.
  • $100,000 per covered accident.
  • $25,000 for property damage for which you are responsible in a covered accident.
• This policy applies if your personal auto policy does not provide coverage or if your policy's limits are less than these amounts.
• This policy may also include personal injury protection and/or uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage if it is required by law in the state in which you drive.

Coverage En Route to Pickup Rider and On Trip:

• During an Uber passenger trip, you are insured for three things in case of a covered accident:
  • Third-party liability coverage: Insures bodily injuries or damages you've caused to your riders, people in other vehicles, pedestrians, or property. Coverage limits vary by state but are at least $1,000,000.
  • Uninsured or underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage and/or other first-party injury insurance: Insures injuries to you and your riders if a covered accident occurs during an Uber trip and another driver is at fault and doesn't have sufficient insurance. This insurance also may apply in the case of a hit and run. Medical payments coverage (MedPay) or personal injury protection (PIP) may apply to healthcare, medical expenses, and/or funeral expenses if you and your riders are injured in a covered accident, regardless of who is at fault. Coverage limits vary by state.
  • Contingent comprehensive and collision coverage: As long as you maintain comprehensive and collision coverage on your personal auto insurance, Uber's insurance will kick in and provide physical damage coverage for your car up to its actual cash value, regardless of who is at fault. There is a $2,500 deductible that you must pay first before this coverage applies. (Certain vehicles offered through the Vehicle Marketplace are subject to a $1,000 deductible). If you're in an accident during this time, you don't need to file a claim with your personal auto policy. You can submit a claim directly from the Uber app or by contacting support. This policy may also include personal injury protection if it is required by law in the state in which you drive.

Accident Policy:

• All drivers must have a current personal auto insurance policy. If they are not actively transporting a fare, their own coverage applies in case of an accident.
• If the driver is logged into the app and awaiting a passenger, Uber offers the following coverage:
  • $50,000 in bodily injury per person.
  • $100,000 in bodily injury per accident.
  • $25,000 in property damage per accident.
• When a driver is on their way to pick up a passenger or has a passenger in their car, Uber offers the following coverage:
  • $1,000,000 third-party liability.
  • Uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury.
  • Contingent comprehensive and collision coverage with a $2,500 deductible.

For more details, you can visit Uber's official requirements page.