Vehicle Owner Policies

Vehicle Eligibility

In general, eligible vehicles meet the following criteria:

Fewer than 150,000 miles
Produced in model year 1995 or later
Pass a safety inspection

Exceptions are certainly made, but on a case-by-case basis, so reach out to us at pitcrew@wheelz.com if you have any questions about the criteria.

Insurance

For Wheelz members 18 years of age or older with over 1 year of licensed driving experience, our insurance coverage consists of a combined single limit of $1 million per accident - all third-party bodily injuries or property damage costs relating to the accident are covered in the aggregate up to $1 million. In addition, our policy provides medical payment coverage as well as uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

Don’t hesitate to reach out with insurance-related questions at pitcrew@wheelz.com or 855.4.WHEELZ. Insurance can be a complicated issue, and we’ve simplified it by providing a comprehensive policy to all of our users every time a car is rented on our network. However, we want all of our Wheelz members to be informed about our policy and comfortable with the potential impact on their own personal situation.

Legal Protections for Car Owners

California, Washington, and Oregon state laws exist that specifically protect the insurance and legal liability of car owners that share their cars on the Wheelz network. The laws have two primary protections:

1. Personal Insurance

The laws make it illegal for an insurance company to cancel or rescind an individual’s insurance policy solely based on participation in a vehicle-sharing program.

Translation: Your private insurance policy will not be impacted by participation in Wheelz.

2. Liability

The laws also require that vehicle-sharing programs, on behalf of their car owners, completely assume any liability that arises out of a vehicle being shared through a vehicle-sharing program.

Translation: Wheelz, not you, is on the hook for any liability that results from you sharing your car with other Wheelz members on our network.

Vehicle Availability

Wheelz owners make the best return by making their car available consistently. Most rentals occur during nights and on weekends, so owners that can share their vehicle during those times are an especially good fit for Wheelz.

Vehicle owners schedule their own vehicle availability by using the calendar tool on the their online profile.

In some cases, Wheelz will need to make a vehicle unavailable on the network with the objective of ensuring safe operations. (e.g. a vehicle is reported to have damage that prevents safe operation of the vehicle) Wheelz reserves the right to do so without the advance permission of the vehicle owner.

Rates & Mileage

Wheelz car owners set their own hourly and daily rates on their vehicles. Wheelz provides suggested pricing based on the year, make, and model, but the rate is ultimately up to the owner's discretion. At the end of the month, owners will earn 60% of the total revenue earned from reservations.

Renters are billed for fuel based on the number of miles traveled during a reservation and the estimated fuel economy of the car (based on EPA ratings). Final charges are calculated with the following equation: (actual miles traveled (x) real-time average fuel price) / estimated fuel economy.

In the case that a reservation goes beyond 150 miles/day, an incremental $0.25/mile will be billed and paid directly to the car owner to cover excess wear and tear on their car.

Additionally, creating a reservation authorizes your credit card for a minimum security deposit of $50.00. This authorization charge will disappear from your bank statement within a few days after a reservation completes, and after the reservation's cost is processed.

Earnings & Monthly Statement

Wheelz owners are paid on a monthly basis, and have access to a comprehensive monthly statement of their earnings. Earnings reflect total revenue from rentals plus payments for fuel used during reservations. In the case that the amount of gas purchased on the Wheelz GasCard exceeds the amount of fuel used during reservations, the cost of the incremental fuel will be deducted from owner earnings.

Owner earnings statements are available in their www.wheelz.com dashboards under "Monthly Statements." Online statements include information for every reservation made that month, including the date, driver's information, and length of reservation.

Owners making more than $600 on an annual basis will likely be subject to income tax liability. Wheelz will issue a 1099 form, an annual usage report that provides detail on earnings and mileage and a suggested methodology for filing taxes. However, we strongly recommend that you consult a tax professional regarding the handling of your Wheelz earnings.

Repair & Maintenance

Wheelz vehicle owners are responsible for the upkeep and routine maintenance of their car. If mechanical issues arise as a result of natural vehicle use while a vehicle is on the Wheelz network, the vehicle will be de-activated and the owner will be asked to repair the vehicle before we re-activate the vehicle on the Wheelz network. In addition, Wheelz owners will be asked to conduct a safety inspection annually or after 12,000 miles driven (whichever is sooner) on their vehicle to ensure that their car is in safe operating condition.

Personal Belongings

Wheelz owners are expected to be very careful with regard to the belongings they leave in their car. Wheelz advises that car owners should not leave any items of value in their car when it is being rented.

Inspection

Owners should make a 360-degree inspection of the vehicle before entering.

In the event that there is pre-existing damage, email the Wheelz PitCrew (pitcrew@wheelz.com) a picture of the damage, and we will take action if we do not already have the damage on file.

It is important that any damage caused by a reservation is reported by the owner prior to the car being driven again so that we can fairly assign liability to the previous renter.

Damage

If damage occurs during a reservation, the Wheelz PitCrew should be contacted at 855.4.WHEELZ immediately. (In the case of an emergency, always dial 911 first.)

Collision Damage

Collision (e.g. dented bumper) or use-related (e.g. broken door handle) damage to a vehicle that occurs during a reservation is attributed to the renter of the vehicle at the time of the damage.

Wheelz drivers will be responsible for a fee of up to $500 for any damage that occurs during a reservation.

Mechanical damage

Mechanical damage that occurs during a reservation is classified into one of two categories:

1. Improper use damage is the responsibility of the renter and occurs as the result of improper use (e.g. driving with the parking brake applied)

Wheelz members will be responsible for a fee of up to $500 for any damage that occurs during a reservation.

2. Regular use damage is the responsibility of the owner and occurs as a result of regular “wear and tear” on the car (e.g. worn timing chain)

Wheelz owners will be responsible for 100% of repair cost required for conventional “wear and tear”.

Smoking in a vehicle constitutes damages to the car and is subject to a fine of up to $500, which is the responsibility of the renter. Should a Wheelz member smoke in a vehicle, the owner has the option of allowing us to inspect the vehicle and arrange for the cleaning costs. If the owner declines this offer, Wheelz may offer the owner $300 in compensation for the damage after inspecting the vehicle.

In the case that damage to a car renders it unusable during a reservation, Wheelz (in conjunction with our roadside assistance partners) will arrange for the vehicle to be returned to the place of origin, as well as assist the current renter of the vehicle in finding an alternative form of transportation. In the case that damage to a vehicle renders it unusable for an extended period of time, Wheelz will also assist the owner of the vehicle in finding an appropriate alternative.

Parking

Every car on the Wheelz network has its own parking guidelines. Wheelz renters are responsible for understanding the guidelines and returning the Wheelz car in an appropriate and compatible parking spot. The Wheelz PitCrew is always available to help with parking questions.

Tips for parking the car:

Return the vehicle to the spot from which it was picked up

If the original spot is not available, return the vehicle within the home zone posted on the vehicle’s profile page

Check the permit that is posted on the vehicle, and park in an area that matches the permit

Check carefully for posted signs, painted curbs, and any other applicable indications to ensure that you are parking legally.

Parking Tickets

Parking tickets are the responsibility of the Wheelz member with a reservation at the time the ticket is received. In the event of a parking ticket or other violation, we will determine the driver at fault based on the time-stamp on the ticket. The driver will be held responsible for the cost of the fine plus a $5 inconvenience fee. The total amount of the fine plus the fee will be deducted from the driver’s account.

In the event a vehicle is not returned to its appropriate home zone at the end of a reservation the renter will be a responsible for a $50 re-parking fee. In the case that extenuating circumstances prevent an appropriate return, it is the responsibility of the renter to contact the Wheelz PitCrew, explain the situation, and determine an appropriate solution.

Tolls

Bridge and freeway tolls are the responsibility of the driver. They are to be paid in cash by the Wheelz member during a reservation. If a FasTrak or other automatic toll-payment device is present in a vehicle, it is not to be used by the Wheelz member. Unauthorized use of a device during a reservation will be reported and the driver will be responsible for payment of the original toll as well as a $5 inconvenience fee.

Fuel Policy

Fuel purchases should be made with the Wheelz GasCard that is provided in every Wheelz vehicle. Renters are billed for fuel based on the number of miles traveled during a reservation and the estimated fuel economy of the car (based on EPA ratings). Final charges are calculated with the following equation: (actual miles traveled (x) real-time average fuel price) / estimated fuel economy.

The Wheelz GasCard can be used at almost any gas station (ARCO is an exception). Drivers are required to fill the vehicle with the appropriate fuel grade (regular or premium) that is noted on the vehicle-specific GasCard.

In the case the the Wheelz GasCard is missing or not functioning properly, renters are able to make a purchase on their personal card and provide a receipt for reimbursement to Wheelz. (Smartphone pictures of receipts are sufficient.)

Drivers are required to fill up the tank every time it falls less than 1/4 full, and failure to do so will result in a $15 fine.

Driver Policies

Driver Eligibilty

In order to be eligible to join the Wheelz network, drivers are required to have a valid US license and a clean driving record. Specifically, Wheelz's insurance provider requires the following:

No major violations within the last 3 years (e.g., reckless driving)
No alcohol-related incidents within the last 7 years
If you're under 21, no more than 1 minor moving violation and/or accidents in which you were at fault in the last 3 years
If you're over 21, no more than 2 minor violations and/or accidents in the last 3 years

International drivers: A valid US license and proof of at least 1 year of permissible foreign driving history.

Insurance

For Wheelz members 18 years of age or older with over 1 year of driving experience, our insurance coverage consists of a combined single limit of $1 million per accident - all third-party bodily injuries or property damage costs relating to the accident are covered in the aggregate up to $1 million. In addition, our policy provides medical payment coverage as well as uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

For both third-party and Wheelz damage claims, Wheelz members may be responsible for a fee of up to $500 for any damage that occurs during a reservation.

Rates & Mileage

Wheelz cars can be booked by the hour or day at rates that are set by vehicle owners.

In the case that a reservation goes beyond 150 miles/day, an incremental $0.25/mile will be billed and paid directly to the car owner to cover excess wear and tear on their car.

Cancellation

Reservations can be cancelled or changed without penalty up to 2 hours before the start of a reservation. Within 2 hours of reservation start time, reservations can only be cancelled and will incur a $10 late cancellation fee. Within 15 minutes of a reservation start time, reservations can no longer be cancelled.

Inspection

Drivers should make a 360-degree inspection of the vehicle before entering.

In the event that there is pre-existing damage, email the Wheelz PitCrew (pitcrew@wheelz.com) a picture of the damage, and we will take action if we do not already have the damage on file.

It is important that any damage caused by a reservation is reported prior to driving the car again so that we can fairly assign liability to the renter.

Damage

If damage occurs during a reservation, the Wheelz PitCrew should be contacted at 855.4.WHEELZ immediately. (In the case of an emergency, always dial 911 first.)

Collision Damage

Collision (e.g. dented bumper) or use-related (e.g. broken door handle) damage to a vehicle that occurs during a reservation is attributed to the renter of the vehicle at the time of the damage.

Wheelz drivers will be responsible for a fee of up to $500 for any damage that occurs during a reservation.

Mechanical Damage

Mechanical damage that occurs during a reservation is classified into one of two categories:

1. Improper use damage is the responsibility of the renter and occurs as the result of improper use (e.g. driving with the parking brake applied)

Wheelz members will be responsible for a fee of up to $500 for any damage that occurs during a reservation.

2. Regular use damage is the responsibility of the owner and occurs as a result of regular “wear and tear” on the car (e.g. worn timing chain)

Wheelz owners will be responsible for 100% of repair cost required for conventional “wear and tear”.

Please note that smoking in a vehicle constitutes damages to the car and is subject to a fine of up to $500, which is the responsibility of the renter.

Personal Belongings

Wheelz drivers are expected to very careful with regard to the belongings they leave in their car. Wheelz will assist in helping a driver find missing belongings, however, neither Wheelz nor the car owner is responsible for neglected belongs.

Parking

Tips for parking the car:

Return the vehicle to the spot from which it was picked up

If the original spot is not available, return the vehicle within the home zone posted on the vehicle’s profile page

Check the permit that is posted on the vehicle, and park in an area that matches the permit

Check carefully for posted signs, painted curbs, and any other applicable indications to ensure that you are parking legally.

Parking Tickets

Tolls

Fuel Policy

Drivers are required to fill up the tank every time it falls less than 1/4 full, and failure to do so will result in a $15 fine.