Auto Rental News
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Tips for Staying Safe in Carsharing, Ride-Hailing Vehicles

Experts offer consumers and companies advice on how limit the spread of the coronavirus in rental and ride-hailing vehciles.

April 9, 2020
Tips for Staying Safe in Carsharing, Ride-Hailing Vehicles

Options for long-distance travel are limited, with public transit being reduced and concern over shared services like scooters or bikes.

Photo via Uber.

1 min to read


While the coronavirus pandemic has a large portion of the world's population staying indoors, some people may still need to travel for work and other necessary reasons. Options for long-distance travel are limited, with public transit being reduced and concern over shared services like scooters or bikes.

Consumer Reports spoke to industry experts to compile a guide regarding rental car and ride hailing safety during COVID-19:

Ad Loading...
  • While ride-hailing companies like Uber and Lyft have provided cleaning supplies to drivers to frequently disinfect cars, Founder and CEO of The Rideshare Guy Harry Campbell advised against taking such services. While Uber and Lyft are providing paid leave for drivers who get sick or are under quarantine orders, asymptomatic drivers could still pas on the illness.

  • Taxis are slightly safer bet than ride-hailing, as most taxis have partitions between the driver and passengers. However, cleaning procedures varry among companies. It is advised to ask the dispatcher about specific cleaning practices.

  • Both peer-to-peer and traditional carsharing come with cleaning challenges, as the business model allows for quick sharing among customers. It is advised to opt for an extended rental, so the renter can thoroughly clean and disinfect the vehicle.

  • While many rental companies have updated their cleaning protocols to be more rigorous, experts still advise for renters wipe down surfaces with a disinfect as an extra layer of precaution.

More Rental Operations

A tech collage of electronic devices against a computer chip blueprint map.
Rental OperationsMay 1, 2026

Why Car Rental Can No Longer Run On Workarounds

The shift from branch-based software to connected operations is turning rental technology into strategic infrastructure.

Read More →
A tech collage of electronic devices against a computer chip blueprint map.
Rental OperationsMay 1, 2026

Why Car Rental Can No Longer Run On Workarounds

The shift from branch-based software to connected operations is turning rental technology into strategic infrastructure.

Read More →
A black Audi SUV superimposed on a historic scene from downtown Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Carwiz Sets Up Rental Operations In Central Asia

The global franchise operation reaches a first in its rental fleet portfolio with new service in Uzbekistan.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A raging brushfire in the countryside.
Rental Operationsby Martin RomjueApril 30, 2026

Where Rental Fleets Must Adjust To Shifting Catastrophe Risks

West Coast disasters pose unique challenges and liabilities for rental fleet operators, who are advised to take steps tailored to their specific situations.

Read More →
ARN Industry Newsmakers thumbnail page with ARN and ICRS logos and shots of Nick DiPrima and Martin Romjue
Rental Operationsby Martin RomjueApril 27, 2026

Using AI To Find Rental Car Damage

Angry car renters are storming social media, the mainstream media, and online ratings platforms to complain about charges they claim are either unfounded or excessive.

Read More →
Photo of CEO Krešimir Dobrilović against a gray modernist crooked-tile mural display.

Carwiz Opens Car Rental Service In Panama

A Carwiz partner in Puerto Rico is taking on the Panama franchise with operations in the nation's largest airport.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A world map with Flexways logo and new locations headline.

Flexways Opens 10 Locations Among Franchise, Affiliate Rental Networks

The integrated business model combines each operator’s local expertise with international standards to boost sales.

Read More →
Photo of a suitcase, passport, and smartphone.

Traveler Customer Satisfaction Up This Year Data Study Shows

The study looks at customer analytics to size up performance in car rentals, rideshare, airlines, lodging, and OTAs.

Read More →
A rental car between two placards showing a symbolic revenue increase from $300 to $1600.

New Consulting Company Ready To Boost Point-of-Sale Revenue

Revcuity, an outgrowth of Frontline Performance Group, aims to help clients capture more revenue moments with face-to-face customers, including in the car rental space.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Martin Romjue stands at conference stage podium close to a dangling, glistening chandelier.
Rental Operationsby StaffApril 15, 2026

Meet The (Semi-New) ARN Editor

Martin Romjue has been editing and reporting for ARN since 2023 and fully transitioned to the role of chairman of the International Car Rental Show in 2026.

Read More →
Ad Loading...