Generally, you can drive for Lyft with a dent in your car, but it depends entirely on the dent's size, location, and severity. Lyft's official policy requires vehicles to be free of "excessive" damage, meaning anything that compromises safety, vehicle integrity, or creates a poor passenger experience. A small door ding is unlikely to be an issue, but a large dent with sharp, exposed edges on a passenger door likely would be.
Key Factors Lyft Considers:
- Safety: The primary concern. Dents near headlights, taillights, or sensors that impair functionality are unacceptable. Damage that could have sharp edges or could potentially worsen during a trip is a red flag.
- Passenger Experience: Dents that make doors difficult to open or close, or that are prominently located and make the interior cabin feel unclean or unsafe, can lead to negative passenger ratings and complaints.
- Vehicle Inspection: To start driving, your car must pass an inspection, often conducted at a Lyft-approved shop or through their mobile app. The inspector has discretion. What one inspector passes, another might flag.
If you're unsure, the best course of action is to review Lyft's current vehicle requirements on their website and honestly assess your car against them. If the dent is minor, you're probably fine. If it's significant, getting it repaired is a smart investment to avoid potential deactivation and ensure positive passenger reviews.
