How to Avoid Getting Deactivated As An Uber Driver
No one wants to open an email, only to find that they have been terminated by Uber as a driver. In other words…deactivated!
If you are no longer welcome as an Uber partner, the company has, in effect, unilaterally deactivated your partnership. In many cases, warnings or explanations are not provided, making the entire process even more challenging to navigate, understand, and remediate.
Check out our guide to Uber Deactivation below — as well as our recommendations about what to do about it (in the unfortunate event that it happens to you).
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Finally, in 2016, Uber published a more thorough deactivation policy. This made the company’s ‘deactivation parameters’ much more clear, helping drivers avoid some of the key reasons listed (below). To be fair, possible reasons range from rather minor incidents to more severe issues. The best way to avoid any problems, is to simply be more proactive — instead of reactive.
Why Would an Uber Driver Be Deactivated?
In order to avoid getting deactivated, it’s important to understand why you, as an Uber Driver, would receive a deactivated status in the first place. There are a number of reasons that can lead to an Uber Deactivation, including:
- A low Uber rating — If your star rating falls below 4.6, it’s possible that you will be warned (and placed under ‘quality review’). If poor reviews continue to flood in, you will almost certainly be deactivated. Make a conscious effort to provide a great service and a positive rating will come naturally.
- Expired documentation — If you’re an Uber driver, do not let your driver’s license or vehicle insurance expire. In those circumstances, Uber has the right to deactivate your account. It’s imperative that all documentation is in order, including your vehicle registration and inspection documents. This is a surprisingly common oversight (and should actually be followed by all drivers, whether you’re an Uber driver or not).
- Violating Uber’s code of conduct — Like any job, there are certain rules in place to protect both you and your passengers. If you begin to take part in inappropriate or illegal behavior, including drug and alcohol use, Uber can take action — and so can the law. If you violate Uber’s terms of service, you may also experience deactivation. A classic example would be manipulating hourly guarantees or the rating system.
- Unsafe driving — Uber listens to their passengers and always welcome their feedback. If you have been reported as an unsafe driver, you may be provided a warning based on your explanation of the incident. If this is a repeat occurrence, however, deactivation will likely follow.
- A serious complaint — Since Uber is essentially a service, you will be dealing with all kinds of people. It is up to you to remain calm and treat passengers with respect. If a passenger finds that you were overly rude or inappropriate, they may complain. If the complaint is major, Uber can deactivate your account without any warning. If you ever experience an incident where you believe a passenger is being unfair or aggressive towards you, please report it to Uber so that you can express your side of the story. After all, there are always two sides to ever story.
- Remaining inactive — If you do not accept and provide at least one ride within 90 days, Uber will like send you an email. In some cases, they’ll warn you — in others, they’ll deactivate your account. If you have a reason to be inactive for that length of time — reach out to Uber before 90 days pass.
One Less Reason to Be Deactivated
As of April 2016, Uber will no longer deactivate drivers who exhibit a low ride acceptance rate. In the past, if drivers did not accept enough ride requests, they received a warning, followed by a possible deactivation. With the new system in place, Uber will first warn you via email and text.
Uber will simply let you know ‘‘that you are not accepting enough rides” and that — if you continue on a low-ride acceptance trend-rate — they may temporarily lock you out of the app. If you would like to continue driving for Uber, you’ll need to keep your driving acceptance rate above a certain threshold.
Avoid Being Deactivated — It’s Simple
When it comes to avoiding deactivation, the answer is simple and straightforward — be a good, safe, and responsible driver.
- Keep all documents in order and up-to-date.
- Provide great service.
- Drive carefully and ensure your passengers’ safety.
And — in the unfortunate event that your account does get deactivated — try to correct the issue as soon as possible.
In some situations, it’s easy to get reactivated. Of course, if basic documentation is the issue (i.e., it’s missing, lost or simply incomplete), you can always just upload updated versions of missing documentation (in order to avoid long-term deactivation).
The same is true for inactivity — reach out to Uber & explain your situation (through in-app support or at your local Uber Greenlight Hub). Tell them you’d like to become active once again.
Just remember, when you’re driving passengers around, keep conversation light and respectful. Gauge the type of passenger you’re driving around — some individuals would prefer to be left alone, while others enjoy conversation. If you ensure that each customer feels comfortable (and, most importantly, that you’re driving safely & effectively — you shouldn’t have any major issues!)
Happy driving!
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