If you’re looking to earn some extra money and want flexible hours, becoming a DoorDash delivery driver is the perfect solution! When you drive for DoorDash, you can pick the hours you work and immediately cash out your earnings!
But before you start driving for DoorDash, you probably have some questions. For example, you may be asking, does DoorDash pay for the mileage I rack up while delivering? I wondered about the same thing, so keep reading to see what I discovered!
Does DoorDash Pay for Mileage In 2024?
DoorDash doesn’t pay for mileage, car repair expenses, gas, etc., as of 2024. When you’re a DoorDasher, you’re an independent contractor and are therefore responsible for all your car-related expenses. Fortunately, mileage tracking apps like Everlance make it easy to total your miles and write the fee off on your taxes.
If you want to learn more about driving for DoorDash, how to get the most significant tax return, what apps you should use, and much more, keep on reading! I’ve researched everything you need to know!
Does DoorDash Pay for Mileage?
DoorDash doesn’t pay for its delivery drivers’ mileage.
This is because when you deliver for DoorDash, you’re an independent contractor, and therefore are responsible for providing your own car, its repairs, gas, mileage, etc.
Does DoorDash Keep Track of Mileage?
The DoorDash app also doesn’t keep track of mileage for its delivery drivers. So, you can’t log in to the app and have a form complete with all your mileage incurred for DoorDash.
Still, it’s beneficial to keep a record of your mileage as you complete orders for DoorDash, because you can deduct the expense from your taxes.
How Do You Track DoorDash Mileage?
Tracking DoorDash mileage is much simpler than most people assume.
There are apps available on the Google Play and Apple app store that automatically keep track of your mileage.
In fact, DoorDash has a partnership with a mileage-tracking app called Everlance. Using Everlance, you don’t have to worry about writing down how many miles you drive each day.
Additionally, Everlance offers a 30-day free trial, so you can see if the app is right for you.
After the free trial, Everlance costs $8 a month or $5 a month when you pay annually for the Premium version.
With a Premium Everlance account, the app will track an unlimited amount of trips each month.
Moreover, you can opt to get a Premium Plus Everlance account, which costs $12 a month or $10 a month when you pay annually.
Some of the additional features include individual training and an account manager.
According to DoorDashers, the Premium version has everything you need and is well worth the small expense.
Are There Other Mileage Tracking Apps?
If you don’t prefer to use Everlance, several other mileage tracking apps are available that work seamlessly with DoorDash.
Also, some of the apps automatically generate a report that you can put directly into your taxes. For example, some of the mileage tracking apps that DoorDashers recommend include:
- Stride
- TripLog
- Hurdlr
- MileIQ
Also, it’s important to keep in mind that these apps constantly run in the background, so your phone might lose charge quicker than usual if you complete many deliveries.
Therefore, people recommend turning off the app while you’re not delivering orders.
Why Should You Track DoorDash Mileage?
Tracking DoorDash mileage is essential so you can write it off on your tax return. According to the IRS, the standard rate for business mileage is $0.56 per mile.
As you can see, the money quickly adds up, especially if you do a lot of deliveries for DoorDash.
Further, you can write off other expenses on your tax return if you drive for DoorDash, including:
- Car insurance
- Tolls
- Parking fees
- Your phone
- Your phone plan
- Vehicle repair costs
- Accounting and banking costs relating to DoorDash
What Are Some Other Ways to Save Money on DoorDash Mileage?
In addition to using Everlance to track your DoorDash mileage, there are other helpful tricks that help you increase your tax return.
Use Gas Reward Apps
Some apps out there actually reward you for purchasing gas at certain gas stations. For example, the GetUpside app allows you to earn cashback rewards on your gas expenses.
Here’s how it works- GetUpside shows you nearby gas stations that can save you an average of $0.25 per gallon.
That said, all you have to do is claim the offers in the app, and upload a photo of your gas receipt to get the cashback.
Drive a Fuel-Efficient Car
Driving a fuel-efficient car can save you a considerable amount of money throughout the year, especially if you complete a lot of orders for DoorDash.
With that, if you drive a car that uses a lot of gas, you won’t earn as much money with DoorDash, because gas expenses will outweigh your profits.
Use Fuel Reward Programs
Some gas stations give you discounts or cashback rewards for filling up at their station. That said, some of the most popular fuel rewards programs include:
- Exxon Mobil Rewards +
- Shell Fuel Rewards
- Speedy Rewards Program
Also, some gas rewards credit cards help you earn rewards every time you fill up.
For example, the Amex Blue Cash Preferred and the BOA Cash Rewards credit cards offer up to 3% cashback at gas stations.
How Do You Become a DoorDash Driver?
Becoming a DoorDash delivery driver is very easy. That said, all you need to do is complete the sign-up process and a background check.
Additionally, you must be at least 18 years old, have an iPhone or Android smartphone, and a working vehicle to drive for DoorDash.
If DoorDash approves your application, you can start driving right away!
How Much Do DoorDash Drivers Make?
The average earnings for DoorDashers vary based on location and the time of day. According to DoorDash, delivery drivers earn an average of $25 an hour, including 100% of the tips.
However, delivery drivers themselves claim that the rate can be lower sometimes.
To know more, you can also read our posts on whether or not DoorDash pays for gas, if DoorDash takes cash, and DoorDash late delivery.
Conclusion
Unfortunately, DoorDash doesn’t pay for your mileage while completing deliveries. Because you’re an independent contractor, when you drive for DoorDash, you’re responsible for all your expenses.
However, there are convenient mile tracking apps like Everlance you can use, which is helpful to write the expense off on your taxes.
