Car Advertising: How I Make $500 a Month Just Driving to Work
The promise of earning an extra $500 a month simply by driving to work has helped make car advertising an appealing side hustle.
But experts say the extra income isn't guaranteed. Vehicle ownership costs and changes to normal driving habits can quickly determine whether car advertising becomes a profitable side hustle.
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Here’s what you need to know.
Use the Right Vehicle
Car advertising campaigns aren't looking for every type of vehicle. Experts said advertisers prefer reliable, late-model vehicles with clean exteriors that spend plenty of time on the road.
“The best choices include the Toyota RAV4, Honda Civic or Hyundai Elantra, which are common, dependable, and have a flat surface on their door panels, which provides the necessary space for the vinyl wrap application,” said Alexandra Novikava, automotive marketplace executive at Truck1.
Older vehicles with body damage, extensive customization or poor fuel economy may be less attractive candidates for advertising campaigns.
Call Your Insurance Company First
Experts recommend calling the insurance company first.
“Before enrolling in any vehicle advertising program, the single most important step you should take is picking up the phone and speaking directly with your insurance carrier about how enrollment impacts the policy you currently have,” said Joshua Morrison, president of Bad Driving Record, a high-risk insurance agency.
Depending on the policy, vehicle advertising could affect insurance classifications or require additional coverage.
“Do the side hustle math after that phone call,” Morrison said.
Account for Hidden Costs
The promise of earning an extra $500 a month can make car advertising sound like easy money.
“Drivers regularly misjudge and think of the advertising payment as profit,” said Lisa Stroeder, a licensed paralegal at OTD Ticket Defenders Legal Services.
She explained, “They don't realize that the extra mileage is increasing tire wear, shortening oil change intervals and can exceed the annual mileage limits in a lease, resulting in penalties that can quickly wipe out profits.”
Drive What You Own
Buying a new or additional vehicle solely to participate in a car advertising program is rarely a good financial decision because campaigns can be temporary, and there's no guarantee another opportunity will be waiting when one ends.
“Most programs generate between $300 to $500 in monthly advertising revenue,” Stroeder said. “Add financing, insurance, registration and maintenance on a second car, and you're usually underwater before the first wrap goes on.”
Instead, experts say car advertising tends to make the most financial sense when drivers use a reliable vehicle they already own and continue their normal commuting habits.
“Only join the side business of car advertising if you already have a car that is reliable and fuel-efficient,” Novikava said.
The Bottom Line
Car advertising may make financial sense for drivers who already own a reliable, fuel-efficient vehicle and spend plenty of time on the road.
The less they change about their existing driving habits, the better the odds that the extra income actually ends up in their pockets.
In many cases, the most profitable side hustle isn't driving more or buying another car. It's getting paid for the commute that's already happening.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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