Frequently asked questions

The same answers you find in the app, in one place.

Booking Payments Driving Account and safety

Booking

How do I book a seat?

Find a ride, choose your seats and tap Book. Some drivers approve each rider: tap Request to Book. We hold the price on your card, and you’re charged only if the driver accepts. Your payment is held securely until the driver’s identity is verified. If verification isn’t completed, you get a full refund.

Can I cancel and get my money back?

Full refund 7 days or more before the ride, 50% back after that, no refund in the last 24 hours. Booked by mistake? Cancel within 15 minutes for a full refund, if the ride leaves more than 2 hours later.

What if my driver cancels?

You get everything back. The same if they remove you, or if they don’t show up after you report it and we confirm. Refunds reach your card in 5–10 business days.

My driver didn’t show up. What do I do?

Open the ride and tap Report a Problem within 48 hours of departure. The driver’s payment is paused until we decide.

How do I talk to my driver?

Use Messages on the ride page. It opens once you book. Phone numbers stay private.

Payments

How do I pay?

In the app, by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay, processed by Stripe. No cash and no payment apps.

Why is there a maximum price?

Drivers share the cost of a trip they’re taking anyway. The cap is the trip’s cost at the IRS rate of $0.76 a mile, split by the seats. The minimum is $2 a seat.

When does the driver get paid?

Stripe sends it 24–48 hours after the ride. RideMate takes no commission. Drivers receive what riders contribute, minus card processing fees. Drivers set up payouts when their first rider books.

Driving

What do I need to offer rides?

An approved student account, a valid driver’s license and a car with current insurance. Add them in Profile.

Are rides insured?

Drivers use their own personal auto insurance. RideMate does not insure drivers, riders, vehicles or trips. Many personal auto policies may not cover carrying passengers who share trip costs, so drivers should check with their insurer before offering seats.

What if I cancel a ride I’m driving?

Your riders get everything back. Cancelling a booked ride, removing a booked rider or not showing up is a strike. 2 in a semester pause publishing for 30 days.

A rider didn’t show up. What do I do?

From 10 minutes after departure, tap Didn’t Show Up next to their name. You still receive their contribution. They can dispute it within 48 hours.

Account and safety

Who can join RideMate?

Students with a school email from a supported Florida college or university. We check your student ID, usually within 2 hours.

How do I report or block someone?

Open their profile or your chat with them and tap Report or Block. Only our team sees reports.

What do I do in an emergency?

Call 911 first. Then write to us from the ride page.

Can I bring my pet?

Check the driver’s travel preferences on their profile before you book.

How do I delete my account?

In Profile, tap Delete account. Log back in within 30 days to restore it, or it’s deleted for good.

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