Jasmine Birtles
Your money-making expert. Financial journalist, TV and radio personality.
Make £100 a month with ads on your car
Jasmine Birtles
21st Sep 2023
You can have ads on your car, just like taxis and buses do.
Unbelievable? Not really.
If you’re someone who drives around a lot, then loads of people see your car. It makes sense for an advertiser to splash their logo across your bonnet. They’re going to get a lot of eyeballs on that space!
The concept has been widely used in both the US and Europe, where advertisers such as Gillette and the Transformers movie have worked with Moscow based StickerRide.
So, if you don’t mind driving around with ‘Vimto’ or something similar spread across your car, you could make around £100 a month for very little effort.
- What’s involved in getting ads on your car?
- How much can you make from ads on your car?
- Can anyone do it?
What’s involved in getting ads on your car?
First things first, you’ve got to get the ads on your car.
The company that you sign up to will do this by professionally applying an adhesive vinyl wrap to all or part of your vehicle. Special transparent vinyl is used on the windows, so it won’t interfere with your driving visibility – phew!
Such ‘vehicle wraps’ can be added and removed easily without spoiling the paintwork, providing it is of original factory standard. Every decal is applied using specialist technology, which prevents bubbles from forming underneath the newly-placed vinyl. The adhesive is also very strong and is rain and UV ray resistant. These wraps typically come in three forms: panel, partial and full wraps. Full insurance is provided against any damage to the paintwork of your vehicle caused by the advert’s placement, so you don’t even need to worry if something does happen.
You may even get freebies from the advertisers such as samples and discounts. Most car wrapping companies will also pay you if you refer other people to them.
So, it’s a win-win situation!
Some car wrapping companies will then require you to drive a certain amount each month before paying you.
Others won’t ask you to change your driving habits, but will match your driving routine to their advertisers’ needs.
Most companies accept vehicles of all sizes, from large vans to small hatchbacks or even flashy convertibles. All the adverts are custom made to fit your car and the specifications of their clients.
Saying this, many advertisers prefer cars that are newer or in good condition. You will also be required to keep the outside of your car clean while the advert is on it – you should report any damage to the ads or your car immediately.
Also, you’re free to turn down any branding allocated to your vehicle that you would not feel comfortable advertising.
Find out more about making and saving money with your car by reading our car guides.
the ideal ‘vehicle wrap’ driver
In order to be considered for a wrap, most companies have the following requirements:
- Be over the age of 18 at least (some companies request 20 years and over)
- Hold a clean driver’s licence
- Have a current MOT and road tax for the vehicle
- Have valid insurance for the duration of the contract
- Hold no convictions for drink driving, manslaughter or dangerous driving causing death.
Remember, you will be expected to always drive responsibly. An erratic, speeding driver is probably not going to create the best impression for the advertiser!
You can still become part of the scheme if you happen to drive a company car, providing your company gives you permission of course.
Car wrap companies can also offer corporate packages if you have a fleet of cars, vans or trucks that you are interested in registering.
Still interested? If you meet the above requirements and think you can handle a little artwork on your car, then read on to find out just how much money you can make from a vehicle wrap.
How much can you make from ads on your car?
The rate of pay varies according to the company you go with and how much of your car you’re willing to get wrapped.
Over in the US, Carvertise, the award-winning marketing firm, matches brands with high-mileage car owners – typically those owners who drive at least 30 miles a day. Drivers are normally paid $100 a month, although this can increase to $200 for the more specialist of campaigns.
Then there’s adverttu which claims to pay up to £150 a month for ads on cars (though there are limited reviews for this company).
StickerRide is another company that connects drivers to advertisers and even calculates potential driver earnings before the registration process is complete. Like other companies, their operator will check the campaign request and approve your application (dependent on criteria). You can increase your earnings by taking part in flashmobs and quests too; however, you need to launch the app before you begin driving.
Drive a lot in the US? Then, Wrapify may be the perfect pick for you. They approximate driving earnings on their site as anything from $196 to $452, depending on the type of wrap coverage that is applied.*
Drivers are paid monthly, so it’s a nice way to supplement your income; however, varying payment models exist across companies, so remember to check payment terms before you register. Plus, there’s a chance to get freebies or samples from the advertisers you are working with to boot!
Can anyone do it?
Well now, there’s the rub.
In a word – no.
Obviously a lot of people want to do this – and there’s nothing to stop you signing up – but the advertising companies are often looking for a specific type of car and driver. They could be looking out for someone who:
- Drives a LOT (such as a travelling salesperson)
- Has a really cool or expensive car
- Drives in a certain area (maybe the South East only or the North West only)
- Or lives within a commuter postcode.
They also look into other factors such as where the car spends most of its time and its total mileage.
So don’t be surprised if you sign up and then never hear anything, as a lot of factors are at play. Don’t let it put you off as it’s worth a try but just be realistic. If, like me, you have a tired-looking Citroen C1 and you only pootle about town every now and then, you’re not going to be top of the list, but there may well be a campaign out there just for you.
And, while you’re waiting to hear back, read our 10 real-world tips for cheaper driving.
*There are numerous car wrapping companies out there, be wary of scam artists, and always check company practices.
Have you had ads on your car?
Do you think it’s a good idea or have you had a bad experience with it?
Let us know about your vehicle wrapping experience in the comments below.
Do you really want me to give you all my details ? I was up for this but to ask foir driving licence number is not necessary and makes one think why do you want it. Sorry fellas no chance.. too
old and too wise
Having just received an email about this from Money Magpie, I thought it was such a good idea I registered with Comm-motion and Money4Space. I was a bit concerned about the information being requested for data protection purposes and certainly Comm-motion asked a lot of ‘market research’ type questions. I decided not to provide my bank details during the registration and I am glad I did not as I never actually received a confirmation of registration from Comm-motion as they promised on the end screen. So I have chased them. Upon checking up on Money4Space after receiving their confirmation email,… Read more »
Hi Hazel, We’re sorry about your concerns regarding these companies and have made some enquiries for you. Although you have not received a confirmation of registration from Comm-motion, their site has this to say: “Once your completed online Registration Form has been submitted we evaluate your vehicle suitability, journey habits, location and individual compatibility. Once your vehicle has been selected for the scheme you will be contacted, assigned an identification number and then arrangements will be made to accommodate the vinyl application process.” It could be that your vehicle simply has not been selected for the scheme but it was… Read more »
is Comm motion still in business ?
I filled in the extensive form out a number of weeks ago but no confirmation email. I tryed to contact them from there website and it would not go through ? no phone number to speak to someone ?
I signed up last week and had the same experience. In fact it came up with what appeared to be some form of IT error message after I clicked SUBMIT on the final screen. I then tried to contact them (They only offer an email portal -no phone number) and got a similar error msg. I think the company must be dormant nowadays.
Hi all, I realize this is an old post but thought I would try my luck. I am wanting to convert a van into a small camper. Maybe a merc Sprinter or something similar. I need a scheme close to what’s being talked about here but with a difference. I would require around £5,000 to purchase the van and complete the project. I have some designs of the interior completed on a 3D modeling program and I have rough prices in my head which can be put onto paper for a company if required. Once the van is complete I… Read more »
hi i have a vw polo estate and drive all around birmingham city daily. my question is do you have to tell insurance companys that you are pimping your car out for advertising? i currently have small magnet advertising on the car and was told i had to have business insurance, which i find stupid as they are magnets! obv if i have a vinyl print aplied i dont want to have my insurance going up more than it allready is as would supercead the cost of the print in the first place :/
hi, i want advertising on my taxi any ideas how i go about it
Hi i drive a Honda Civic fully legal 23 years old no convictions anyone reading this, willing pay to advertise on my car get in touch please i live in london Brixton and drive to almost everywhere i go i am also doing a doing a food delivery job with my car so if interested no matter who what company let me know please. looking forward to hear from you. [email protected] or 07857887133.
Hi Ruhul,
We’re looking to expand our database in preparation for campaigns to be launched in February. I’d like to personally ask you to register your car on our database, it would be great to have you on board with us.
Regards,
Ryan
Pro-Motor Founder
Hi, I drive a Toyota Starlet GT Turbo, Im 23 years old, I have one conviction SP30, which means I have 3 points. I have learnt my lesson and I am a very confident and good driver. I live in North Wales, but do around 74miles a day to work and back. If you would be interest in advertising on a head turning car for the right reasons. give me a shout. email me @ [email protected] I look forward from hearing from you.
hi i drive a Citroen saxo vtr in gold and am fully legal 32 years old no convictions anyone reading this willing pay to advertise on my car get in touch i live in Manchester stalybridge and travel everywhere if i go out i drive i never walk so if interested no matter who what company let know ty [email protected] or 07521262541 ty
With the cost of fuel edging towards record levels, we think this is a great way to offset running costs – has anyone tried it?
Please see my my post, tried today but concerned about the companies. Can you advise?
hello im really intrested in advertising on my car.
I live in london, and im driving around all the time to local shopping centers and busy towns. I also commute to work every day atleast a half hour journey through . Parked in a sainsburys car park where its always very busy!! vauxhall vivaro 2010.
Hi,
Do you still interested in having your vehicle wrapped for money?
If yes, please call 07538794886.
Many thanks,
Jay