I live by the adage, "believe none of what you hear, and only half of what you see". I would also add to that, verify everything that you see in print. That's why when I ran across an article recently about people driving a car for free, my B.S. antenna immediately popped up reminding me that "if it sounds too good to be true it probably is". Although my instincts told me to dismiss it, I decided to do a little research because the thought of driving a free auto was to say the least appealing. What I discoverd that while there are indeed companies that will pay you to cover your car in an autowrap, it's not nearly as easy to get an assignment as some would lead you to believe. This article looks at the realities behind the 'Drive a Car Free' ads to separate the truth from the fiction.



It's been said that some businesses spend over 50% of their budget on advertising. With so much competition for the consumer dollar, businesses are constantly looking for new ways to get their messages out. While big business has always recognized the power of outdoor advertising, some innovative companies have taken this type of advertising to a new level with the creation of autowraps. The companies that provide this type of service create car wraps, which are usually multi-colored displays which are pieced together to cover an auto, truck, etc. While it's obvious that the company using an autowrap benefits by having it's message in front of thousands of drivers, there are also benefits to be had by the driver as well? While some might not consider having the most visable and in some cases the most obnoxious vehicle on the road a benefit, autowrap drivers are usually compensated with a monthly payment ranging from $200-$400 a month. Some companies will even spring for gas. The details vary with each company, so check to see what each requires before signing an agreement.

If, on the other hand, you are using a car provided by the company, there are several things that will be required of you; The company will expect you to log a certain number of miles per month. While living in or near a big city might help your chances, in most instances you'll need to drive a minimum amount of miles per month. *You will also be required to perform basic maintenance such as changing the oil, regular car washing, and a monthly inspection. Since you are representing a company, it's imperative that you keep the vehicle in good order. And just like with your own personal vehicle, you'll have to provide auto insurance. Since the laws vary from state to state, it would be wise to see what type of insurance is required by you. *You must maintain an excellent driving record. The company will usually stipulate as part of the contract that you maintain a good driving record, and traffic violations can be reason to cancel the agreement. If all this hasn't scared you away, the next thing you will want to do is to get in touch with several companies providing this service. When doing a Google search with the words, Autowrap, Car Ads, or perhaps Drive a Free Car, you'll get two kinds of results. The first is the actual companies that provide the advertising services to businesses. The second type of result is a list of companies providing a directory or list of companies needing drivers for autowraps. In most cases there is a charge to gain access to the directory, usually in the range of $25 or so. While spending money on a directory may seem like a waste of money, I would again emphasize that there is a much longer list of people looking for a car ad assignment than there are available vehicles. Using a good directory can help you expand your search, and increase your chances of getting a car. In summing up, while there are in fact companies that use drivers for car ads, the number of applicants far outnumber the available vehicles. In order to be successful in getting an assignment, you'll need lots of patience, a bit of luck, and most likely a good directory.