Uber Customer Service

Uber is a rideshare company operating in the United States and in several other countries. The company's drivers provide millions of rides per day, creating plenty of customer-service related concerns. While Uber's model does not provide phone-based customer support to most of its customers for non-urgent issues, the option does exist for its most frequent users.

Why do People Call Uber's Customer Service Department?

Uber prefers to provide customer service online and through its mobile app. As a result, most customers have limited access to telephone-based customer service.

There are two situations in which a customer can call Uber for assistance:

1. An emergency: Uber has an emergency number for drivers and riders who need to report urgent safety-related issues. Uber instructs callers to report incidents to 911 first, then contact Uber. It is important to note that this service is only for serious, urgent issues that have an impact on the safety of riders, drivers or the general public.

2. Diamond level riders: Like many companies, Uber has a loyalty program that provides rewards and perks to its customers. The program's top tier is Diamond, a level that does provide premium customer support, including access to phone-based customer service representatives.

Frequent riders who are gold or platinum level in the loyalty program do receive "priority" customer service through the mobile app, though this is not phone-based.

How do People Feel About Calling Uber Customer Support?

Because so few people have access to Uber phone-based customer support, it's difficult to gauge general opinions of the service. It should be noted that there have been media mentions of the possibility that, eventually, more Uber customers will have the option of receiving phone-based support, rather than having to rely on social media or Uber's in-app system.

As for Uber's general approach to customer service, reviews are mixed, which is not unusual for companies of this size. Many people feel that that it is easy to get caught up in an endless loop of stock responses without any real resolution to problems. Uber instructs riders to wait 24 hours for a response via the company's app, something that many people are unhappy about.

It should be noted, however, that many people find Uber's customer service to be acceptable, particularly when it comes to routine issues such as drivers who arrive late or are rude to passengers.

Uber Customer Service and the Media

Uber is a relatively new company and pioneered the rideshare business model. As a result, the company has undergone significant scrutiny by the news media, in part because of Uber's growing pains, which has led to customer service and public safety issues.

Many media reports have suggested that Uber hasn't always offered appropriate customer service, though there is some indication that this is changing.

What Kind of Issues Can Uber Customer Service Resolve?

Uber customer service, both phone-based and app-based, can address the following issues:

• Poor service or rude behavior from drivers
• Drivers who refuse to allow service dogs or accommodate disabled passengers
• Concerns about drivers who abuse the cancellation system
• Drivers who are very late to pick up passengers
• Situations in which the amount charged for an Uber ride is excessive
• Questions about loyalty program credits and rewards

Because Uber rides are tracked via its app, Uber is in a position to review rides and verify issues such as late pickups, inappropriately canceled rides, and driver errors. This can allow Uber's customer service representatives to resolve issues and, when appropriate, issue refunds or provide other types of compensation.

What are Issues that Uber Customer Service Can't Address?

Uber is not a law enforcement agency and cannot provide emergency services. Riders are urged to use their best judgment when dealing with drivers and to call 911 if they feel that their safety, or that of the public, is at stake.

What Can I do if Unhappy With My Uber Support Call?

If you are unhappy with Uber customer service, don't give up and don't settle for a poor or nonexistent resolution to your issue. Instead, consider the following steps:

• After your contact with Uber customer service, take a few moments to collect yourself. Write or type out what happened during your initial contact and then do the same with your ideal resolution. Having this in front of you during future contacts can help keep your conversation on track.
• Contact Uber again. Sometimes, a different representative has more knowledge or resources and can resolve your issue.
• Try other ways of getting ahold of Uber. Uber has Twitter and Facebook accounts and does respond to consumer complaints via these platforms.
• If your case seems to be at a standstill, contact the government agency that regulates rideshare services in the city from where you booked your ride. The agency may not be able to resolve individual complaints, but will keep a record of your concern and may, in the future, use this to hold Uber or other rideshare companies accountable for inaction on customer complaints.