The Complete Guide to Hosting on Roam

Hosting on Roam is straightforward. You set the price, approve each booking, and we handle payments, insurance, and renter verification. Here's the full walkthrough.

Step 1: Create your host profile

Sign up at roamislands.com and enable host mode. This takes about 30 seconds.

Step 2: Verify your identity

We use Stripe Identity to verify your government-issued ID and match it to a live selfie. This protects both you and your future renters. You'll also upload proof of auto insurance.

Step 3: Add payout details

Tell us where to send your earnings. We support domestic wire transfers, international wire, and Wise. Your banking details are encrypted at rest and only accessed by our payouts team when processing transfers.

Step 4: List your vehicle

Upload clear photos (exterior, interior, dashboard), set your daily and weekly rates, describe your vehicle, and specify pickup logistics. A good listing takes about 10 minutes.

Tips for a great listing:

• Use natural light for photos
• Include shots of the trunk, backseat, and any special features
• Be specific about pickup location and instructions
• Set competitive pricing (check similar vehicles on the platform)
• Add your availability calendar so renters know when your car is free

Step 5: Approve bookings

When a renter requests your vehicle, you'll get a notification with their profile, verification status, and trip details. You decide whether to approve.

There's no obligation to accept every request. It's your car, your rules.

Step 6: Hand off the keys

Meet your renter at the agreed location, do a quick walk-around together, and hand over the keys. We recommend both parties take photos of the vehicle at pickup and return.

Step 7: Get paid

After each completed trip, we calculate your payout (booking total minus the 15% service fee) and transfer it to your bank via wire or Wise. Payouts are typically processed within 2 business days of trip completion.

Pricing strategy

Most hosts on Roam set their daily rate between $40 and $120 USD depending on the vehicle. Hosts who rent 12+ days per month earn an average of $1,280/month on a mid-range sedan.

Consider offering a weekly discount (10-15% off the daily rate) to attract longer bookings, which mean fewer handoffs and steadier income.

Support

Questions? Issues during a trip? Our support team is available via the app or at hello@roamislands.com.