I Can't Book a Vehicle

Last updated on Jul 13, 2025

Having trouble completing your Swift Ride booking? This guide addresses the most common booking issues and provides step-by-step solutions to get you on the road.

Common Booking Issues

Issue 1: "No Vehicles Available"

Possible Causes:

  • All vehicles in your area are booked

  • Your location isn't served yet

  • Seasonal availability changes

  • Technical issues with availability display

Solutions:

  1. Expand your search radius

    • Increase distance filter to 25+ miles

    • Consider nearby cities

    • Check suburb locations

  2. Try different dates

    • Move pickup date 1-2 days

    • Weekend availability might differ

    • Check for upcoming releases

  3. Join the waitlist

    • Click "Join Waitlist" for your area

    • Get notified when vehicles become available

    • Priority booking access

  4. Contact support

    • Ask about unreleased inventory

    • Inquire about expansion timeline

    • Request manual search assistance

Issue 2: Verification Requirements Not Met

Problem: "Complete verification to book" Check these requirements:

Driver's License

  • Valid, unexpired license

  • Uploaded front and back

  • Clear, readable photos

  • Name matches account

Gig Platform Verification

  • At least one platform connected

  • Active driver status confirmed

  • Recent activity shown

  • Account in good standing

Terms & Conditions

  • Digitally signed agreement

  • All pages reviewed

  • Initials and signature complete

  • DocuSeal confirmation received

Quick Fixes:

  1. Check Profile → Verification Status

  2. Complete missing requirements

  3. Wait for approval (usually 1-2 hours)

  4. Refresh booking page

Issue 3: Payment Method Problems

Error: "Invalid payment method" Solutions:

  1. Update card information

    • Check expiration date

    • Verify billing address

    • Ensure sufficient credit limit

    • Test with different card

  2. Security verification

    • Complete 3D Secure authentication

    • Check bank app for notifications

    • Approve transaction if prompted

    • Contact bank if blocked

  3. Try alternative payment

    • Use different credit card

    • Try Apple Pay/Google Pay

    • Add backup payment method

    • Consider debit card option

Issue 4: Technical Booking Errors

Common Error Messages:

"Booking session expired"

  • Start booking process fresh

  • Complete within 15 minutes

  • Don't use back button

  • Clear browser cache

"Unable to process booking"

  • Check internet connection

  • Try different browser

  • Disable ad blockers

  • Use incognito/private mode

"Server error occurred"

  • Wait 10 minutes and retry

  • Clear cookies and cache

  • Try mobile app vs website

  • Contact support with error code

Step-by-Step Booking Checklist

Pre-Booking Requirements

Before attempting to book:

  1. Account Setup Complete

    • Email verified

    • Profile information filled

    • Phone number confirmed

  2. Documents Verified

    • Driver's license approved

    • Gig platform connected

    • Terms & conditions signed

  3. Payment Ready

    • Valid payment method added

    • Billing address correct

    • Sufficient credit/funds available

Booking Process Steps

  1. Browse Available Cars

    • Enter/verify your location

    • Set date and time preferences

    • Apply any filters needed

    • Select desired vehicle

  2. Review Details

    • Confirm vehicle specifications

    • Check pickup location

    • Verify start date

    • Review pricing

  3. Complete Booking

    • Confirm payment method

    • Review terms reminder

    • Submit booking request

    • Wait for confirmation

Browser and Device Issues

Browser Compatibility

Swift Ride works best with:

  • ✅ Chrome (recommended)

  • ✅ Safari (Mac/iOS)

  • ✅ Edge (Windows)

  • ✅ Firefox (recent versions)

Browser Settings

Ensure these are enabled:

  • JavaScript enabled

  • Cookies allowed

  • Pop-ups allowed for swiftride.com

  • Third-party cookies (for Stripe)

Mobile App vs Website

When to use mobile:

  • Better for location services

  • Faster loading times

  • Push notifications

  • Touch-friendly interface

When to use desktop:

  • Complex payment setup

  • Document uploads

  • Multiple car comparison

  • Detailed planning

Account-Related Problems

Age and License Requirements

Requirements:

  • Minimum age: 21 years old

  • Clean driving record

  • Valid U.S. driver's license

  • Active gig driver status

If you don't meet requirements:

  • Age: Must wait until 21

  • License: Resolve issues with DMV

  • Record: Wait for violations to clear

  • Gig status: Activate on platforms first

Account Suspension Issues

Reasons for suspension:

  • Payment failures

  • Policy violations

  • Disputed documents

  • Safety concerns

Resolution steps:

  1. Check email for suspension notice

  2. Contact support immediately

  3. Provide requested documentation

  4. Wait for manual review

  5. Follow appeal process if needed

Geographic Limitations

Service Areas

Swift Ride currently operates in:

  • Major metropolitan areas

  • Select cities (expanding)

  • Airport hub locations

  • College town markets

If your area isn't served:

  1. Join the waitlist

  2. Consider nearby cities

  3. Check expansion announcements

  4. Request service for your area

Location Detection Issues

GPS not working:

  1. Enable location services

  2. Allow browser permissions

  3. Manually enter zip code

  4. Use city/state selector

  5. Clear location cache

Payment Processing Problems

Credit Card Declined

Common reasons:

  • Insufficient funds/credit

  • Card expired

  • Wrong billing info

  • Bank fraud protection

  • International restrictions

Solutions:

  1. Verify card details exactly

  2. Check with your bank

  3. Try different payment method

  4. Update billing address

  5. Use domestic card if possible

International Payment Issues

For international drivers:

  • Ensure card works in US

  • Notify bank of transactions

  • Consider US bank account

  • Use international Visa/Mastercard

  • Check currency conversion

Getting Help

Self-Service Options

  1. FAQ Section: Check common questions

  2. Video Tutorials: Watch how-to guides

  3. Status Page: Check system status

  4. Community Forums: See user discussions

Contacting Support

When to contact support:

  • Error persists after troubleshooting

  • Verification taking too long

  • Payment charged but booking failed

  • Technical errors with codes

Information to provide:

  • Account email address

  • Error messages (screenshots help)

  • Steps already tried

  • Browser/device used

  • Booking attempt time

Response times:

  • Live chat: Immediate

  • Email: Within 2 hours

  • Phone: Minimal wait

Priority Support

Expedited help for:

  • Existing customers

  • Urgent bookings

  • Payment issues

  • Account suspensions

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why can't I see any cars in my area? A: Either we don't serve your area yet, or all vehicles are currently booked. Join the waitlist for updates.

Q: My verification was rejected. What now? A: Check your email for specific feedback, correct the issues, and resubmit documents.

Q: Can I book multiple vehicles? A: Currently, you can only have one active booking at a time.

Q: How far in advance can I book? A: Bookings are typically available 2-14 days in advance.

Q: What if my payment fails during booking? A: Update your payment method and try again. The vehicle will be held for 30 minutes.

Prevention Tips

Smooth Booking Experience

  1. Complete verification early

  2. Test payment method beforehand

  3. Book during off-peak hours

  4. Use recommended browsers

  5. Keep documents current

Backup Plans

  • Have multiple payment methods

  • Know alternative pickup locations

  • Consider flexible dates

  • Keep support contact handy

  • Review requirements periodically