Driver Terms of Service

Last Updated: April 24, 2026

For Independent Drivers Using the CocoWash Driver Application

By registering as a Driver on the CocoWash platform, you agree to be bound by these Driver Terms of Service and the Independent Contractor Agreement. Please read them carefully before registering.

1. Agreement to Terms

These Driver Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your access to and use of the CocoWash Driver mobile application and platform. By registering as a Driver, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms.

CocoWash LLC reserves the right to update these Terms at any time. Continued use of the platform after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

2. Independent Contractor Status

You are an independent contractor, not an employee of CocoWash LLC. Nothing in these Terms creates an employer-employee relationship, partnership, joint venture, or agency relationship between you and CocoWash.

As an independent contractor, you are solely responsible for:

  • All applicable federal, state, and local taxes on your earnings
  • Your own health, disability, and personal insurance
  • Your vehicle maintenance, fuel, and all operating costs
  • Compliance with all applicable laws and regulations

CocoWash will not withhold taxes, provide benefits, or make any employment-related payments on your behalf.

3. Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible as a CocoWash Driver, you must:

  • Be at least 21 years of age
  • Hold a valid driver's license in your state
  • Own or have authorized use of a vehicle in good working condition
  • Maintain valid vehicle insurance meeting minimum state requirements
  • Pass CocoWash's Driver Review process
  • Be legally authorized to work in the United States
  • Complete Stripe Connect onboarding for payment eligibility
  • Reside and operate within an active CocoWash service area

4. Driver Review Process

CocoWash conducts a Driver Review of all applicants before granting platform access. By registering, you consent to this review and confirm that:

  • All information and documents submitted are accurate and genuine
  • You are legally authorized to work in the United States
  • You meet all eligibility requirements listed above

The Driver Review includes a review of submitted documents including your driver's license, vehicle insurance, vehicle registration, and profile photo. CocoWash reserves the right to deny or revoke platform access based on review findings.

CocoWash does not collect or store Social Security Numbers. No immigration documents are collected or required.

5. Required Documentation

You must upload and maintain current copies of:

  • Valid government-issued driver's license
  • Current vehicle insurance card
  • Vehicle registration
  • Profile selfie photo for identity verification

It is your responsibility to keep all documents current. Operating with expired documents may result in immediate suspension from the platform.

6. Payment Setup — Stripe Connect

To receive earnings, you must complete Stripe Connect onboarding. Stripe, Inc. handles:

  • Identity verification (KYC — Know Your Customer)
  • Bank account linking and verification
  • Tax information collection (W-9 / 1099 compliance)
  • Fraud screening

You provide sensitive financial information directly to Stripe. CocoWash does not store your SSN, bank account numbers, or tax identification details. If you are unable to complete Stripe onboarding, you will not be eligible to receive payouts.

7. Platform Access and Availability

7.1 Going Online

You may toggle your availability through the App at any time. When set to ONLINE, you may receive and accept job offers. You are never required to be online — you retain full control over your schedule.

7.2 Accepting Jobs

Job acceptance is entirely voluntary. You may accept or decline any job offer. However, a pattern of accepting jobs and then frequently cancelling may result in strikes on your account.

7.3 Job Commitment

Once you accept a job, you commit to:

  • Arriving at the pickup location at the agreed time
  • Safely transporting the vehicle to the designated service center
  • Taking required before and after photos of the vehicle
  • Returning the vehicle to the customer in the same condition
  • Completing all required steps through the App

8. Vehicle Handling Standards

When handling customer vehicles, you must:

  • Drive safely and obey all traffic laws at all times
  • Never use a customer vehicle for personal purposes
  • Never allow unauthorized persons access to the customer vehicle
  • Not smoke, eat, or drink inside customer vehicles
  • Photograph all four sides of the vehicle before pickup
  • Photograph all four sides of the vehicle after service completion
  • Report any pre-existing damage before pickup through the App
  • Immediately report any incidents or new damage through the App

9. Earnings and Payouts

9.1 Earnings Structure

You earn 60% of the CocoWash platform fee for each completed job, with a minimum payout of $12.00 per job. Your earnings for each job are clearly displayed before you accept.

9.2 Payout Method

Earnings are paid out via Stripe Connect to your connected bank account following job completion. Funds typically arrive within 1-2 business days, subject to Stripe's standard processing times. CocoWash is not responsible for delays caused by Stripe or your financial institution.

9.3 Tax Responsibilities

You are solely responsible for reporting and paying all applicable taxes on your earnings. Stripe will facilitate W-9 collection and issue a 1099-NEC form for annual earnings of $600 or more. We strongly recommend consulting a tax professional regarding your obligations as an independent contractor.

10. Strike System and Deactivation

10.1 What Earns a Strike

  • Cancelling a job after going en route to pickup (without a valid emergency reason)
  • No-show after accepting a job without prior notice
  • Verified customer complaint of unsafe driving or reckless behavior
  • Verified vehicle damage that was not reported through the App

10.2 Consequences

  • 1 strike: Written warning — coaching message sent, no suspension
  • 2 strikes: 48-hour suspension
  • 3 strikes: 7-day suspension
  • 4 strikes: 30-day suspension
  • 5 strikes: Permanent deactivation review — CocoWash will contact you before any final decision

10.3 Strike Expiration

Strikes older than 12 months are removed from your record, provided no new strikes occurred during that period. A driver in good standing resets after one year.

10.4 Right to Appeal

You may appeal any strike within 7 days by contacting support@cocowash.org. CocoWash will review your appeal within 5 business days and notify you of the outcome.

10.5 Immediate Deactivation (No Strike Process)

The following result in immediate permanent deactivation with no strike process:
  • Fraud or theft involving a customer vehicle or payment
  • Physical assault or threats against a customer
  • DUI or DWI while operating a customer vehicle
  • Abandonment of a customer vehicle
  • Providing false documents or identity information during registration

11. Insurance

You must maintain valid personal auto insurance at all times throughout your engagement with CocoWash. You must notify CocoWash immediately of any lapse or cancellation of coverage.

CocoWash maintains Garage Keeper's Liability insurance covering customer vehicles while in the care, custody, and control of an active CocoWash Driver. This supplemental coverage does not replace your personal insurance and may have coverage limitations.

12. Conduct and Community Standards

You agree to at all times:

  • Treat customers with courtesy and professionalism
  • Maintain personal hygiene and a presentable appearance
  • Respond promptly to customer messages through the App
  • Never request or accept cash payments from customers outside the App
  • Report any suspicious activity or safety concerns to CocoWash

13. Privacy and Customer Data

You consent to CocoWash collecting your location data while you are online on the platform. Customer location data and personal information accessed through the App is strictly confidential and may only be used for the purpose of fulfilling the assigned job. Misuse of customer data will result in immediate deactivation and may be reported to law enforcement.

Your use of the platform is also governed by our Privacy Policy.

14. Ratings

Customers will rate you after each completed job. Your rating affects your standing on the platform. CocoWash will notify you before taking any rating-based action, and you will have the opportunity to respond.

15. Termination

Either party may terminate this agreement at any time. You may stop using the platform at any time with no penalty. Any outstanding earnings for completed work will be paid out according to the normal payment schedule.

CocoWash may deactivate your account for violations of these Terms, safety concerns, or business reasons.

16. Dispute Resolution

Any disputes arising under these Terms shall be resolved by binding arbitration in the State of Maryland, in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association. You waive the right to participate in class action or collective arbitration proceedings against CocoWash.

17. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Maryland, United States, without regard to conflict of law principles.

18. Contact

For questions about these Terms:

  • Email: support@cocowash.org
  • Phone: (240) 801-6460
  • Address: CocoWash LLC, Montgomery County, Maryland

By registering as a Driver and using the CocoWash Driver App, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Driver Terms of Service.