Uber Drivers Are Charging Riders To Return Lost Items, So Hold Onto Your Phone

Though it's common to guard your phone with your life, let's face it: Sometimes you forget where you put it. It's a small device and it's easy enough to misplace, but if you're prone to forgetfulness, there's a new plan that'll set you straight. As part of its "180 Days of Change" initiative, Uber will charge customers who retrieve missing items. If you can't stand the thought of a fee, you'll make sure your iPhone stays zipped up in your purse.

On average, Uber drivers have to return roughly 11 misplaced items per year, which I found surprising — I thought way more people would leave a gadget or two behind. When this happens, the drivers have to meet with their customer on their own time, but now, this new change allows the drivers to charge up to $15 for the return, The Verge reports. There is also an option that allows a for a tip.

So let's say you did the unthinkable and left something behind while en route to your friend's house. Head back into the app, select Menu > Help > Trip and Fare Review > I lost an item > Contact Driver. You'll be taking a step in the right direction, folks.

If your driver is able to locate the item (or items if  you were really forgetful), you can select a meeting location to retrieve it (or them). Fret not, if you don't get the particular item back upon your meeting,  you're able to discharge the dispute.

This change has already begun in Boston and Chicago, so if you're in another part of the country and you have to leave something behind, do so before Aug. 1 when the initiative rolls out nationwide.

While it can definitely be time consuming and perhaps even a bit costly, customers have to take into consideration that drivers would return lost items on their own time. It might not be part of the 180 Days of Change you were hoping for, but now that means you just have to be a little more attentive to what you're bringing in and out of the car. You have this.