10 Weirdest Things Left Behind in Uber’s This Year—and How You Can Get Them Back

Riding in an Uber can be a convenient way to get from point A to point B, but it’s also an easy way to lose your belongings in a stranger’s car. Sometimes the distractions of a trip cause riders to leave behind more than just their phone or wallet.

Uber’s annual Lost & Found Index reveals some truly bizarre items that have been forgotten in the backseat, and tips for recovering them.

Some of the Weirdest Things Left Behind in Ubers

The annual Uber Lost & Found Index highlights the items most frequently left behind in Uber vehicles, and some of the strangest. It also tracks trends and forgetfulness, such as the most forgetful cities, days, and times, while providing riders with insights and tips for recovering lost items.

Items like smartphones, keys, wallets, and luggage are among the items most frequently left behind. But the 2025 report also lists some truly unusual items, including:

• A Viking drinking horn
• 10 live lobsters
• A live turtle
• Human breast milk
• Sea moss
• A ghost trap from Ghostbusters
• A mannequin head with human hair
• Taxidermied rabbit
• 15 hookahs
• Remy the rat doll

These items, among others, highlight the diverse and sometimes peculiar things people forget during their rides.

How to Recover Lost Items From Uber

Uber has a policy in place to help riders recover lost items. If you realize you’ve left something behind, follow these steps:

1. Open the Uber App. Navigate to the menu and select “Your Trips.”
2. Select the Relevant Trip: Choose the ride where you lost the item.
3. Tap “Find Lost Item”: Select “Contact Driver About a Lost Item.”
4. Contact the Driver: If the driver picks up, arrange a time and place to retrieve your item.
5. If the Driver Doesn’t Answer: leave a detailed message describing the item and how to contact you. You can also repeat steps one through three, then select “No” when asked if you were able to contact the driver. Uber’s team will assist you with contacting the driver and retrieving the item.

If you’ve left your phone behind, you can access your account online by following these steps:

1. Visit help.uber.com/ and log in.
2. Click on “Trips.”
3. Select the ride during which you believe you lost your item
4. Choose “I Lost an Item.”
5. Click “Contact My Driver About a Lost Item.”
6. Provide a phone number to connect you with the driver.
7. Talk to the driver and arrange a time to meet or leave a message.

It’s important to note that Uber charges a lost item return fee to compensate drivers for their time when returning lost items. This fee varies by country.

What to Do If You Can’t Recover Your Item

Since drivers are independent contractors, they’re not responsible for anything left behind. Additionally, Uber will not offer to replace your lost item or reimburse you for the cost.

If your driver denies having your lost item and you’re certain it was left in the vehicle, there are a few steps you can take.

• Retrace Your Steps: Revisit the locations you were at before or after the ride to confirm the item wasn’t left elsewhere. Sometimes people forget that they might have set it down somewhere before or after the ride.
• Contact Uber Support: If you’re still sure the item was left in the vehicle and the driver denies it, you can escalate through Uber Support. They cannot directly intervene in the dispute, but they will ensure the matter is handled through the appropriate channels.
• Consider Legal Action: If you believe the driver is withholding your item, you may need to pursue legal action. Uber can provide the necessary information, like the driver’s name and license plate number, for any legal proceedings.
• File a Report: In some cases, filing a report with local authorities may be necessary, especially if the item is valuable or irreplaceable.

Tips for Preventing Lost Items

To avoid the hassle of losing belongings in the future:

• Avoid Putting Items on the Seat or Floor: Keep personal belongings in your lap or bag during the ride so they’re less likely to be forgotten or slide out of sight.
• Double Check Your Belongings Before Exiting: Always take a moment to ensure you have all of your items before leaving the vehicle
• Set a Quick Exit Reminder: Use your phone’s reminder or alarm feature to buzz at your estimated arrival time. This simple cue prompts you to scan the seat before getting out.

The Bottom Line

It’s easy to lose things when you travel, especially in a rideshare. Some possessions, like a Remy the rat doll or a taxidermied rabbit, may not seem as essential as your phone, keys, or wallet, but they can still hold personal or sentimental value. By following Uber’s procedures and taking preventative measures, you can increase the chances of recovering your lost belongings.