Uber deactivates driver account, leaves me to pay for rental car San Francisco California

After waiting for a 3 week long background check, Uber notifies me that I may now proceed and rent a car to drive for the primary purpose working for Uber. Two days after picking up the car (which was an all day event), I am ready to work in my car, but cannot connect to the driver app. 

I contacted Uber to ask for help getting my driver profile back online, but they were unable to do this or even tell me why I went offline.  (Later at the Uber office, I learn from another driver that there were some IT problems of the wort which messed up many people's accounts in the same way).  After 2-3 days of back and forth messages with Uber I am told to sit tight and be patient for another 7-10 days while Uber looked into my background.  

Eventually I decided to return the car because I did not want to get stuck paying for it in case Uber did not get my profile back on soon enough.  I had to change my plans and inconvenience myself in order to return the Uber car during business hours (a half-day event this time).  Uber claims they are not allowed to compensate for anything except rides given through their app.  However, as they broke their end of things, unintentional as it was, they should cover the cost of the days when I was unable to earn with Uber but was charged for the car.