Is Zipcar a good alternative to owning a car?
If you don’t need to drive your car frequently or for long distances, a carsharing service such as Zipcar is a viable alternative to traditional car ownership. That said, though Zipcar is affordable, widely available, and user-friendly, it can’t do everything a wholly owned vehicle can.
What is Zipcar sharing and how does it work?
Car sharing seems like a simple enough idea, but there’s a reason Zipcar has become the leader of cars on demand. It’s not just about fewer cars and reducing congestion and pollution; it’s about finding sustainable solutions. This idea is bigger than all of us, and we’re committed to our mission: to enable simple and responsible urban living.
Do Zipcars have cameras in the cars?
There are no cameras in Zipcars, no. Zipcar does have the capacity to track the location of the car (similar to a LoJack system), but assures drivers that that data is only used in the event the car isn't returned to its assigned parking spot in a reasonable amount of time. , I've used Zipcar hundreds of times in multiple cities.
How do I use Zipcar to rent a car?
As soon as you're approved, you can book a Zipcar near you and use our car rental app to unlock and lock during your trip. We'll also mail you a Zipcard—an access card to any Zipcar vehicle you reserve.
Are zipcars still around?
In September 2016, Zipcar announced that it had 1 million members across 500 cities in 9 countries, and offers nearly 10,000 vehicles....Zipcar.TypeSubsidiaryFoundedJanuary 2000 Cambridge, MassachusettsFounderAntje Danielson Robin ChaseHeadquartersBoston, Massachusetts9 more rows
Is getting Zipcar worth it?
Zipcar's model really works best for short trips of an hour or two—where it doesn't make sense to pay $35 or so for a car just to run errands. At less than $10 an hour (and without the hassle of dealing with gas), Zipcar's a better choice for a quick outing—and even compares favorably to Uber and Lyft.
What happened to Zipcar?
The business exploded over the next decade. Today, Zipcar was purchased by Avis Budget Group for nearly $500 million.
Is Zipcar cheaper than Uber?
If you plan on getting behind the wheel only a couple of times a week for an hour at a time, a Zipcar membership is your cheapest option at an average cost of $1,236 a year. Surprisingly, buying a car works out as the next cheapest option at $7,805, with Uber costing you a whopping $8,971.20 a year.
What is better than Zipcar?
Car2go is a great option if you only need a car for a short time because you can reserve a car by the minute, whereas with Zipcar you rent by the hour. Car2go's prices are generally between 40 and 50 cents per minute. As for hourly or daily rates, they start at $15 an hour or $59 per day respectively.
Does Zipcar charge per minute?
Basic. The Basic plan is totally free (with a £10 joining fee) and rates start from £9 on hourly rentals, from £0.35 per minute or £4.00 per hour plus £0.29 for every mile driven.
How does Zipcar make money?
Zipcar currently generates 12% of its revenues from membership fees and 88% from usage revenue. Fee revenue is a highly profitable source of income for the firm that has high gross margins at over 90%. In the coming years, Zipcar expects fee revenues to contribute over 17% of total revenues.
What company owns Zipcar?
Avis Budget GroupZipcar / Parent organizationAvis Budget Group is American car rental agency holding company headquartered in Parsippany, New Jersey. It is the parent company of several brands including Avis Car Rental, Budget Rent a Car, Budget Truck Rental, Payless Car Rental and Zipcar. Wikipedia
How many Zipcar members are there?
Today, Zipcar — which is still headquartered in Boston — has offices in more than 26 American cities and 860,000 members across the US, Austria, Canada, Spain, and the UK.
Can two people drive a Zipcar?
Only active members are allowed to drive Zipcars. If you have a family account, other drivers on your account are authorized to drive the Zipcar. If a Zipcar member on a different account is driving the Zipcar you reserved, we ask you be along for the ride.
How long do you have to have your license for Zipcar?
Drivers must be 23 years or older and have been driving for at least a year to be eligible for membership. People under the age of 25 can drive all cars in the Zipcar fleet.
Can I use zip on Uber?
Yes! Zip, previously Quadpay, allows you to shop your favorite brands now and pay later. Shop anywhere and split your purchase in 4 installments over 6 weeks with the Zip app.
How does Zipcar make money?
Zipcar currently generates 12% of its revenues from membership fees and 88% from usage revenue. Fee revenue is a highly profitable source of income for the firm that has high gross margins at over 90%. In the coming years, Zipcar expects fee revenues to contribute over 17% of total revenues.
Can I cancel Zipcar membership?
It doesn't cost anything to cancel a Zipcar membership, but you should be aware that you won't be refunded any of your membership fees either. However, if your account is less than 30 days old, you may be eligible to receive a full or partial refund.
Is Zipcar worth it Toronto?
Zipcar. One of the oldest carshare providers in the city, Zipcar has a large number of cars in Toronto and in more than 500 cities and towns around the world, making Zipcar a great option if you travel a lot. Membership costs $7 per month with driving rates starting from $14 per hour or $105.75 a day.
Is Zipcar advertising legit?
AMERICANS are being warned about a “Zipcar” text scam that could cost them up to $4,000 for depositing a bogus check. Unscrupulous scammers text their unsuspecting victims, offering a $600 weekly check if they drive their car with a “Zipcar” sticker.
How to book a car with Zipcar?
First, sign up for membership. Most members are approved instantly and can book their first daily or hourly car rental within minutes but in some cases, it may take a little longer to check your driving record. As soon as you're approved, you can book a Zipcar near you and use our car rental app to unlock and lock during your trip. We'll also mail you a Zipcard—an access card to any Zipcar vehicle you reserve. It arrives in 5-7 business days. Until it does, it's better to book cars and trips in places where your phone has service.
Where do zipcars live?
Zipcars live in your local neighborhood, and in cities, campuses and airports across the globe.
How much does a Zipcar membership cost?
Zipcar memberships start at $7 a month or $70 a year. Reserve cars by the hour or by the day. Gas, insurance options,* and 180 miles per day are all included in membership. Other fees, such as a young driver fee, may apply. Price it out .
How many cities are there in Zipcar?
Zipcars live in more than 500 cities and towns globally. Type your address in the search bar below to find Zipcars near you.
Does Zipcar have gas?
Yes, gas is included in the cost of your Zipcar membership. You can find the free gas card in the visor over the driver's seat of every Zipcar. To use, insert the card at gas station as you would a credit card. Remember to always return cars with at least ¼ tank of gas to avoid fees.
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Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.
Can you use zipcar if you don't have to?
Another time the gas card didn't work and I had to refuel the car out of pocket to avoid getting charged massive fees. There are so many other cheap car rental companies out there. Don't use zipcar if you don't have to.
How does Zipcar work?
How It Works. Zipcar offers membership plans through which you find, reserve, and drive its vehicles. Every Zipcar has a dedicated home location where you pick it up and return it after use. These are typically in parking lots near major business districts, hospitals, and universities.
What is a zipcar?
Using Zipcar is a lot like renting a car. With your membership card, you reserve a vehicle and drive it for a predetermined period of time, eventually returning it to its original location. This is different from other ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft. These require you to use a mobile app to hail nearby drivers, who pick you up in their personal cars and take you to your destination – similar to how taxi companies operate.
What is zipcar extra value?
Extra Value Plans (EVPs): Zipcar’s extra value plans require you to make a commitment to drive a certain amount each month. You prepay for that amount, then pay as you go for anything beyond it. All driving is discounted 10% relative to the regular rates in your location. EVPs currently come in $50, $75, $125, and $250 increments. With the $50 plan, you lose any unused prepaid time at the end of the month. The $75 plan currently lets you roll over unused time for a single month. For instance, if you only use $50 worth of drive time one month, you get $100 in prepaid driving the following month – but, if you still don’t use the $25 that rolled over, you forfeit it at the end of the month. The $125 and $250 plans let you roll over unused time for two months. Co-drivers don’t cost extra (except the one-time application fee), and you share the monthly commitment with them. You can generally switch from one EVP to another for a one-time (per change) fee of $25.
What is Zipcar's vehicle?
Vehicle Selection. Zipcar’s vehicles range from subcompacts to SUVs. Typical models include the MINI Cooper subcompact, Toyota Prius hatchback, Nissan Frontier pickup, and Ford Escape SUV, but selection may vary by area. You can choose a particular model when you reserve the car. Keep in mind that luxury models and SUVs may cost more.
What is the maximum insurance for a Zipcar?
Insurance. Every Zipcar is covered by an insurance policy that includes bodily injury coverage of $300,000 (max) per accident, property damage coverage of $25,000 per incident, and personal injury protection (PIP) in the minimum amount mandated by the car’s home jurisdiction.
How to apply for zipcar?
To apply for a Zipcar membership, you need to provide some basic contact information, have a driver’s license and a credit card, and pay a modest application fee. If you’re a U.S. or Canadian driver, the process typically takes just a few hours.
How long does it take to get a zipcard?
Once approved, you receive your membership card (Zipcard) within a week and can begin driving immediately thereafter. You can add co-drivers, such as family members, to your account at any time. They must also pass the driver background check, and pay the application fee and ongoing membership fees.
What is a zipcar?
Article Summary X. Zipcar is a ride share service operating in the U.S., Canada, and some European countries that lets you reserve cars through an app. To get started, you’ll need to apply online and pay the 70-dollar membership fee.
How to return a zipcar?
Return the Zipcar. Drive back to the Zipcar’s home location and return the car to any open space. Remove all your belongings and clean up the Zipcar before exiting the car.
How far in advance can you cancel a Zipcar reservation?
For reservations that are longer than 8 hours, you must cancel at least 24 hours in advance.
How long can you reserve a zipcar?
The Zipcar number is 1-866-4ZIPCAR. Zipcars can be reserved for as little as 30 minutes or as long as seven days.
What to do if your zipcar is damaged?
If you see any damage larger than the size of your Zipcard, call the hotline to report it. Make sure to check the inside as well. If your Zipcar is damaged or dirty inside, call the hotline number (which is listed on your Zipcard). ...
How old do you have to be to get a Zipcar?
To be Zipcar eligible, you need to be 21 years or older, have a valid driver’s license and accept Zipcar’s terms and conditions. If you are 18-20 years old and a student at a college or university, you are also eligible to join Zipcar.
How many miles does a zipcar drive?
Estimate your mileage. When booking a Zipcar, you are guaranteed 180 miles per trip. If you drive more than 180 miles in a 24 hour period, you will be charged an additional $0.45 for each mile.
How It Works
Membership Plans
- Zipcar offers five membership plans. All offer the same basic features, but their cost varies based on how much you drive and your status as an individual, business, or student. Plan costs may also vary by location – check your local rates before signing up. Plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee (free trial). 1. Occasional Driving Plan:Usually comes with a $25 application fee and $…
Key Features
- Zipcard. You need your Zipcard to open your reserved vehicle. If you lose it, you get one free replacement per year. It’s $15 for replacements after that.
- Vehicle Selection. Zipcar’s vehicles range from subcompacts to SUVs. Typical models include the MINI Cooper subcompact, Toyota Prius hatchback, Nissan Frontier pickup, and Ford Escape SUV, but sele...
- Zipcard. You need your Zipcard to open your reserved vehicle. If you lose it, you get one free replacement per year. It’s $15 for replacements after that.
- Vehicle Selection. Zipcar’s vehicles range from subcompacts to SUVs. Typical models include the MINI Cooper subcompact, Toyota Prius hatchback, Nissan Frontier pickup, and Ford Escape SUV, but sele...
- Vehicles With Hand Controls. For disabled members, Zipcar offers cars with hand controls. These vehicles aren’t available everywhere, and you do have to reserve them at least 24 hours in advance. I...
- Zipcar Hotline. Zipcar maintains dedicated, country-specific hotlines for membership questions, accident and ticket reporting, and reservations.
Advantages
- 1. Affordable for Many Trips Zipcar is often more affordable than its competition. Though prices vary slightly by location, a typical weekday reservation costs between $7 and $10 per hour, or between $60 and $90 per day. With base fees, per-mile, and per-minute charges, Uber and Lyftare more expensive than Zipcar for trips of any length. 2. Wide Variety of Available Vehicles Zipcar h…
Disadvantages
- 1. You Must Return to a Designated Parking Area Every Zipcar has a home location, such as a surface lot or parking garage, that can’t be changed by users. While you don’t necessarily have to return your Zipcar to its home lot – one-way rentals offer added flexibility – you do have to return it to a Zipcar lot. Your reservation isn’t complete until you do so; you’ll face hefty fines and possi…
Final Word
- If you don’t need to drive your car frequently or for long distances, a carsharing service such as Zipcar is a viable alternative to traditional car ownership. That said, though Zipcar is affordable, widely available, and user-friendly, it can’t do everything a wholly owned vehicle can. Depending on where you live, it’s probably best to pair a Zipcar membership with other transportation options, …