Zipcar Reviews

Return Policy Overview

Zipcar has specific return policies that members must adhere to when using their vehicles.

Vehicle Return Requirements

• Return Time: Vehicles must be returned by the end time of the reservation.
• Condition: The vehicle should be returned clean, with at least a quarter tank of fuel, and in good working order.
• Return Method: Members are required to scan out of the vehicle upon return.

Late Returns

• Returning a vehicle late incurs a fee:
  • 1-60 minutes late: $50
  • 61-120 minutes late: $100
  • 121+ minutes late: $150
• Members will be charged for the full amount of the reservation time, even if the vehicle is returned early.

Cancellations and Modifications

• Reservations can be canceled or modified without fees if done within specific timeframes:
  • Less than 8 hours: Cancel or change at least 3 hours before.
  • 8 hours or more: Cancel or change at least 24 hours before.
• Late cancellations may result in being charged for the entire reservation.

Additional Notes

• Members are responsible for any belongings left in the vehicle.
• Failure to comply with return requirements may result in additional fees, including cleaning fees or damage charges.

For any specific concerns or further details, it's advisable to consult Zipcar's official resources.

Here are some of the top alternatives to Zipcar:

1. HyreCar: Specializes in gig car-share with affordable daily rates, includes insurance.
2. Hertz: Offers discounted rates for gig workers and includes maintenance, Loss Damage Waiver.
3. Turo: A peer-to-peer car rental service with a wide vehicle selection and flexible cancellations.
4. Getaround: Offers hourly, daily rates, no subscription fees.
5. Kyte: Provides a delivery and pickup service with new cars and long-rent discounts.
6. SnappCar: Another alternative to Zipcar.
7. Flexcar: A car-sharing service.
8. Easy Taxi: A taxi booking service.
9. Uber: A popular ride-hailing service.

Each of these services has its own unique features and benefits, so it's worth checking out each one to see which best suits your needs.

To open an account on Zipcar, follow these steps:

1. Visit the Zipcar website.
2. Find a plan that works for you on the membership pricing page.
3. Input your name, email address and password to create your account.
4. Follow the steps to upload your driver's license and take a selfie to verify your identity.
5. Input your billing information.
6. Submit your application.

Most applications are instantly reviewed and approved or rejected. In some cases, it may take several business days to fully review the application, and more information may be requested. Keep in mind that Zipcar does not accept International Driving Permits, but gladly accepts International Driving Licenses.

Zipcar charges a $25 application fee and a $7 monthly subscription. Rental rates start at around $9 per hour or $74 per day for standard vehicles. SUVs and larger vehicles may cost a bit more. These rentals include insurance, gas, and 180 miles per day, with extra charges for additional miles. Additional miles cost $0.58 each after the first 180 miles. Late returns can incur up to $150 in fees plus usage costs. Free cancellation is available within set time frames. Each Zipcar comes with a gas card which renters can use to refuel the vehicle at any gas station, without any additional cost. However, it's required to leave the tank at least one-quarter full at the end of the rental. This ensures that the car is ready for the next driver. No, you do not need to have your own car insurance when renting a Zipcar. Zipcar provides an insurance policy that covers the minimum insurance requirements as mandated by state law.

Zipcar is the world’s leading car-sharing network, providing on-demand access to cars by the hour or the day in cities and campuses around the globe. The service requires users to sign up, choose a membership plan, and book vehicles through an app. Members can book Zipcars hourly or daily, with gas, insurance, and 180 miles per day included in the cost. A physical Zipcard or the app can unlock reserved vehicles, which must be returned to their original parking spot. Zipcar covers gas, insurance options, parking, and maintenance for a potential savings of $1000/month over car ownership. Zipcars live in your local neighborhood, and in cities, campuses and airports across the globe. No waiting in line at the counter. Just book and go. Zipcar is the perfect complement to the bus and train—whether it’s local errands or weekend adventures. Zipcar offers a variety of vehicles—compact sedans, luxury SUVs, vans, and more. Switch it up whenever you feel like it. Zipcar's mission is to enable simple and responsible urban living—a future filled with more car-sharing members than car owners in major cities across the globe. Zipcar delivers on-demand vehicles that support environmental sustainability, helps members save time, hassle and money in their everyday transportation, and frees up city space through strategies that consider campus, urban, residential, commercial and city planning needs. Zipcar is committed to becoming a premier employer for talented, passionate people who thrive on changing the world for good. Zipcar proudly lowers CO2 emissions by 1.6 billion lbs per year and takes away the need for more than 415,000 personally owned cars. Zipcar was an early supporter of LGBTQ organizations and equal rights, showing support at Pride events and in how they do business every day.

Zipcar.com accepts credit and debit cards as forms of payment. In the US, both credit and debit cards are accepted. In Canada, credit and Visa debit cards are accepted. Members are billed for amounts due via these methods. If there is an overdue balance, it may be because the payment method on the account could not be processed successfully. To update or change the payment information, one needs to sign in to the Zipcar account, click on 'My Account' at the top of the page, select 'Account Settings', click the 'Payment method card', input the payment information, and select 'Update payment'. The new payment method should be charged automatically. Only admins and owners of an account can update the payment information. Refunds for trip or membership charges can only be returned to the card originally used for the purchase. It's important to note that any member account which is past due will be suspended; however, any reservations booked in advance shall still be charged to the member if not timely cancelled by the member.

Zipcar operates in over 500 cities across North America and Europe, with a strong presence in major metropolitan areas like London, Bristol, Oxford, Cambridge, Chicago, New York/New Jersey, Seattle, and more. In the United States, Zipcar is available in cities such as Phoenix, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, Miami, Atlanta, Chicago, Boston, Detroit, Minneapolis, New York, Philadelphia, and many others. Zipcar also operates in Canadian cities like Toronto. Internationally, Zipcar is available in countries like Belgium, Canada, Costa Rica, France, Iceland, Spain, Taiwan, Turkey, and the United Kingdom. The service is also available on many university campuses. Zipcar has also rolled out electric vehicles in select cities including Boston, Chicago, New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Portland, Seattle, Baltimore, Denver, and Philadelphia. Please note that this information might not be exhaustive and it's always a good idea to check the official Zipcar website for the most up-to-date list of cities.

To become a Zipcar member, the following steps need to be followed:

1. Find a plan that works best for you.
2. Input your name, email address, and password to create your account.
3. Upload your driver's license and take a selfie to verify your identity.
4. Input your billing information.
5. Submit your application.

Please note that to join Zipcar's membership program, certain eligibility requirements must be met. You need to be 21 or older (18 if a student or where required by law) and have a valid driver’s license. Most members are approved and can book a car within minutes, but in some cases, it may take a bit longer. Once approved, you can book cars instantly with the Zipcar app. Remember, meeting the above requirements does not guarantee access to Zipcar's membership program. Membership may be denied or terminated at Zipcar’s sole discretion.

After becoming a member, you can book round trip Zipcars immediately on the website or through the app. Turn on Bluetooth and location services on your phone for the most reliable access to your Zipcar. Before you go, you'll be asked to inspect the car and share pictures of its condition. It only takes a few minutes, and helps everyone have safer, cleaner trips. When you share a Zipcar, you also share responsibility. These rules make sure every member enjoys their trip. If a pattern of rule breaking is seen, the account may be closed. Be sure to clean up after yourself or you’ll be charged a $50+ fee. If gas is below ¼ tank, use the gas card in the visor to fill up, or you’ll be charged a $30 fee. Return to the car’s home location on time. Late returns will be charged for the extra time, plus a late fee.

To rent a Zipcar, certain eligibility requirements must be met. Driving License Requirements include that licenses must be valid, unexpired, and government-issued. Licenses without photographs of the driver may warrant the request for additional legal identity documents. Instructional permits, learner's permits, provisional/probationary licenses, and junior licenses are not accepted, including international licenses of these types. Photocopied, digital, and temporary licenses are not accepted. Non-US licenses may warrant the request of additional legal identity documents.

For Age Requirements, applicants joining a consumer (family) or business account must be 21+ years old (or 18+ if residing in New York, Michigan, or Maryland). Applicants joining a university account must be 18+ years old.

Driving History Requirements state that incidents and violations may be grounds for rejection from membership. Applicants in Michigan under the age of 21 must have no major violations or incidents, including excessive speeding, operating to endanger, reckless driving, leaving the scene of an accident involving property damage, operating a motor vehicle with a suspended or revoked license, and speeding in a school zone (or similar events).

Applicants will be required to accept the terms and conditions of the member application and member agreement. Meeting the above requirements does not guarantee access to Zipcar's membership program. Membership may be denied or terminated at Zipcar’s sole discretion.