What Ithaca Car Share is and how to use it
Ithaca Car Share is a membership program that lets you rent cars by the hour or day instead of owning one. You pay a monthly membership fee, then reserve a vehicle through their app or website, walk to a nearby parking lot, unlock the car with your membership card, and drive. When you're done, you return it to the same lot. Gas, insurance, and maintenance are included in the hourly rate — you only pay for the time you use the car.
The program is run by Ithaca-based staff and operates in Ithaca and surrounding areas. It's designed for people who need occasional access to a vehicle but don't want the cost and responsibility of ownership. You don't need to own a car to join, and you don't commit to a long-term contract.
The basic steps are: become a member (which involves providing a driver's license and proof of insurance), reserve a car through the app for the hours or days you need it, pick it up from a designated lot, drive it, and return it to the same location. The system charges your card automatically based on how long you kept the car.
Key Takeaways
- Ithaca Car Share charges a monthly membership fee plus an hourly or daily rental rate, with gas and insurance already included in the price.
- You reserve cars through a mobile app or website and pick them up from fixed parking locations around Ithaca.
- Membership requires a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a credit card for automatic billing.
- The service works best if you need a car a few times a month rather than every day, since daily ownership is usually cheaper for frequent drivers.
Membership costs and what's included
Ithaca Car Share charges a monthly membership fee to join, then bills you separately for each hour or day you use a car. The exact rates change over time, so you should check their website or call their office directly for current pricing. The membership fee is typically lower than what you'd spend on car insurance alone if you owned a vehicle, but the hourly rental rates add up if you drive frequently.
What's included in your hourly rate: gas, insurance coverage while you're driving, maintenance, roadside information, and parking at the return lot. You do not pay for tolls or parking tickets — those go on your card if they occur. Some members find the all-in pricing simpler than ownership because there are no surprise repair bills or insurance renewals to manage.
The service is most cost-effective if you drive fewer than 10,000 miles per year. If you drive daily or take long trips regularly, buying a used car or leasing might be cheaper. You can compare by adding up your expected monthly membership fee plus your estimated hourly rentals, then comparing that to the cost of a car payment, insurance, gas, and maintenance for the same period.
How to reserve and pick up a car
Once you're a member, you use the Ithaca Car Share app or website to see which cars are available at each parking lot and reserve one for your needed time. You can book a car as far in advance as you want, or reserve one for the next few hours if you need it soon. The app shows you the exact location of each lot, the types of vehicles available (compact cars, larger vehicles, etc.), and the current reservation status.
When your reservation time arrives, you go to the parking lot where your car is parked. You unlock it using your membership card or the app, get in, and drive. The system automatically starts charging you from the moment you unlock the car. When you're done, you drive back to the same lot, park in a designated space, lock the car, and the charge stops.
If you need the car longer than you originally booked, you can extend your reservation through the app if the car isn't already reserved by someone else. If it is, you'll need to return it on time and book a different car if you need to continue driving.
Membership requirements and how to join
To become a member, you need a valid driver's license, proof of insurance (your own car insurance or renters insurance that covers you as a driver), and a credit card for automatic billing. Ithaca Car Share will run a background check and review your driving record. They may deny membership if you have serious violations like DUIs or multiple at-fault accidents, though policies vary.
You can start the membership process on their website or by visiting their office in Ithaca. The process usually takes a few days to a week while they verify your information. Once approved, you'll receive a membership card in the mail and can start reserving cars when ready through the app.
There is no long-term contract — you can cancel your membership at any time, though you'll still be charged for any active reservations. Some members keep their membership year-round but use it only a few times a month, while others pause it during winter or when they don't expect to need a car.
When car sharing makes sense versus car ownership
Car sharing is usually cheaper than ownership if you drive fewer than 8,000 to 10,000 miles per year. That works out to roughly 150 to 200 miles per week. If you use a car for occasional errands, weekend trips, or backup transportation when your main vehicle is in the shop, car sharing often costs less than paying for a second car's insurance, registration, and maintenance.
Car sharing is less practical if you commute to work by car every weekday, take frequent long road trips, or need a car available at unpredictable times. Reservations require advance planning, and if all cars are booked when you need one, you're out of luck. Ownership gives you may provide access whenever you want it.
Some people use both: they own one car for daily commuting and use Ithaca Car Share for occasional needs, which can still save money compared to owning two vehicles. Others use car sharing as their only option and supplement it with public transit, biking, or ride-hailing services for times when no car share vehicle is available.
Parking lots and vehicle locations
Ithaca Car Share maintains several parking lots at fixed locations around Ithaca. You pick up and return cars at these designated lots — you cannot leave a car anywhere else. The app shows you where each lot is located and which vehicles are parked there. Most lots are in central or easily accessible areas, though availability varies by neighborhood.
If you live or work far from a parking lot, car sharing becomes less convenient because you'll need to walk or take transit to reach the car. The service works best if you're within a 10 to 15 minute walk of at least one lot. Before joining, check the app to see where the nearest lot is and whether that location works for your typical trips.
Insurance and liability while driving
Ithaca Car Share provides insurance coverage for the car itself while you're driving it. This covers damage to the vehicle, liability if you hit someone else's car or property, and medical payments if someone is injured. The coverage is included in your hourly rental rate.
However, you are responsible for damage you cause through negligence or misuse. If you get in an accident, you'll likely be charged a deductible (usually several hundred dollars) and your membership may be reviewed. The program's insurance does not cover your personal belongings, so don't leave valuables in the car.
Your own auto insurance (if you have it) typically does not cover car share vehicles because you don't own them. If you don't have personal auto insurance, car sharing is still possible because the program's coverage applies. You should review the membership agreement to understand the exact coverage limits and deductibles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Ithaca Car Share if I don't have my own car insurance?
Yes. Ithaca Car Share's insurance covers the vehicle while you're driving it, so you don't need your own auto insurance policy to join. However, you do need to show proof of some form of insurance — renters insurance or homeowners insurance that covers you as a driver usually counts. Check with the program about what documents they accept.
What happens if I'm late returning the car?
You'll be charged for the additional time at the standard hourly rate. If you're significantly late and the car is needed for the next reservation, you may face additional fees. The app sends reminders before your reservation ends, so set a phone alarm if you're worried about losing track of time.
Can I take a car on a long road trip?
You can reserve a car for multiple days, so a road trip is technically possible. However, the daily rates add up quickly on long trips, and you may find it cheaper to rent from a traditional car rental company for trips longer than a few days. Check the pricing for your specific trip length before booking.
What if I need a car but all vehicles are booked?
If no cars are available at the time you need one, you cannot use the service for that trip. You would need to use an alternative like a taxi, ride-hailing service, or traditional car rental. This is why car sharing works best as a supplement to other transportation options rather than your only way to get around.
Do I need to refuel the car before returning it?
No. Gas is included in your rental rate, and Ithaca Car Share handles refueling. You should return the car with a reasonable amount of fuel — if the tank is nearly empty, you may be charged a refueling fee. The app usually shows the fuel level when you pick up the car.