What Millennium Auto Share is
Millennium Auto Share is a car-sharing service that lets you rent vehicles by the hour or day instead of owning a car outright. You pay a membership fee to join, then pay per use when you book a car. The company owns the fleet, handles maintenance and insurance, and you straightforward reserve a vehicle through their app or website, pick it up from a designated location, drive it, and return it.
The service is designed for people who need occasional access to a car but don't want the cost of ownership — insurance, registration, maintenance, and monthly payments. It works best if you use a car fewer than 10 to 15 times per month, or if you live in an urban area where parking a personal vehicle is expensive or difficult.
Key Takeaways
- Millennium Auto Share charges a membership fee (usually monthly or annual) plus an hourly or daily rental rate each time you use a car.
- You need a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a credit card to set up an account and make reservations.
- Cars are parked at fixed locations throughout the service area, so you pick one up and return it to the same spot.
- Gas, insurance, and maintenance are included in the rental cost, so you pay nothing extra beyond the hourly or daily rate.
- The service is available only in certain cities and neighborhoods, so check whether your area is covered before signing up.
How membership and pricing work
Membership typically costs between $10 and $20 per month, though some services offer annual plans at a discount. Once you are a member, you pay an hourly rate — usually $8 to $12 per hour — or a daily rate of $60 to $80 per day, depending on the vehicle type and your location. Rates vary by city and by the specific car you choose; larger vehicles or premium cars cost more than compact sedans.
Mileage is usually unlimited within the service area, so you don't pay extra for how far you drive. Gas is included — you return the car with the same fuel level you picked it up with, or you pay a refueling fee if you don't. Insurance and roadside information are built into the rental cost, so there are no surprise charges for those.
Some services offer discounts for frequent users or for booking in advance. Check the current pricing in your area, because rates change and vary significantly by location.
What you need to sign up
To create an account, you will need a valid driver's license that has been active for at least two years. Most services require you to be at least 21 years old, though some allow drivers as young as 18 with an additional fee. You will also need a credit card in your name to make reservations and pay for rentals.
Some services ask for proof of insurance, though this is less common with car-sharing than with traditional car rental. You may be asked to provide your Social Security number for a background check. The sign-up process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes online, and your account is active when ready or within a few hours.
How to reserve and use a car
You reserve a car through the mobile app or website by selecting your pickup location, date, and time. The app shows you which cars are available and their current location. You can usually reserve a car from 30 minutes to several weeks in advance, though same-day reservations are common.
On the day of your reservation, you go to the designated parking spot, unlock the car using the app or a physical key card, and drive. When you are done, you return the car to the same location, lock it through the app, and your rental ends. You are charged automatically to your credit card based on how long you kept the car.
If you need to extend your rental, you can usually do so through the app as long as the car is not already booked by another member. If you return the car late, you will be charged for the additional time.
What happens if you damage the car or get into an accident
Insurance is included in your rental rate and covers damage to the car and liability if you cause an accident. However, you may be responsible for a deductible — typically $500 to $1,500 — if you cause damage or are at fault in an accident. The exact amount depends on the service and your membership level.
You are required to report any damage or accidents to the company when ready, usually through the app. If you don't report damage and the company discovers it later, you may be charged the full repair cost instead of just the deductible. Some services offer optional damage waivers that lower or eliminate your deductible for an extra fee per rental.
Where Millennium Auto Share operates
Millennium Auto Share and similar car-sharing services operate in specific cities and neighborhoods, not nationwide. Coverage includes parts of California, Texas, and other urban areas, but the exact locations change. Before you sign up, check the company's website or app to see whether your address and workplace are within the service area.
If you live or work outside the service area, you cannot use the service. Some cities have competing car-sharing companies, so if Millennium is not available where you are, look for alternatives like Zipcar or local services in your region.
Car-sharing versus other options
Car-sharing makes sense if you drive fewer than 10,000 miles per year and don't need a car every day. If you drive more than that, owning a car or leasing one is usually cheaper. If you need a car only a few times per year, traditional car rental or a taxi service might be more cost-effective.
Car-sharing also works well if you live in a city with good public transportation and use a car only for specific trips — grocery shopping, weekend outings, or occasional errands. It removes the burden of parking, maintenance, and insurance from your shoulders, which saves time and money in high-cost urban areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need my own insurance to use a car-sharing service?
No. The rental rate includes insurance coverage for the car and liability. Your personal auto insurance does not need to cover a car-sharing vehicle. However, check your policy to see whether using a car-sharing service affects your coverage or rates.
What if I can't find a car available when I need one?
Availability depends on demand and the size of the fleet in your area. During busy times, cars may be fully booked. You can reserve in advance, check the app frequently for cancellations, or use a competing service if one operates in your area. Some services offer a may provide to provide a car within a certain time if you book ahead.
Can I take a car outside the service area?
Most car-sharing services restrict you to their defined service area. Driving outside that area may violate your rental agreement and result in extra charges. Check the terms before you book if you plan to travel beyond city limits.
What happens if I return the car with an empty gas tank?
You are expected to return the car with the same fuel level you picked it up with. If you don't, the company will charge you a refueling fee, which is usually $5 to $10 plus the cost of the gas. Some services charge a flat fee; others charge the actual cost of refueling.
Can I add another driver to my reservation?
Most services allow additional drivers if they meet the same age and license requirements as the primary renter. You typically add them through the app or by contacting customer service. Additional drivers may incur an extra fee per rental.