What Zipcar membership gives you
Zipcar is a car-sharing service where you pay a membership fee to rent cars by the hour or day, rather than owning one. You reserve a car through their app or website, walk to a nearby parking spot where one is waiting, unlock it with your membership card, and drive it. When you're done, you park it in a designated Zipcar spot and the rental ends. You pay only for the time you use the car, plus gas and insurance are included in the hourly or daily rate.
The service works in specific cities and regions — Zipcar operates in major U.S. cities like New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, and Boston, plus some smaller cities and college towns. If you live outside these areas, the service won't be available to you. The membership itself is separate from the rental cost: you pay an annual or monthly membership fee to join, then pay additional fees each time you rent a car.
Key Takeaways
- Zipcar membership costs either a monthly fee (around $9.99 to $14.99 per month, depending on your plan) or an annual fee, with hourly rental rates typically ranging from $8 to $15 per hour depending on the car type and location.
- You must be at least 21 years old, have a valid driver's license, and pass a background check that includes a driving record review before membership is approved.
- Cars are parked in reserved spots throughout your city, and you reserve them through the Zipcar app or website for as little as one hour at a time.
- Gas, insurance, and maintenance are all included in your rental rate, so you don't pay extra for these costs beyond the hourly or daily fee.
- Zipcar is most cost-effective if you need a car occasionally rather than daily, since the membership fee plus hourly rates can add up quickly for frequent use.
Membership plans and what they cost
Zipcar offers two main membership tiers. The monthly plan costs around $9.99 to $14.99 per month (the exact price varies by city), and you can cancel anytime. The annual plan costs more upfront but works out cheaper per month if you plan to use the service regularly. Both plans give you the same access to cars and the same hourly rental rates.
On top of the membership fee, you pay for each rental. Hourly rates typically start around $8 to $15 per hour depending on the car model and your location, with daily rates (usually a 24-hour period) ranging from $60 to $100 or more. Some cities and car types cost more than others. You can see the exact rate for a specific car and time slot before you book, so there are no surprises.
Gas is included in your rental rate — you don't refuel the car or pay for fuel separately. Insurance is also included, which covers damage to the car and liability. If you cause damage beyond normal wear, you may be charged a deductible, which is typically $500 to $1,000 depending on the incident and your membership tier.
Who can become a member
To join Zipcar, you must be at least 21 years old (some locations require 25 for certain car types), have a valid driver's license, and have a credit card or debit card in your name. Zipcar will run a background check that includes a review of your driving record. If you have serious violations like a DUI, multiple accidents, or license suspension in the past few years, your process may be denied.
You'll also need to provide proof of insurance or agree to Zipcar's included insurance. If you have your own car insurance, Zipcar may ask for your policy details. The background check and approval process typically takes a few business days, though it can be faster or slower depending on how quickly your driving record is retrieved.
How to reserve and use a car
Once your membership is active, you use the Zipcar app or website to find and reserve a car. You can search by location and see all available cars near you, along with their make, model, and current price per hour. You choose a car, select your rental start and end time, and confirm the booking. The app shows you exactly where the car is parked.
When you arrive at the car, you unlock it using your Zipcar membership card (a physical card mailed to you) or through the app on your phone. The car's interior will have instructions for how to start it and return it. You drive the car for your reserved time, and when you're done, you park it in a designated Zipcar spot and lock it through the app. The rental ends automatically, and you're charged for the time you used it.
If you need the car longer than you originally booked, you can extend your reservation through the app if the car is available for additional time. If you return the car late, you'll be charged an additional hourly rate for the extra time. If you return it early, you're only charged for the time you actually used.
When Zipcar makes financial sense
Zipcar is most cost-effective if you use a car occasionally — a few times a month rather than several times a week. If you need a car for a specific errand, a weekend trip, or occasional commuting, the hourly rental plus membership fee is often cheaper than owning a car, paying for parking, insurance, and maintenance. For someone who uses a car once or twice a month, the total annual cost of Zipcar is typically much lower than car ownership.
However, if you need a car every day or several days a week, traditional car ownership or a long-term rental may be cheaper. Similarly, if you live in an area where Zipcar cars are far away or sparse, the convenience factor drops and the service becomes less practical. You can calculate your own costs by estimating how many hours per month you'd use a car and multiplying that by the hourly rate, then adding the membership fee.
What happens if you damage a car
Zipcar's insurance covers damage to the car you're renting, but you may be charged a deductible if the damage is your fault. The deductible is typically $500 for minor damage or $1,000 for major damage, though this varies. If you cause an accident or damage the car, you're required to report it through the app or by calling Zipcar when ready.
Zipcar will assess the damage and determine whether it's covered under their insurance or whether you're responsible for a deductible. If the damage is due to normal wear and tear (like a small scratch or dent), you typically won't be charged. If the damage is significant or results from negligence, you'll be charged the deductible. Zipcar may also charge you for cleaning if you return the car in an unusually dirty condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Zipcar if I don't have my own car insurance?
Yes. Zipcar's membership includes insurance coverage for the rental car, so you don't need your own policy. However, if you have your own car insurance, Zipcar may ask for your policy information during signup. The included insurance covers damage to the car and liability while you're renting.
What if I need a car for more than a day?
You can book a car for multiple days by extending your reservation through the app. Daily rates are usually cheaper per hour than hourly rates, so a 24-hour rental costs less than 24 individual hours. For trips longer than a few days, a traditional car rental company might be cheaper.
Do I have to refuel the car before returning it?
No. Gas is included in your rental rate, and Zipcar handles refueling. However, if you return the car with less than a quarter tank, Zipcar may charge you a refueling fee (typically $5 to $10). It's best to return the car with at least a quarter tank to avoid this charge.
Can I add another driver to my reservation?
Additional drivers can use the car during your rental, but they must be at least 21 years old and have a valid driver's license. They don't need their own Zipcar membership. However, only the member who booked the car is responsible for any damage or violations that occur during the rental.
What if there are no Zipcar cars available when I need one?
Availability varies by location and time. During peak hours or in areas with fewer cars, you may not find an available vehicle. You can check the app to see what's available before you need it, or consider booking in advance if the app allows it. If Zipcar isn't reliable in your area, you may want to explore other options like traditional car rentals or ride-sharing services.