What Zipcar Student Membership Offers
Zipcar's student membership is a discounted car-sharing plan designed for full-time students at participating universities. Instead of paying the standard membership fee, student members pay a reduced annual rate and receive hourly rental rates that are typically lower than the regular member price. The membership gives you access to Zipcar vehicles parked at designated locations near campus and around the city, which you can reserve and unlock using a Zipcar card or mobile app.
The core benefit is that you rent by the hour rather than by the day, and the hourly rate includes gas, insurance, and maintenance. You do not own a car, pay for parking permits, or handle registration and inspections. For students who need occasional transportation but cannot justify the cost of car ownership, this model can be significantly cheaper than traditional rental companies or ride-sharing services for longer trips.
Key Takeaways
- Student membership requires proof of full-time enrollment at a school on Zipcar's partner list, which you provide during sign-up.
- The annual membership fee for students is lower than the standard adult rate, though the exact amount varies by location and changes periodically.
- Hourly rental rates for student members are typically discounted compared to regular members, and the rate includes insurance and gas.
- You must be at least 18 years old, have a valid driver's license, and pass Zipcar's driving record check to join.
- Not all universities are included in Zipcar's student program, so you need to confirm your school is a partner before starting the sign-up process.
How to Verify Your Student Status
Zipcar requires proof that you are enrolled full-time at a participating school. During the membership sign-up process, you will be asked to provide your school name and either your student ID number or your university email address. Zipcar uses this information to verify your enrollment status through a third-party verification service.
If your school is not on Zipcar's partner list, you will not be able to use the student membership tier. You can still join as a regular member, but you will pay the full membership fee and standard hourly rates. Before you begin the sign-up process, check Zipcar's website to confirm your university is included in the student program for your region.
Membership Fees and Hourly Rates
Zipcar charges an annual membership fee for student members, which is substantially lower than the standard membership fee for non-students. The exact amount depends on your location, as Zipcar operates in different cities and regions with varying pricing structures. Some markets may also offer promotional rates for new student members during certain times of the year.
Once you are a member, you pay an hourly rate each time you reserve a vehicle. Student hourly rates are typically lower than rates for regular members, and the rate covers gas, insurance, and basic maintenance. Rates vary by vehicle type — a compact car costs less per hour than an SUV — and by time of day and day of the week. You can see the exact rate for any vehicle and time slot before you confirm your reservation through the app.
In addition to the hourly rate, Zipcar charges a one-time membership processing fee when you first join. Some student members also pay a small monthly subscription fee in certain regions, though this is not universal. Check the pricing page for your specific city to see the complete fee structure before you sign up.
Driving Record Requirements and Age Restrictions
You must be at least 18 years old to join Zipcar, though some regions require members to be 21. Zipcar will conduct a driving record check as part of the membership process. This check looks for serious violations like DUIs, reckless driving convictions, or multiple at-fault accidents within a certain time period. If your record contains these types of violations, Zipcar may deny your membership.
Minor traffic violations like speeding tickets or parking citations typically do not disqualify you, but Zipcar's exact standards vary by state and change over time. If you are unsure whether your record will pass, you can contact Zipcar's support team before you complete the sign-up process. Once you are approved, Zipcar will issue you a membership card that you use to unlock vehicles.
How to Reserve and Use a Vehicle
After your membership is active, you use the Zipcar mobile app or website to search for available vehicles near you. The app shows vehicle locations, availability by date and time, hourly rates, and vehicle type. You select a time slot and confirm your reservation. Zipcar charges a small reservation fee for each booking, which is added to your hourly rental cost.
On the day of your reservation, you go to the vehicle's location at your reserved time. You unlock the car using your Zipcar membership card or the mobile app. The vehicle is already fueled and insured, so you straightforward get in and drive. When you are done, you return the car to the same location, lock it through the app, and your rental period ends. You are charged only for the time you actually used the vehicle, rounded to the nearest hour.
If you need to extend your rental, you can do so through the app as long as the vehicle is not reserved by another member. If you cancel a reservation more than a few hours before your start time, Zipcar typically refunds the reservation fee. Cancellations made closer to your start time may result in a fee.
Insurance Coverage and Liability
Zipcar's membership includes liability insurance that covers damage to the vehicle and third-party claims if you cause an accident. The insurance is primary, meaning it covers claims before your personal auto insurance would. However, you are responsible for a damage waiver fee if you cause damage to the vehicle. This fee varies based on the severity of the damage and can range from a small amount for minor scratches to several hundred dollars for major damage.
Zipcar's insurance does not cover personal belongings left in the vehicle, so do not leave valuables behind. If you cause an accident, you must report it to Zipcar when ready through the app or by calling their support line. Zipcar will investigate and determine whether the damage is your responsibility or covered under the insurance. Repeated damage claims or at-fault accidents can result in membership suspension or termination.
Comparing Zipcar to Other Transportation Options
For occasional trips, Zipcar is often cheaper than renting from a traditional car rental company like Enterprise or Hertz, which charge by the day and require you to return the car to a specific location. Ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft are faster for single trips but become expensive for longer journeys or multiple stops. Public transportation is cheaper if it is available and convenient for your route, but it offers less flexibility.
If you drive frequently — more than a few times per week — owning a car or using a monthly subscription service like Zipcar's monthly plan might be more cost-effective than hourly rentals. Zipcar also offers a monthly membership tier with a higher upfront fee but lower hourly rates, which can save money if you use the service regularly. Calculate your expected usage before you choose between the student annual plan and the monthly plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my university is not on Zipcar's partner list?
You can still join Zipcar as a regular member and pay the standard membership fee and hourly rates. Some universities are added to the student program over time, so you can check Zipcar's website periodically to see if your school becomes available. In the meantime, regular membership gives you access to the same vehicles and features.
Can I use my Zipcar membership in a different city?
Yes. Your student membership works in any city where Zipcar operates, as long as you remain a full-time student at your partner school. Hourly rates may differ by city, and vehicle availability depends on Zipcar's presence in that location. Some smaller cities have limited Zipcar availability, so check the app to see what vehicles are available before you travel.
What happens if I get into an accident?
Report the accident to Zipcar when ready through the app or by phone. Zipcar's insurance covers liability, but you may be charged a damage waiver fee if you are found responsible for the damage. The amount depends on the severity. Zipcar will investigate and determine fault based on the accident report and any police report filed.
Do I need my own car insurance to use Zipcar?
No. Zipcar's membership includes insurance, so you do not need your own auto insurance policy to use the service. However, if you own a personal vehicle, your existing auto insurance does not extend to Zipcar vehicles. Zipcar's insurance is separate and covers all members.
Can I downgrade from student membership to regular membership later?
Yes. If you graduate or leave school, you can convert your student membership to a regular membership. Zipcar will adjust your rates and fees accordingly. Contact Zipcar's support team to make this change, or you can manage it through your account settings in the app.