How to Use Zipcars

If you don’t currently have a car, Zipcar is a great alternative. Zipcar operates in all major US cities, major cities throughout Canada and in some European nations. Zipcar is perfect for when you need a quick set of wheels to run to the grocery store or to pick up that piece of furniture you just bought. In addition to saving money, you’ll also be helping the environment, so get on the road and get going.

Part 1
Part 1 of 4:

Joining Zipcar

  1. Image titled Use Zipcars Step 1
    1
    Make sure you’re eligible. In order to join Zipcar, you first need to meet all the eligibility requirements. To be Zipcar eligible, you need to be 21 years or older, have a valid driver’s license and accept Zipcar’s terms and conditions.[1]
    • If you are 18-20 years old and a student at a college or university, you are also eligible to join Zipcar.
    • If you do not have a US or Ontario based driver’s license, you must complete a “declarations form.”
    • This form can be found on the Zipcar website and is used to certify that your license is valid and that you don't have any major driving violations.
    • If you live in Michigan and are under 21, you must not have any alcohol related violations in order to join.
    • Joining Zipcar is the same if you live internationally, but check Zipcar's website for a full list of international cities where the company operates.
    • Note that in Spain, Zipcars are called Avancars.
  2. Image titled Use Zipcars Step 2
    2
    Apply online. In order to access a Zipcar, you need to join the ride share service. You can join Zipcar by applying online on the Zipcar website. You'll receive your Zipcard in the mail three to seven days later.[2]
    • To apply online, all you need is your driver's license and a credit or debit card to pay the $70.00 membership fee.
    • Hang on to your Zipcard. You’ll need it to reserve cars in the network.
    • If you need to access your Zipcard immediately, you can pick one up at your local Zipcar office. Make sure to bring your driver’s license and debit card with you.
    • Both Zipcar's app and website work the same for international users.
    Advertisement
  3. Image titled Use Zipcars Step 3
    3
    Try the 30-day trial. If you aren’t sure Zipcar is for you, you have the option of joining for 30 days. If you decide you don’t like the service, your membership fee will be refunded.[3]
    • This trial is for new members only.
    • If you do not cancel your membership within 30 days, the coupon will be voided.
    • To cancel your trial, call 1‑866‑4ZIPCAR.
    4. Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 4:

Reserving a Zipcar

  1. Image titled Use Zipcars Step 4
    1
    Book your reservation. Zipcar reservations can be made either online at Zipcar.com or by using the iPhone or Android app. You can also call Zipcar directly and make a reservation through a booking agent.[4]
    • Reservations made by phone will be charged an additional $3.50 agent fee.
    • The Zipcar number is 1-866-4ZIPCAR.
    • Zipcars can be reserved for as little as 30 minutes or as long as seven days.
    • Zipcars can only be booked for one-way trips in Boston, LA and Denver.
    • You cannot book a one-way trip internationally.
  2. Image titled Use Zipcars Step 5
    2
    Estimate your mileage. When booking a Zipcar, you are guaranteed 180 miles per trip. If you drive more than 180 miles in a 24 hour period, you will be charged an additional $0.45 for each mile.[5]
    • If you’re using a premium vehicle, you will be charged $0.55 per extra mile.
    • You can estimate your mileage for a reservation by going to your confirmation page and clicking the “details” link.
    • If you live in Austin or San Diego, you can pay your mileage as you go.
    • If you plan to use your Zipcar to drive into a different country, call Zipcar first to make sure that country is covered by Zipcar's insurance policy.
  3. Image titled Use Zipcars Step 6
    3
    Cancel your reservation. If you no longer need a Zipcar, you can cancel or shorten your reservation, provided you do so up to 3 hours before your reservation is due to start.[6]
    • For reservations that are longer than 8 hours, you must cancel at least 24 hours in advance.
    • If you don’t cancel or shorten your reservation, you will be charged the full amount.
    4. Advertisement
Part 3
Part 3 of 4:

Finding a Zipcar

  1. Image titled Use Zipcars Step 7
    1
    Locate the Zipcar. When you make a reservation for a Zipcar, you will receive a confirmation which will include the Zipcar’s address. When it is time for your reservation, go to this address and find the Zipcar that matches the make and model that is listed on your reservation.[7]
    • Before entering, walk around your Zipcar and check for damage. If you see any damage larger than the size of your Zipcard, call the hotline to report it.
    • Make sure to check the inside as well. If your Zipcar is damaged or dirty inside, call the hotline number (which is listed on your Zipcard).
  2. Image titled Use Zipcars Step 8
    2
    Unlock the Zipcar. To unlock the Zipcar, hold your Zipcard against the card reader, which is located in the windshield. Hold the card in front of the reader for a few seconds and the car will unlock.[8]
    • After your initial scan, you can use your Zipcar app to lock and unlock the Zipcar.
    • If you have trouble unlocking your Zipcar, call the Zipcar hotline.
  3. Image titled Use Zipcars Step 9
    3
    Find the car keys. The car keys for the Zipcar are usually inside the car, attached to the steering wheel. The keys should remain inside the car for the duration of your reservation.[9]
    • Some cars use start buttons instead of keys. In order to start these cars, step on the brake, then press the start button.
    • In some countries, you can find the key by looking in the glove compartment.
    4. Advertisement
Part 4
Part 4 of 4:

Bringing the Zipcar Back

  1. Image titled Use Zipcars Step 10
    1
    Extend the Zipcar reservation. If you’re running late, you may need to extend your Zipcar reservation. To do this, either use your Zipcar mobile app to extend your reservation or send a text to the two-way text messaging system.[10]
    • You cannot extend a Zipcar reservation if someone has reserved the same car directly after you.
    • You can sign up for two-way text messaging on the Zipcar website.
    • You can also extend your Zipcar reservation by calling the Zipcar hotline.
  2. Image titled Use Zipcars Step 11
    2
    Fill up the Zipcar. If you run out of gas during your drive, you can easily fill up your car by driving to the nearest gas station. Use the gas card, which is located above the driver’s side visor.[11]
    • When you’re prompted for your pin number, use the first six digits on your Zipcard.
    • When you’re prompted to enter the mileage, enter the number you find on the odometer.
    • If the gas card doesn’t work, pay for the gas out of pocket and save the receipt for reimbursement.
    • Do not return your Zipcar with less than 1/4th of a tank of gas.
  3. Image titled Use Zipcars Step 12
    3
    Return the Zipcar. Drive back to the Zipcar’s home location and return the car to any open space. Remove all your belongings and clean up the Zipcar before exiting the car.[12]
    • Leave the keys in the car and lock up using your Zipcard or by using the mobile app.
    • If you return the car late, you will be charged fees beginning at $50.00
    4. Advertisement

Community Q&A

  • Question
    Can I return my car in another location if I picked it up in the state of Georgia?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Currently, you may only return a Zipcar to a different location if you pick it up in Boston, Los Angeles, or Denver.
  • Question
    Is there only a one-time membership fee to use Zipcars?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    No, you must pay the membership fee to keep your account active. You have to pay either monthly or yearly.
  • Question
    Can I return my Zipcar to a different location?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You can only return your Zipcar to a different location in Boston, LA or Denver.
Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Drive Your Hybrid in California Carpool Lanes
How to
Drive Your Hybrid in California Carpool Lanes
Choose the Right Car for You
How to
Choose the Right Car for You
Increase Fuel Mileage on a Car
How to
Increase Fuel Mileage on a Car
Get a Loaner Car from DealershipHow to Get a Loaner Car from a Dealership
Start a Vehicle Rental Business
How to
Start a Vehicle Rental Business
Rent Out Your CarHow to Rent Out Your Car
Calculate a Lease Payment
How to
Calculate a Lease Payment
Rent a Car
How to
Rent a Car
React if Your Rental Car Breaks Down
How to
React if Your Rental Car Breaks Down
How Old Do You Need to Be to Drive a Rental CarHow Old Do You Need to Be to Drive a Rental Car? Renting a Car If You're Under the Minimum Age
Rent a Car when You're Under 21
How to
Rent a Car when You're Under 21
Rent a Car Without a Credit Card
How to
Rent a Car Without a Credit Card
Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ http://www.zipcar.com/how
  2. ↑ http://www.zipcar.com/how
  3. ↑ http://www.zipcar.com/how
  4. ↑ http://www.zipcar.com/how#faqs-category-reservations
  5. ↑ http://www.zipcar.com/how#faqs-category-reservations
  6. ↑ http://www.zipcar.com/how#faqs-category-reservations
  7. ↑ http://www.zipcar.com/how#the-basics
  8. ↑ http://www.zipcar.com/how#faqs-category-reservations
  9. ↑ http://www.zipcar.com/how#faqs-category-reservations
  1. ↑ http://www.zipcar.com/how#extending
  2. ↑ http://www.zipcar.com/how#fueling-up
  3. ↑ http://www.zipcar.com/how#returning

About This Article

wikiHow Staff
Co-authored by:
wikiHow Staff
wikiHow Staff Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. This article has been viewed 140,620 times.
20 votes - 70%
Co-authors: 12
Updated: March 11, 2021
Views: 140,620
Categories: Renting Cars
Article SummaryX

Zipcar is a ride share service operating in the U.S., Canada, and some European countries that lets you reserve cars through an app. To get started, you’ll need to apply online and pay the 70-dollar membership fee. You need to have a valid driver’s license and be at least 21 years old or a college student to apply. Once you receive your card in the mail, you’re free to make reservations on the Zipcar app or website. You’ll get 180 miles guaranteed per trip, and after that, you’ll be charged 45 cents per mile. Aside from that and the membership fee, you won't have to pay anything for using the cars. If you run low on gas, you can fill the tank up for free with the gas card you'll find in the car. When you reserve a car, you’ll see its location on a map. All you need to do then is walk to the car, scan your card on the reader on its windshield, and the car’s yours until your reservation expires. You can generally reserve cars for 30 minutes to 7 days, but you can extend your reservation if no one else has booked the same car. For more tips, including how to cancel a Zipcar reservation, read on!

Did this summary help you?
Advertisement