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frequently asked questions

of course you have questions

Because it's not every day that someone offers to hand you the keys to thousands of cars around the world.

Top FAQs | Applying | Group Memberships | Manual Driving Record Checks | Reserving Zipcars | Using Zipcars | Away From Home | Policies | Driving Rates, Billing and Fees | Insurance and Vehicle Damage

Top FAQs

How do I join?
What's included in my membership?
Who is eligible to become a Zipcar member?
Is mileage included?
Who pays for gas?
What type of cars do you have?
How do I reserve a car after I get my Zipcard?
Can I make a one-way trip in a Zipcar?
Can I drive on the same day that I join?

Applying

How long does it take to become a member?
Do you have to apply online?
How old do I have to be to join Zipcar?
How does the 30-day trial period work?

Group Memberships

Do you offer corporate rates or membership?
Do you offer household or family memberships?

Manual Driving Record Checks

I have a US State Department license. How do I obtain my driving record?
I have a Canadian license in Alberta, British Columbia, Quebec, Manitoba, or Saskatchewan. How do I obtain my driving record?
Can I join if I have a driver's license from outside the US or Canada?

Reserving Zipcars

Will a car be available when I want one?
How far in advance can I book a car?
For how long can I reserve a Zipcar?
Can I reserve a Zipcar by the hour or by the day?
Can I use my mobile phone to make a reservation?

Using Zipcars

Where are the cars located?
How do I get into a Zipcar?
How do I get the keys?
Do Zipcars have automatic or standard transmissions?
Do you have roadside assistance?
Does the car come with baby seats?
Are there roof racks on the cars?
Are any Zipcars equipped with hand controls?
What other accommodations does Zipcar make for members with disabilities?

Away From Home

Can I use Zipcars in other Zipcar cities?
If I reserve a Zipcar in the US, can I drive out of state or in Canada?
If I reserve a Zipcar in Canada, can I drive in the US?

Policies

What happens if I return a car late?
What happens if I get a parking ticket or other violation?
Can someone who is not a member drive a Zipcar?
Can someone who is a member drive a Zipcar during another member's reservation?
How are the cars cleaned?
Can I smoke in the car?
Can I take my pet in the car?

Driving Rates, Billing and Fees

What are the rates for the cars?
How do I pay for Zipcar?
Who pays for tolls?
What other fees are involved?

Insurance and Vehicle Damage

What's the deal with insurance?
What is a damage fee?
Will my credit card cover my damage fee?
Will my personal auto insurance cover my damage fee?
Can a Zipcar membership help me get discounts on personal auto insurance?
Join Zipcar

how it works

did you know?

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Our San Francisco fleet has a plug-in electric hybrid that can zip over 100 miles per gallon. 
It took 2 years to get the first 1,000 Zipcar members. Today it takes a few days. 
Every Zipcar in our fleet of thousands has its own unique name. 
You can fit 33,000 IKEA meatballs in a MINI (yes, we tried once). 
Zipcar's lineup includes more than 50 makes and models. 
Zipcar's 2002 fleet included 5 electric cars.