How Does Car Sharing Work?

Type in a location above, or select from the list below.

Zipcars live in 500+ cities across North America and Europe. See all Zipcar cities

Canada

Golden Horseshoe

Hamilton

Kelowna

Kitchener/Waterloo, ON

United Kingdom

Taiwan

Turkey

Becoming a Zipcar member

Applying is as easy as 1,2,3. All you need is to be 21 or older (18 if a student) and have a valid driver’s license. International driver?

1. Pick a plan

Select the membership plan that fits best for your lifestyle—from as low as $7 per month.

2. Verification

We verify your driver license, which typically takes 1 business day but in some cases may take a bit longer.

3. Receive your Zipcard

Once approved, get a Zipcard by mail in 3-7 days. Once you activate it, you’re ready to hit the road.

Becoming a member: FAQ

Am I eligible to be a Zipcar member?

You can apply for Zipcar membership if you’re at least 21 years old (or 18-20 if you are a student at a university affiliated with Zipcar) and have a valid driver’s license. For non-US based licenses, or residents of Michigan, learn more.

What is a Zipcard?

Your Zipcard is an access card that unlocks your Zipcar. Remember, bring your Zipcard with you for every reservation.

How long is the application process?

Apply online in minutes. Expect one day to verify your driver license. If there’s a reason for delay, we’ll email you. Once approved, we’ll mail you your Zipcard in 3-7 days. Activate your Zipcard, then you can book and drive immediately. Learn how to check the status of your application.

How do I activate my Zipcard?

Once you receive your Zipcard in the mail, activate it online here to begin reserving.

More questions?

What you will need:

Valid driver’s license

(International driver?)

Debit or Credit Card

Book a Zipcar

Once you receive and activate your Zipcard, you can book Zipcars immediately on our website or through our app.

A cell phone with a list of Zipcars on the screen

A hand holding a cell phone with a map of Zipcars on the screen

Download our app

Book Zipcar trips on the go with our app.

Booking a Zipcar: FAQ

How do I book a reservation?

Reserve your Zipcar, timeframe and pick-up location either on our website or on our free iPhone® or Android™ app.

How do I cancel or modify a reservation?

Cancel or change your reservation up to 30 minutes after booking at no charge via the mobile app or online under My Account > My Trips. For rules on cancelling or changing without charge before your reservation starts, learn more here.

Where do I return my Zipcar?

Your Zipcar must be returned to the same spot where you picked it up. In select cities, you can book one way trips and drop-off your Zipcar at a different location.

More questions?

Getting on the road

To drive, tap your Zipcard to the reader on the windshield to lock and unlock at the start and end of each reservation. Remember, the keys to the car should always stay in the car.

A hand holding a Zipcard to a windshield sensor

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Getting on the road: FAQ

How do I find my Zipcar?

We send details about your Zipcar and location information in a confirmation email. You can also find location details under My Trips in the mobile app.

What if I get into an accident or need roadside assistance?

Your Zipcar membership includes insurance (learn more about insurance coverage here) and roadside assistance 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you need help while on the road, call 1-866-4ZIPCAR and we will take care of the details.

Where is the gas card located?

You can find the gas card in the visor over the driver’s seat of every Zipcar. You’ll need your mileage and Zipcard number when you go to the pump. Remember to always return cars with at least ¼ tank of gas to avoid fees.

Who can drive my Zipcar?

Only active Zipcar members are allowed to drive Zipcars. Other Zipcar members can also drive your Zipcar with your permission. Learn more.

More questions?

Our 6 simple rules

Before you hit the road, read up on our six simple rules of car sharing.

Report damages

Inspect your Zipcar inside and out. Report damage, a dirty car, or low fuel so we know it wasn’t you.

Keep it clean

Take personal belongings with you when you go, and throw away or recycle any trash.

Fill ‘er up

Always leave at least 1/4 tank. (It’s on us!) Gas card instructions are on the back of your Zipcard or watch the video.

No smoking

Not even with all the windows down or all the doors open. Period. Members will be charged a fee for the cost of cleaning.

Pets in carriers

Fido and Fluffy need to be kept in a pet carrier at all times. (No matter how cute they are.)

Return on time

Don’t leave the next member hanging. Be on time (and avoid a $50 late fee). Text or use the app to extend your reservation.

6 simple rules: FAQ

What do I if my Zipcar is damaged?

Before you start driving, inspect your Zipcar inside and out. While we expect the previous member to leave the Zipcar in good standing for you, it is important to report any issues before you drive. Learn more.

How do I extend my reservation?

Provided that another member does not have a reservation immediately after yours, you can extend your trip using the mobile app or by texting. If the car isn't available, you'll need to return on time as someone after you has reserved the car.

What happens if I’m late in returning my Zipcar?

The key to car-sharing success is returning on time. Late members can end up impacting others who have the reservation right after, and no one likes that. To avoid returning late, always make sure to book the Zipcar for the time you need and extend it if you know you won't be back on time. Zipcar does take late returns seriously and we will charge a $50 late fee if you return late.

More questions?

See it in action

Watch these short videos to learn the ropes. You'll be zipping like a pro in no time.

How to zip: the basics

Extending your reservation

Filling up your gas tank

photo of a hand holding a Zipcard up to a windshield sensor

Returning your Zipcar

Why Zipcar?

Wheels when you want them, by the hour or day, and only pay for the time you reserve.

Save money

Zipcar covers gas, insurance, parking, and maintenance for a potential savings of $600/month over car ownership.

Cars near you

Zipcars live in your local neighborhood, and in cities, campuses and airports across the globe.

Drive on-demand

No waiting in line at the counter. (No need to even search for your keys!) Just book and go.

Go beyond public transit

Zipcar is the perfect complement to the bus and train—whether it’s local errands or weekend adventures.

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