How Does Car Sharing Work?

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

Canada

Golden Horseshoe

Hamilton

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.

1. Pick a plan

Select the membership plan that's best for you to get started.

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 unlocks your Zipcar. To unlock with your Zipcard, hold the card over the reader on the driver's side of the windshield until you hear the car unlock. Our mobile app unlocks the car too, but just in case you are in a low signal area or your phone runs out of battery, bring your Zipcard with you for every trip.

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 round trip car

Once you receive and activate your Zipcard, you can book round trip 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 trip?

Log into our iPhone® or Android™ app or our website to search for and book your preferred car, timeframe, and location.

How do I cancel or modify an existing trip?

You can cancel your upcoming hourly trip up to 3 hours before its start time at no charge through the app or online under Trips. For trips longer than 8 hours in length, you must cancel at least 24 hours in advance to avoid cancellation fees. For rules on cancelling or modifying your trips, learn more here.

Where do I return my Zipcar when my trip has ended?

Zipcar is a round trip service, so your Zipcar must be returned to the same location where you picked it up originally. If your location has multiple Zipcar parking spots, you can park in any available Zipcar spot. Make sure to lock up with the app or your Zipcard to end your trip.

More questions?

Starting your trip

To unlock and lock your car, use the app or tap your Zipcard to the reader on the driver's side of the windshield of the car. 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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Starting your trip: FAQ

How do I find my Zipcar?

Access the car's location details in the My Trips section of the app. We'll also send details about your upcoming trip in a confirmation email.

How do I get into my Zipcar?

To unlock and lock your car, use the app or tap your Zipcard to the reader on the driver's side windshield of the car. The car keys will be located inside of the Zipcar, typically in the console or attached to the ignition.

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'll take it from there.

Where is the gas card located?

You can find the free gas card in the visor over the driver’s seat of every Zipcar. To use, insert the card at a gas station as you would a credit card. Remember to always return cars with at least ¼ tank of gas to avoid fees. Learn more about how to fuel up here.

Who can drive my Zipcar?

Other active Zipcar members can drive your Zipcar, but you must be in the car if you booked the trip. Non-members are strictly forbidden from driving your Zipcar. 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 in the app 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!) You can find the free gas card in the visor over the driver's seat of every Zipcar.

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). Need more time? Use the app to confirm if your car is still available and 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 and report any issues right in the app. 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 text. If you see that the car isn't available, you'll need to return on time to avoid a late fee.

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

Late members can end up impacting others who have a trip right after them. To avoid returning late, always make sure to book the Zipcar for enough time and extend it if you know you won't be back on time. If you see that the car isn't available to extend, you'll need to return on time to avoid a $50 late fee.

More questions?

Watch how Zipcar works

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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