To be eligible, you must:

• Applicants must be 21 years or older to be eligible for application/membership; 18-20 years old if affiliated with a college or university
• Applicants must have a valid driver's license
• Applicants will be required to accept terms and conditions of the member application and member agreement (stating their driving record complies with Zipcar terms and conditions)
• Applicants that possess a non-US or Ontario based license are required to complete and submit a "declarations form" attesting to the validity of their driving history and license status
• If you are joining in Michigan and are under the age of 21, no major violations, "incidents" or alcohol or drug related violations are allowed.

In addition to the requirements above, Zipcar reserves the right to decline membership based on driving history or credit issues.

Apply online. It only takes a few minutes. Within 3-7 days, you'll receive a Zipcard in the mail. Your Zipcard is your ticket to any car in our network.

Before you can drive, you'll need a Zipcard. Your Zipcard will arrive in the mail 3-7 days after you apply. If you want to drive sooner, you can pick up your Zipcard at a local Zipcar office. (Make sure to select this option on your application.)

Either way, we'll also need to review your driving record before you're approved to drive. This process typically takes just a few hours, but in some cases, it may take a little longer:

• If you have a driver’s license from outside the US or Canada, you’ll need to submit this driving and accident record declaration along with a copy of your license and passport to records@zipcar.com
• If you have a license from the State Department, US Territory or a Canadian province other than Ontario, you’ll need to send this driving and accident record declaration with a copy of your license and ID to records@zipcar.com

We'll keep you posted by email about the status of your application.

If you choose to pick up your Zipcard at a local office, you'll need to show your driver's license and the credit or debit card used on your application.

Join Zipcar and try it out for 30 days. If it's not for you, we'll refund your membership fee. We just know you are going to love Zipcar so we are willing to give you a guarantee. Here are the rules:

• Trial applies only to the membership fee.
• Trial does not apply to the application fee.
• Trial does not apply to the monthly commitment on pre-paid plans such as the Extra Value Plan.
• Trial does not apply to driving costs.
• Trial available for new members only. Members re-opening accounts are not eligible for the trial.
• If a coupon is redeemed and membership is cancelled within 30 days, the coupon becomes void and all driving will be charged to the member.
• Trial not valid for accounts with a discounted rate plan (this includes, but is not limited to, Zipcar as an HR benefit, business plans, sponsored plans, and university memberships).
• 30 days start once your membership application has been submitted to Zipcar.

If you sadly choose to relinquish your membership within the first 30 days, call us at 1‑866‑4ZIPCAR and we'll refund your membership fee.

Yes, Zipcar for Business is a great money- and time-saving alternative to taxis, car services, rental cars, employee reimbursement and company fleets. Zipcar provides you with self-service access to a diverse fleet of cars 24/7, with discounted driving rates Monday through Friday. Learn more about corporate car sharing with Zipcar for Business.

Thousands of foreign drivers use Zipcar. We accept drivers from every country.  You will simply need to complete a form attesting to your driving history and submit it to us with some additional documentation.  You can find the details here: How to submit a foreign driver's license.

You can reserve on Zipcar.com or use the free iPhone® or Android™ app.

You can also call 1‑866‑4ZIPCAR and have a rep make a reservation for you, but will be charged a $3.50 agent reservation charge.

You can reserve a Zipcar for as little as one hour, or as much as 7 days at a time. Whether it's a quick shopping trip or a full week of freedom, you can book in half-hour increments. In Boston, Denver and LA, you can reserve for as little as 30 minutes.

If you'd like to keep a car for more than 7 days, you can call us and we'll try to help you out. Please understand that due to availability, location and other factors, we cannot guarantee reservations longer than 7 days.

We are currently testing out one-way reservations in Boston, LA and Denver. These flexible cars can be booked in the one-way tab on zipcar.com or in the app. Learn more about how Zipcars are becoming more flexible than ever.

For all other reservations, you'll need to return your Zipcar to its home location at the end of your trip.

Reservations include up to 180 miles.* This means that, with Zipcars that include mileage, you can drive up to 180 miles for the duration of your reservation without extra charges. If you drive more miles than those indicated, the following expenses are itemized in the bill.

Reservations that last 24 hours or less:

• 180 miles included
• from $0.45 for each additional mile (up to $0.55 for luxury vehicles and cargo vans)

Reservations exceeding 24 hours:

• 180 miles included for each 24-hour period
• Including 20 miles for each additional hour booked up to 180 miles
• from $0.45 for each additional mile (up to $0.55 for luxury vehicles and cargo vans)

On the confirmation page, you can calculate the cost of additional mileage for a particular reservation. you should just click on the link "details" next to the estimated cost.

*The mileage may vary by country. Learn more about using Zipcars in other countries.

Information: In some cities you can book cars without mileage included, with a lower hourly rate, so that you only pay for the miles you drive.

For round-trip reservations that are less than 8 hours long, you can cancel or shorten your reservation up to 3 hours before the start time without charge or within 30 minutes of booking. For reservations that are 8 hours or longer, you have to do it at least 24 hours in advance.

One-way reservations available in Boston, LA and Denver can be cancelled up to 30 minutes after booking without incurring a charge, as long as you have not driven the car.

If you don't cancel or shorten with the required advance notice, you're responsible for the full amount of the reservation.

One-way vehicles are currently available in Boston, LA or Denver. To reserve, click the one-way tab on Zipcar.com or in the app. Select a pick-up and drop-off location (these can be the same if you’d like!). If your plans change along the way, select a new drop-off location in the app. Want to make an extra stop? Extend your reservation via SMS or in the app. No one has the car after you so you are free to extend to your hearts content.

There are lots of models to choose from, so there's a Zipcar for your every whim. Cruise around in a MINI, haul stuff in a cargo van, visit clients in a BMW or be extra eco-savvy in a hybrid. So many possibilities!

Please note that models vary by city. View Zipcars in your city.

All Zipcars in the US have automatic transmissions. Phew, right?

If you reserve a Zipcar in another country, you may come across some with manual transmissions. If you prefer, you can filter your search to show only automatic cars. Learn more about using Zipcars in other countries.

Some cities have hourly only cars. These little guys are reserved for short local trips, and they give members access to more Zipcars on short notice. If the daily rate appears as "N/A" on the reservation page, it's an hourly only car. There are no day rates available for these cars.

Yes, we do have hand controls available. Generally, in major metropolitan markets, we request 72 hours’ advance notice to make a vehicle equipped with hand controls available, but we will try to accommodate members in these markets within 48 hours, if not sooner. Learn more about our policy.

At Zipcar, we put the safety of our members first and we take all manufacturers' recalls very seriously.

Periodically, automobile manufacturers provide notices of issues relating to their vehicles. These notices range from minor issues to serious problems that may pose a risk to the safety of the driver, passengers and the general public.

In the United States, when Zipcar receives a safety recall notice from a vehicle manufacturer under the Motor Vehicle Safety Act, Zipcar identifies the affected vehicles in our fleet and removes them from our reservations system, which prevents them from being reserved. These vehicles cannot be used by our members until we are able to implement a remedy that has been approved by the manufacturer and the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration (NHTSA). Members with future reservations on recalled vehicles will be moved to another car while the issue is addressed.

When you join, you are issued a Zipcard. (It's about the shape and size of a credit card.) At the time of your reservation, just hold your Zipcard against the card reader in the windshield. Hold it steady for a few seconds, and the doors will unlock.

Once you've scanned in with your Zipcard, you can then either use your smartphone or your Zipcard to lock and unlock the doors throughout your reservation. We have apps for iPhone® or Android™.

The key is waiting for you inside the car, attached to a tether on the steering column. The key should always remain inside the car. Use your Zipcard or smartphone to lock and unlock the doors throughout your reservation.

Note that some car models have start buttons instead of keys. To start one of these cars, simply step on the brake, press the start button, and you're good to go.

In some countries, the key is in the glove compartment. Learn more about driving Zipcars in other countries.

If there's no reservation immediately before yours, you can take the car up to 14 minutes early at no extra charge. (If you enter the car 15 to 30 minutes prior, you will be billed for an additional half hour.)

The doors will only unlock early if the car is available. If you can't get in, that means the car may still be reserved by the previous member. Simply wait until your reservation start time and try again.

Before you drive off, be sure to take a few minutes to do a thorough walk-around to see if there are any dents, scratches or other damage. Check the inside as well.

If you notice any problems, call us at 1‑866‑4ZIPCAR and report it. Please provide us with as much detail as possible, like the exact location of the damage, the approximate size of any dents or scratches, etc.

You don't want to be held responsible for damage you didn't cause, so please don't forget to check at the start of every reservation.

Your Zipcar should be clean and have at least 1/4 tank of fuel when you arrive. It's all part of the rules. If there's a problem, we ask that you call us at 1‑866‑4ZIPCAR and report it.

If you'd like to take the car for a cleaning, you can pay for it and we'll reimburse your account up to $15. If you prefer, we'll do our best to move you to a different vehicle.

For round trip vehicles, provided that another member does not have a reservation immediately after yours, you can extend using the iPhone® or Android™ app, SMS, mobile website or call 1‑866‑4ZIPCAR. One-way Zipcars in Boston, LA and Denver are always available for extending since no one has the car after you.

For your convenience, we’ve added toll passes to Zipcars in many cities. There's no surcharge for using the passes — we'll just bill your account for the actual toll amount. Please note that it can take up to 3 weeks for toll charges to come in, so you will be billed separately from your reservation.

• Throughout Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia, New York, Washington DC and many universities, cars are equipped with E-ZPass® toll passes. These work everywhere the E-ZPass logo is displayed.
• In Miami, Florida, cars are equipped with SunPass® toll passes. These can be used on most toll roads and bridges throughout Florida.
• In California, including many universities, cars are equipped with FasTrak® toll passes. These can be used on all toll roads throughout California, Bay Area bridges and future Express Lanes.
• In Washington state, including all universities, cars are equipped with Good To Go! passes. These can be used on the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, SR 167 HOT lanes and the SR 520 floating bridge.
• In Canada, tolls for highway 407 in Toronto and the Golden Ears Bridge and road network in Vancouver are charged electronically as you pass through them — there are no tollbooth attendants. We receive a monthly statement with toll charges and then bill the charges to your Zipcar account.

In all the other cities you'll need to pay cash at the tollbooths.

Personal toll passes
If your Zipcar comes with a toll pass, don't try to use your own personal pass instead as this may confuse the system and result in double-charging. If you're in one of our cities that does not offer toll passes, you may use your own as long as you follow the rules and regulations set up by the toll authority. This means that you'll need to register the Zipcar on your account. If we receive notice of an unpaid toll, we'll have to redirect it to you, along with a penalty charge.

Yes, your Zipcar membership includes roadside assistance 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Just call us at 1‑866‑4ZIPCAR and we will take care of the details.

Yes, but only when it's kept in a locked pet carrier. Many members are allergic to pet hair so if any happen to escape the pet carrier, please clean it up before your reservation comes to an end.

Service animals used by disabled members or passengers with disabilities are an exception. These animals are allowed in the car without a pet carrier. If you need to bring a service animal into a Zipcar, please let us know by calling 1‑866‑4ZIPCAR so that we can clean the car for the next member.

No, smoking damages the cars and can impact the health of other members. For any member found to be smoking in the car, we will charge you for the cost of cleaning the car to make it completely smoke free.

Oh, and holding a cigarette outside the car while driving is STILL considered smoking in the car. Just so you know.

Only members can drive Zipcars. If you've got a fellow member along for the ride, it's ok to go ahead and share the driving time. You can also add family or friends to your account so they can drive too.

Non-members are not covered by our insurance. If you allow a non-member to drive during your reservation, you will be responsible for repairs if damage occurs to the car while they're driving. You will lose your membership as well. Which is a bad thing.

If you've left something in your Zipcar, you should make a reservation for the next available hour to gain access to the car, and retrieve your item. Please remember that Zipcar is not responsible for lost items.

If you find an item belonging to another member, please place it in the glove compartment or trunk.

In some cities, cars are parked at garages with valets. If you're picking up your Zipcar from one of these garages, make sure you scan in and out, by holding your Zipcard over the card reader in the windshield — even if the doors are already open. This is how we know for sure when you've started and ended your reservation.

Here are a few more things to know about garages with valets:

Calling ahead
Some garages request that you call prior to your reservation. If this applies to your reservation, you'll see a note and the garage's phone number on your reservation confirmation page.

Waiting for your Zipcar
If the garage is busy, sometimes you may have to wait to get your car, even if you've called ahead. If you have not scanned into your reservation by your scheduled start time, call us at 1‑866‑4ZIPCAR and we will work with you to extend your reservation or credit you accordingly for lost time.

Resolving issues with your reservation
If there's a problem with your reservation or vehicle, please call Zipcar. While garage attendants have a good working relationship with Zipcar, they are employed by the garage — not by Zipcar. If you have an issue, the attendant may not be able to assist you in the same way that a Zipcar rep can.

Tipping garage attendants
If the garage attendant was kind, courteous, did the job well and you wish to extend gratitude, they will appreciate the gesture. The choice to give a gratuity for service is a personal one, and certainly yours to make.

You cannot use a valet service at a restaurant or other parking location that's not authorized by Zipcar. The only time you can use a valet is if the car's home location has a garage attendant.

In some cities, Zipcars have commercial plates. Unfortunately, these vehicles get all the drawbacks that come with commercial plates (like higher tolls and restricted access to certain roads) without any of the benefits. Please avoid commercial zone parking areas, or you'll be a sweet target for a parking ticket.

We'll cover gas and insurance, but you are responsible for legal infractions. If we receive a notice and process a violation, you will be charged a $30 processing fee in addition to the original cost of the ticket.

Report it. Call us right away at 1‑866‑4ZIPCAR or email violations@zipcar.com and let us know that you received a ticket. Whether you've paid it, or decided to appeal it, we want a record of what's happening. We want to know the date and time the violation was issued, the license plate of the vehicle, the type of violation (speeding, parking, etc), the ticket #, how much it is for and what city gave it to you. This way if something goes wrong in the payment process, or you encounter glitches, we'll know you've got it covered and we won't just assume you tossed it in the gutter. Note that certain violations may impact insurance coverage, so it's very important to report any violation to Zipcar.

What if I don't pay it? If you do not pay a ticket, we will be notified and charge you a $30 processing fee. Additionally, you are responsible for the cost of the ticket. If we can, we will redirect the violation to you. If we can't redirect it, we will pay the fine, along with any late fees and bill the total to your account. Other fines or membership suspension can also result, so please pay the ticket when you get it.

Can I dispute it? If you wish to contest a violation and the issuing municipality allows it, be sure to do so promptly! If we receive a notice in the mail, and you have yet to dispute the ticket with the issuing municipality, we will automatically bill your account for the amount of the violation, plus the processing fee.

Take a deep breath and follow these steps:

1. Call the emergency services if there are any injuries, damage to either vehicle involved, or if you believe you are not at fault. Having a police report is your best defense during an insurance investigation. If the police will not come to the scene, be sure to ask them why and let us know their reason.
2. Then call us at 1‑866‑4ZIPCAR to tell us there's been an accident.
3. Collect the following information:
   • If someone was injured, note whether a the individual was taken from the scene in an ambulance, and find out which hospital they were taken to.
   • Record when (date and time) and where the incident happened.
   • Get the contact details for all parties involved, including the driver's name (and vehicle owner, if different from the driver), phone number, address, license number, insurance company and policy number, vehicle registration plate number and vehicle identification number (VIN).
   • If there was damage to an object (fence, sign, post, etc), get the contact information of the owner.
4. Protect your version of the incident:
   • Take pictures of all damage and the scene of the accident. This is very important for any insurance claim that might be filed.
   • Get independent witnesses. Your passengers, family and friends do not count as independent witnesses. If any other bystanders witnessed the incident, ask for their contact details and get them to write down what they saw.
   • Take note if any party apologizes or accepts responsibility for the incident. If possible, get it in writing and notify us of this information. You can even call us at 1‑866‑4ZIPCAR and put the other party on the phone with us.
5. Once you're back home safe and sound, we'll need some documentation about the incident. See details.
6. If you have completed steps 1 through 5, then go do something nice for yourself. After all, you did everything you could just the way we needed you to.

Unfortunately your Zipcar membership will be suspended until we obtain all of the details about the accident. For insurance purposes, we have to complete a thorough investigation, but you will be notified as soon as your account is reinstated. This process usually takes about two weeks. You can always email accidents@zipcar.com if you have any questions or call your local office.

We do! You just need to fill the tank using the fuel card inside the car when it gets to 1/4 full. (Or is it 3/4 empty? Whichever.) The Zipcar gas policy is included in our 6 simple rules and it's how we make sure everybody starts off their trip right.

Fuel is on us! You'll find the gas card in the driver's sun visor. To fill up, you’ll need to enter the vehicle's mileage (the odometer reading on the dash). You’ll also need the first six digits of your Zipcard number or your gas ID number. Watch a short video on how to fill up.

Always check your car details or the inside of the gas cap to ensure you add the correct fuel type — mistakes can be expensive!

In some countries, the fuel card is in a different spot inside the car. Learn more about driving Zipcars in other countries.

While most gas stations take our fuel card, you may run into one that doesn't accept it. Go ahead and pay for it, and we'll reimburse you. We're good like that.

Round-trip Zipcars should be returned to their home location. One-way Zipcars should be parked in their reserved drop-off location. If you're at a location that has more than one reserved Zipcar space, any of them will do.

Need a reminder of the car's location? Directions are available on your reservation confirmation and in the mobile apps.

Call us at 1‑866‑4ZIPCAR and we'll work with you to find a nearby parking space.

If there's another car in the Zipcar spot, please make a note of the make, model, and number plate of the unfortunate offender so that we can have them towed away.

Please remember to take all your belongings, remove any trash, and leave at least 1/4 tank of fuel for the next member.

Be sure to lock up with your Zipcard and leave the keys inside the car. (Even if you're returning the car to a location that has a valet service, make sure to scan out.)

No. While the Zipcar is reserved in your name, no other member can reserve it during that time, so we do not offer credit for an early return.

If you return your car late, you will be charged late fees starting at $50. Timely returns are really important in the world of car sharing. If someone returns a car late, then the next member can't start their reservation on time. We’ll have to find them another car, and sometimes we'll even have to put them in a taxi to get to it. So you can see why we need to have late fees. We're not trying to be mean, we're just trying to make sure that members get their cars when they need them.

Here are a few tips to help avoid late return fees:

• Sign up for Zipcar Text Alerts. We'll send you reminders about your reservation, and also let you know if you can extend your trip.
• When you reserve your car, make sure you allow enough time for your entire trip. Think about travel time (there and back) and the amount of time you'll spend at your destination. Go ahead and book a little extra if you're not sure.
• Leave your destination on time. If it took you an hour to get there, most likely it's going to take you an hour to get back. Allow some cushion for traffic delays too.
• If at any time during your reservation you realize that you won't be able to get the Zipcar back on time, you can always try to extend your reservation from your smartphone or call 1‑866‑4ZIPCAR. If there's not another reservation immediately after yours, you can extend. If someone is waiting for the car, we will need to make other arrangements for them, so please call us as soon as you can.

You are responsible for returning the car with at least 1/4 tank of fuel and in good condition for the next member. Not following these rules could result in a fine. Learn more.

Every member in good standing who complies with the membership contract is covered while driving a Zipcar. Here are the highlights:

• Third party auto liability coverage*
  • Members age 21+ who joined Zipcar March 1, 2015 or after receive liability coverage of 100/300/25 ($100,000 bodily injury per person, $300,000 bodily injury maximum, $25,000 property damage).
  • Members under the age of 21 receive coverage up to the minimum financial responsibility limits required in the jurisdiction in which the accident occurs.
  • Members age 21+ who joined Zipcar prior to March 1, 2015 receive liability coverage of $300,000 CSL (combined single limit) per accident.
  • Members who joined Zipcar with a university and are age 21+ receive either 100/300/25 or $300,000 CSL, depending on the school’s agreement with Zipcar. If you have questions about your coverage call 1‑866‑4ZIPCAR.
• We provide Personal Injury Protection (PIP), or "no-fault" coverage, at the level required by the jurisdiction in which the accident occurs.
• Members are responsible for a $1,000 damage fee per incident, which can be reduced or eliminated with the purchase of an optional damage fee waiver.

*Please note that coverage may be provided under a certificate of self-insurance, insurance policy, or both.

For the full scoop on third party auto liability insurance, check out the member contract.

Making a reservation outside of the US? Note that the coverage provided varies depending on where you drive. Learn more about driving Zipcars in other countries.

Insurance is included, but if you happen to be involved in an incident with your Zipcar, a damage fee of up to $1,000 may apply. A damage fee can apply for dents, scratches, collisions, flat tires, windshield cracks, dead batteries (from leaving the lights on), engine problems, vandalism, theft, third party damages and, in some cases, third party personal injuries.

Members are not responsible for normal wear and tear on the vehicle. However, the fee does apply to damage caused by unavoidable events such as floods, hail, wind, trees falling, etc.

Before each reservation, we ask you to check the car inside and out and report any damage. This ensures that you will not be held responsible for damage that may have happened before your reservation.

Some credit cards include rental car insurance, which covers you when you use a rental car. Sometimes Zipcars fall under this coverage. Give them a call to see if they'll cover you in a Zipcar.

If you are covered by your credit card, make sure to use it to pay for your reservations. You can update your credit card info here.

If you've been in an accident while driving a Zipcar and you've filed a claim with your credit card company, they will want to see documentation. Please contact Sedgwick CMS at 1-866-345-2474 to request this documentation.

When driving Zipcars in North America, your personal insurance might cover you. Many personal auto insurance policies also provide coverage for rentals. But some policies contain loopholes too. Read your policy or contact your insurance agent to get the full scoop. Note that personal policies generally do not apply when driving Zipcars in Europe.

If you're age 18+, and have had no Zipcar accidents in the past 12 months, you are eligible to purchase a waiver. A waiver allows you to reduce or eliminate the damage fee. Purchasing a waiver won't change your insurance coverage—it just changes the maximum amount you'll be charged if you're involved in an incident with your Zipcar.

A damage fee waiver becomes effective on the purchase date. Waivers are non-refundable.

1. Your first responsibility is to immediately report the incident to 1‑866‑4ZIPCAR. Within 24-72 business hours you will be contacted by Zipcar’s Claims Administrator, Sedgwick CMS. You will be asked to provide information about the incident as well as other supporting documentation (pictures, police reports, etc.) to a Claims Adjuster. At the time of incident it is important, to the best extent possible, to obtain a police report along with pictures of the damage, the third party’s information, etc.
2. If you believe anything was unusual or you have some concerns (for example, maybe there was pre-existing damage), you need to report that to the Claims Adjuster.
3. The local Zipcar office will inspect the vehicle for damages and bring the vehicle to a repair shop to get pictures and an estimate.
4. If an insurance claim is necessary, one will be filed with Zipcar’s Claims Management company (Sedgwick CMS). If you receive any communications from the other party or their insurer, please notify Sedgwick CMS as quickly as possible with their information (including company name, adjuster name, claim number, and phone number).
5. You will be notified by way of phone calls and emails from the Liability Adjuster (from Sedgwick CMS) when all the steps of the investigation are complete and, based on the estimate of damage received, and whether or not a damage fee applies.

If, at any time during the claims process, you have questions specific to your membership please call 1‑866‑4ZIPCAR. For questions directly related to your incident regarding liability, damages, or credit card claims, please contact Sedgwick CMS at 1-866-345-2474.

There are two kinds of insurance claims that you should know about with Zipcar.

1. Subrogation: If a subrogation claim is initiated, this means that based on your incident report, we believe there is a chance that you are not responsible for the accident and we are therefore pursuing another party for payment for the Zipcar damages and loss of use. If at any time you want more information regarding the claim or if you recall additional important details regarding your accident, please contact Sedgwick CMS at 1-866-345-2474.

Understand that if the insurance company finds you to be responsible in any way for the incident, the claim is denied, or there is no insurance coverage by the other party, the damage fee may apply. However, remember that you have great coverage with Zipcar, so we'll cover the cost of the damages beyond the damage fee. However, rest assured that we will notify you in advance if the case seems to be veering out of your favor. Usually these cases are resolved within a month or two and you will be contacted regarding the results of the case.

2. Liability: A liability claim indicates that you, the driver of the Zipcar, are at least partially responsible for the accident. If our insurers pay the other party for their property damage or medical bills, you will be responsible for the damage fee based on the total cost of the accident.

If you are responsible for an accident but you believe there was little to no damage to the other party's vehicle, please contact us immediately. We will need pictures of the other party's vehicle, a police report, and/or a witness' statement to verify the damage. Remember, you are our eyes at the scene of an accident and we depend on you for evidence.

Members are expected to work with the insurance companies regarding the investigation of the claim. Once a claim has been closed, there is no appeal and the claim cannot be reopened.

If the credit card that you use for Zipcar reservations provides coverage (or you think it might), please file a claim with your credit card immediately following the accident. The faster you do this, the more likely it is that your credit card company will pay for the damages and you won't have to pay anything!

American Express:
You can file your claim online via the following link: https://yourcarrentalclaim.com/ Or you can call 1.800.338.1670 and select option 1 to file a claim.

MasterCard:
Please call (800) 622-7747 and ask to file an auto claim. They'll transfer you to the correct area. MasterCard claims require that you sign a form and send it back to them. On this form, please be sure to check off "Irrevocable Assignment of Benefits;" this will allow MasterCard to work with Zipcar directly on the claim so you won't be charged.

Discover:
Call (800) 252-4670 to file a claim or go to Chubb.com for more information on your coverage.

Diner's Club:
Call (800) 613-5975 to file a claim.

Visa:
Please call 1-800-348-VISA (1-800-348-8472) and ask to file an auto claim. There are certain terms and conditions that apply, so please review www.visa.com/benefits for additional information or to file your claim online.

Others:
Please call the customer service number on your credit card statement, then ask to file an auto claim, they'll transfer you to the correct area.

To file a claim, you will be asked your card number and expiration date, personal information (name, address, phone, email), as well as information about the accident and the Zipcar vehicle itself. The 'rental agreement' or 'contract number' is simply your Zipcard number. Please make sure to provide the address of our Home Office at 35 Thomson Place, Boston, MA 02210, (p) 617.995.4231.

 

One key question that they usually ask is "Did you decline the collision damage waiver (CDW)?" If you did not purchase the damage fee waiver from Zipcar, then you can answer YES to this question. If you did purchase the Zipcar damage fee waiver, your answer would be "NO, however, our damage fee covers the whole cost of the accident, not just collision damage." In other words, the Zipcar waiver is not solely for collision and you may still qualify for the coverage through your credit card by explaining this point.

Once the claim is filed, your credit card company may contact you or the Claims Management Company (Sedgwick CMS) for additional documentation. Generally, if approved, this whole process takes less then a few short weeks and members don't end up having to pay anything toward the accident. Unfortunately, if your credit card company denies the claim, you will be responsible for the damage fee.

If your driving plan has an annual membership fee, we automatically charge your account each year on the anniversary date of your membership. (If you change your driving plan after you join, that date will become your new renewal date.)

Depending on your membership, reservations may be charged when you book, at the end of the reservation, or at the end of the month. (These differences are related to billing only and won't impact your selection of cars or types of trips.) Visit your account page to see details for your membership and billing cycle. If there are any additional charges during your trip, then we will add them at the end of your reservation.

For out of pocket expenses, we'll reimburse you. In the rare case where you may need to replace wiper blades or add oil, we'll reimburse up to $50. For a car wash, we'll reimburse up to $15.

Email, fax or mail an itemized receipt within 30 days of purchase to the following, and include your name, Zipcard number, item purchased, date and time of purchase and amount.

Email: support@zipcar.com
Fax: 617.995.4300

Snail Mail:
Zipcar, Inc.
Zipcar Member Services - Reimbursement
35 Thomson Place
Boston, MA 02210

Once we get your receipt, we will reimburse your account within seven business days.

If you lose your Zipcard, call us at 1‑866‑4ZIPCAR so we can cancel it and arrange to get a replacement for you. (We can give you one replacement Zipcard per year at no charge, but if you need more we will have to charge a $15 fee to cover our costs.)

Driving credit can be used toward driving and related costs. It cannot be applied to membership fees, tickets/violations, fines or other non-usage charges. All driving credits are in local funds associated with the member's primary driving city, and cannot be applied to reservations taken in any cities operating under a different currency. Driving credit cannot be transferred to another person or account.

To check when your driving credit expires, go to your online statement and click on the "My Credits" link.

There are some local fees and taxes that apply when reserving in certain areas in the US and Canada:

• Arizona: $2.50 minimum Maricopa County Rental Surcharge
• Boston, MA: The Massachusetts Convention Center Financing Fee is added as an annual $10 fee, one time per member year (as defined by your driving plan) for all members who reserve and drive a car that is located inside the city limits of Boston. Learn more.
• Chicago, IL: Lease Transaction Tax (9%).  A $2.75 Lessor Tax is added to each full day reservation. (This does not apply to hourly reservations.)
• Cleveland, OH: $6 for all reservations over 4 hours
• Connecticut: $1 per day Tourism Surcharge
• Florida: $1 per reservation Florida Rental Car Surcharge
• New Jersey: A $5 New Jersey Domestic Security Fee is added to each reservation for cars used in New Jersey. Learn more. And New Jersey residents are charged a 7% sales tax on application and membership fees.
• New Mexico: $2 per day Leased Vehicle Surcharge
• Omaha, NE: $8.92 Occupation Tax is added to each full day reservation.
• Pennsylvania: The PA Public Transportation Assistance Fund of $2 is added to each reservation. PA rental car tax (2%). PA sales tax (6%).
• Pittsburgh, PA: The Allegheny County Rental Vehicle Tax of $2 is added to each reservation. Allegheny County Sales Tax (1%).
• Revere, MA: The Vehicle Rental Surcharge is added as an annual $10 fee, one time per membership year, for all members who reserve and drive a car that is located inside the city limits of Revere.
• Washington: Washington State Rental Car Tax (7.7%)
• West Virginia: $1 per day West Virginia Rental Tax
• Airports: Various airports may also be subject to additional fees and taxes. When reserving an airport Zipcar, be sure to click “view details” on the reservation confirmation page to see a full list for your reservation. Go here to view all current airport Zipcar locations.
• San Francisco, CA: A $20 SFO Transportation Fee is added to all reservations at SFO (San Francisco International Airport).

No one likes to talk about fees and fines, but they're a "must" to keep this whole car sharing thing running smoothly. We hope you never have to fork over cash for these things...

• Late Return Fee: $50 per hour (up to a maximum of $150), plus the vehicle usage charges (read more about late returns).
• Low Gas Fee: $30 if you return a vehicle with less than 1/4 tank of gas.
• Zipcard Replacement: One free replacement card per year ($15 for each additional card).
• Ignition Key Replacement: If you lose the key, the replacement fee is $75 plus costs for materials and labor.
• Reservation Changes: There is no charge if you cancel or shorten your reservation with the required advance notice. However, you will be charged the full amount for your reservation if you do not give the required advance notice.
• Personal Reservation Assistance: $3.50 per call to have a rep make a reservation for you.
• Tickets/Violation Processing Fee: You are also responsible for paying any parking tickets and moving violations incurred during your reservation. If we receive a notice and process a violation, you will be charged a $30 processing fee.
• Damage Fee: Up to $1,000 to cover the costs related to an accident. Members age 21+ may qualify to purchase a waiver to reduce or eliminate your damage fee.
• Other Violations: $50 per violation, plus costs incurred by Zipcar anytime a visit to the vehicle is required (including visits due to smoking or pets in the vehicle).

If your business is tax exempt, fax a state-issued exemption certificate to fax number (617) 588-0435. The business name and address on your certificate must match the information on your application. If it all checks out, we'll confirm approval within two business days of receiving your fax. See more information about business Zipcar memberships.

If you wish to cancel your Zipcar membership, you can do so by choosing the "close account" option on your account page (under "my membership").

You cannot drive your Zipcar into Mexico. Our insurance policy does not cover driving in Mexico. Violation of this policy will result in termination of your Zipcar membership. (We definitely don't want that, so please keep your car north of the border!)

You can drive your Zipcar from the US into Canada, no problem.

You can book a Zipcar in a foreign country just as easy as you can from home. There are a few differences here and there. Here's what you should know if you reserve a Zipcar in France:

• Manual transmissions: Some cars have manual transmissions. Check the car details when booking.
• Key in the glove compartment: The key is located inside the glove compartment. You can use it throughout your reservation to lock and unlock the doors, but please return the key to the holder in the glove compartment at the end of your reservation.
• Reporting damage: There's no damage log in the car. Report any damage by calling 09 87 67 50 67.
• 150 kilometers/day included: Your reservation includes 150 kilometers per day. If you drive more, it's 0.24 EUR for each additional kilometer (up to 0.29 EUR for premium vehicles and cargo vans).
• Fuel card in the doorframe: The fuel card is located inside the doorframe. Please be sure to return it to the doorframe after filling up.
• Crossing borders: You may drive Zipcar into Andorra, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Spain and Switzerland. For other countries, please give us a call and we'll check for you.
• Customer support: If you need assistance during your reservation, call 09 87 67 50 67.
• Insurance: Comprehensive insurance is included, but the details vary by country. Learn more about insurance coverage in France.

You can book a Zipcar in a foreign country just as easy as you can from home. There are a few differences here and there. Here's what you should know if you reserve a Zipcar in Canada:

• Bring your Zipcard: You cannot start your reservation from the mobile app. You will need to scan in with your Zipcard first.
• Key on steering column: The key is tethered to the steering column. Please leave the key inside the car and use your Zipcard or smartphone to lock and unlock the doors throughout your reservation.
• Reporting damage: There's no damage log in the car. Report any damage by calling 1‑866‑4ZIPCAR.
• 200 kilometers/day included: Your reservation includes 200 kilometers per day. If you drive more, it's 0.30 CAD for each additional kilometer (up to 0.40 CAD for premium vehicles and cargo vans)
• Fuel card in sun visor: The fuel card is located in the sun visor. Please be sure to return it to the sun visor after filling up.
• Toll roads: Some roads require you to pay a toll, and many Zipcars are equipped with toll passes so you don't have to wait in line. There's no fee for using the pass; we'll simply charge your account for the actual toll amount. Toll charges are billed separately from your reservation.
• Crossing borders: You can drive from Canada into the United States, no problem. However, you cannot drive into Mexico. Our insurance policy does not cover driving in Mexico.
• Customer support: If you need assistance during your reservation, call 1‑866‑4ZIPCAR.
• Insurance: Comprehensive insurance is included, but the details vary by country. Learn more about insurance coverage in Canada.

You can book a Zipcar in a foreign country just as easy as you can from home. There are a few differences here and there. Here's what you should know if you reserve a Zipcar in the United Kingdom:

• Manual transmissions: Some cars have manual transmissions. Check the car details when booking.
• Key in the glove compartment: The key is located inside the glove compartment. You can use it throughout your reservation to lock and unlock the doors, but please return the key to the holder in the glove compartment at the end of your reservation.
• Damage log: Check for damage as usual. There's a damage log inside the glove compartment. Report any new damage in the log and call 0333 240 9000.
• Up to 60 miles/day included: Reservations in London vehicles include 60 miles per day. Reservations in vehicles from other UK locations include 40 miles per day. If you drive more than the daily allowance, it's 0.25 GBP for each additional mile (0.29 GBP for premium vehicles and cargo vans).
• Fuel card: The fuel card is located inside the doorjamb or doorframe. Please be sure to return it to the same location after filling up.
• London congestion charge: You can drive into the congestion charging zone without worries. Zipcar picks up the tab.
• Crossing borders: To drive from the UK into any other country, you will need to be in possession of a 'vehicle on-hire' certificate for the duration of your trip. Give us a call at least one week in advance and we will arrange for this to be sent to you.
• Customer support: If you need assistance during your reservation, call 0333 240 9000.
• Insurance: Comprehensive insurance is included, but the details vary by country. Learn more about insurance coverage in the UK.

You can book a Zipcar in a foreign country just as easy as you can from home. There are a few differences here and there. Here's what you should know if you reserve a Zipcar in Spain:

• Avancar branding: The cars are called Avancars. The vehicle branding looks similar to what that you're used to, but will say "Avancar" instead.
• Bring your Zipcard: You cannot start your reservation from the mobile app. You will need to scan in with your Zipcard first.
• Key in the glove compartment: The key is located inside the glove compartment. You can use it throughout your reservation to lock and unlock the doors, but please return the key to the holder in the glove compartment at the end of your reservation.
• Reporting damage: There's no damage log in the car. Report any damage by calling 900 818 070.
• 80 kilometers/day included: Your reservation includes 80 kilometers per day. If you drive more, it's 0.28 EUR for each additional kilometer (up to 0.39 EUR for premium vehicles and cargo vans)
• Fuel card in sun visor: The fuel card is located in the sun visor. Please be sure to return it to the sun visor after filling up.
• Crossing borders: You may drive cars into Andorra, France and Portugal. For other countries, please give us a call and we'll check for you.
• Customer support: If you need assistance during your reservation, call 900 818 070.
• Insurance: Comprehensive insurance is included, but the details vary by country. Learn more about insurance coverage in Spain.

You can book a Zipcar in a foreign country just as easy as you can from home. There are a few differences here and there. Here's what you should know if you reserve a Zipcar in Austria:

• Manual transmissions: Some cars have manual transmissions. Check the car details when booking.
• Key in the glove compartment: The key is located inside the glove compartment. You can use it throughout your reservation to lock and unlock the doors, but please return the key to the holder in the glove compartment at the end of your reservation.
• Damage log: Check for damage as usual. There's a damage log inside the glove compartment. Report any new damage in the log and call 0810 / 100 377.
• 80 kilometers/day included: Your reservation includes 80 kilometers per day. If you drive more, it's 0.20 EUR for each additional kilometer (up to 0.25 EUR for premium vehicles and vans)
• Fuel card in the doorframe: The fuel card is located inside the doorframe. Please be sure to return it to the doorframe after filling up.
• Crossing borders: You can drive your Zipcar into Germany, Italy, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Czech Republic or Hungary. If you want to drive into any other country, you'll need written consent. Please call us at 0810 / 100 377 a few days in advance.
• Customer support number: If you need assistance during your reservation, call 0810 / 100 377.
• Insurance: Comprehensive insurance is included, but the details vary by country. Learn more about insurance coverage in Austria.