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What is car sharing?

Use Zipcar as an alternative to the costs and hassles of owning or renting a car through our network of shared on demand vehicles.
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The benefits of sharing

Car sharing is kind of like car rental, but way better. With Zipcar, you can book cars on demand by the hour or day to go where you want, when you want.

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Save money

Zipcar covers gas, insurance options,* parking and maintenance for a potential monthly savings of $600 over car ownership.

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Locations near you

Zipcars live in cities and campuses around the world. View Zipcars near you.

 
 
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Drive on-demand

Book Zipcars by the hour or day, 24/7. And unlike a car rental, there’s no waiting in line at the counter. Just book, unlock, and go.

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The future is shared

Imagine a world with one million fewer cars on the road, and cities with more green space than parking lots. We do.

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Future mode

10% of the population is expected to adopt car sharing as their primary mode of transportation by 2025.

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Personally owned cars

Every Zipcar takes 13 personally-owned vehicles off the road.

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Gallons saved

90% of Zipsters drove 5,500 miles or less per year, saving 32 million gallons of oil (219 gallons each!)

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Go beyond public transit

A perfect complement to the bus and train, Zipcars help you cart shopping bags, haul furniture, or skip town for a few—on your schedule.

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Unlock a variety of cars

Zipcars come in all shapes and sizes—compact sedans, luxury SUVs, spacious vans, and more. Switch it up whenever you feel like it.

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Zipcar vs car ownership

Lose the payments, keep the car.

Zipcar vs car ownership

Save an average of more than $600 per month1 with Zipcar. Lose the payments, keep the car.

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Owning a car:
Pricey monthly car payments.
One car, set features, no surprises.
Expensive monthly insurance payments.
Money out of pocket and time out of your day.
Filling it up every week really starts to add up.
Circle the block or pray to the parking gods.
$954 per month1
Average spending by owners, including car payment, insurance, gas, parking, and maintenance.
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Cost
Car selection
Insurance options
Maintenance
Gas
Parking
Overall cost
Driving with Zipcar:
From just $7 a month. Pay only for the trips you take.
Sedans, SUVs, vans, luxury vehicles, and more.
Your trips are covered with our insurance policy.
From car washes to oil changes, it’s all covered.
Gas is on us—gas cards are in every Zipcar.
Every Zipcar has a designated parking spot.
Estimate $314 per month2.
With parking, insurance options,* gas, and maintenance covered, Zipcar members also save an average of more than $600 a month over those who own cars in cities.

1 Average costs assume 15,000 miles per year, weighted average costs, and include $112 per month on maintenance and $145 per month on fuel and were taken from 2019 AAA Your Driving Costs study and Zipcar Impact Report.

2 Zipcar monthly costs were calculated using Zipcar reservation average of 32 hours per month.

  • From just $7 a month
  • Access to all types of cars
  • Insurance options* included
  • Maintenance is covered
  • Complimentary gas card
  • Designated parking spot

1 Average costs assume 15,000 miles per year, weighted average costs, and include $112 per month on maintenance and $145 per month on fuel and were taken from 2019 AAA Your Driving Costs study and Zipcar Impact Report.

2 Zipcar monthly costs were calculated using Zipcar reservation average of 32 hours per month.

Zipcar vs car ownership: FAQ red circle with right arrow to link

Is gas included?

Yes, gas is on us! Need to fill up? Use the gas card found behind the driver’s side visor. Every car should have at least ¼ tank to start (so kindly bring yours back that way, too.)

How many miles are included?

No matter where or how long you drive, 180 miles are included in most membership plans. Any overage is billed at $.58 per mile. Learn more.

How does Zipcar insurance coverage work?

All members in good standing have secondary third-party auto liability and Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or "no-fault" coverage. A $1,000 damage fee may apply which you can reduce or eliminate by buying an optional waiver. Learn more.

More questions?

Ready to drive?

The backseat isn’t an option where you’re headed. It’s time to start commuting, exploring, and running errands on your own time.

 
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*Some membership plans may limit insurance options.