Zipcar is a popular car-sharing service that allows members to rent vehicles by hour or day. The company boasts various vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, vans, and even luxury vehicles. But what about families with young children? Does Zipcar have car seats available for rent? The answer is yes, but with some important considerations.
What Kind of Car Seats Does Zipcar Offer?
Zipcar offers a variety of car seats for rent, including infant seats, convertible seats, and booster seats. The company states that all car seats are “new or gently used” and are cleaned and inspected before each rental. However, it’s important to note that the availability of car seats may vary depending on the location and vehicle type.
Renting a Car Seat through Zipcar
To rent a car seat through Zipcar, you’ll need to reserve a vehicle that has a car seat available. You’ll be prompted to add a car seat to your reservation when you book your vehicle. You’ll be able to choose from the available options and see the rental cost.
The car seat will be installed and ready to go when you pick up your vehicle. Zipcar recommends inspecting the car seat before accepting it to ensure it is in good condition and properly installed. You’ll also need to provide your child’s height and weight to ensure the car seat is the correct fit.
It’s important to note that Zipcar car seats are for children who weigh between 5 and 65 pounds and are between 19 and 52 inches tall. If your child is outside of these weight and height limits, you’ll need to bring your own car seat.
Cost of Renting a Car Seat
The cost of renting a car seat through Zipcar varies depending on the location and the type of car seat. However, the company states that the price is “typically around $7 per day.” It’s also important to note that there may be additional fees for late returns or damage to the car seat.
Considerations When Renting a Car Seat
When renting a car seat through Zipcar, there are a few important things to keep in mind:
- Availability: As mentioned, the availability of car seats may vary depending on the location and vehicle type. It’s important to check the availability of car seats before making your reservation.
- Cleanliness: Zipcar states that all car seats are cleaned and inspected before each rental. However, it’s still a good idea to check the car seat yourself before accepting it.
- Insurance: Zipcar’s insurance policy does not cover damage to rented car seats. If the car seat is damaged during your rental, you’ll be responsible for the cost of repairs or replacement.
- Age Limit: Zipcar car seats are for children who weigh between 5 and 65 pounds and are between 19 and 52 inches tall. If your child is outside of these weight and height limits, you’ll need to bring your own car seat.
- Cost: The cost of renting a car seat through Zipcar varies depending on the location and the type of car seat. Make sure to factor in the car seat cost when budgeting for your rental.
Final Thoughts
Zipcar does offer car seats for rent, but availability may vary depending on the location and vehicle type. It’s important to check the availability of car seats before making your reservation and to inspect the car seat before accepting it. Additionally, it’s important to remember that Zipcar’s insurance policy does not cover damage to rented car seats and that renting a car seat may vary.
Overall, renting a car seat through Zipcar can be convenient for families with young children. Still, it’s important to consider all the above factors before making your reservation. While the company states that all car seats are “new or gently used” and are cleaned and inspected before each rental, it’s still a good idea to inspect the car seat yourself and ensure it is in good condition and properly installed.
It’s also important to note that while Zipcar offers a variety of car seats, including infant seats, convertible seats, and booster seats, the availability of each type may vary depending on the location. When making your reservation and choosing a vehicle, this is something to keep in mind.
In conclusion, Zipcar offers rented car seats, but availability and cost may vary depending on the location and vehicle type. It’s important to check the availability and price of car seats before making your reservation and to inspect the car seat before accepting it to ensure it is in good condition and properly installed. Additionally, it’s important to keep in mind the age limit of the car seats offered by Zipcar and to bring your own car seat if your child is outside of the weight and height limits. With these considerations in mind, renting a car seat through Zipcar can be convenient and cost-effective for families with young children.