If you’re planning a road trip or need a vehicle for a short period, you may consider renting a car. But before you head to the nearest rental car agency, you might want to consider an alternative option: Zipcar.
Zipcar is a car-sharing service that allows members to rent vehicles by hour or day. With a fleet of vehicles located in cities and on college campuses worldwide, Zipcar offers a convenient and cost-effective alternative to traditional car rental agencies.
But is Zipcar cheaper than car rental? Let’s take a closer look.
Hourly and Daily Rates
One of the major differences between Zipcar and traditional car rental agencies is how they charge for their services. While rental car agencies typically charge a flat daily rate, Zipcar charges an hourly rate for short-term rentals and a daily rate for rentals longer than four hours.
For example, a mid-sized car from a popular rental car agency may cost around $50 per day. Meanwhile, Zipcar’s same type of car may cost $8 per hour for rentals under four hours or $66 for a full day.
While it may seem like the rental car agency’s daily rate is cheaper, it’s important to consider how long you need the car. Zipcar’s hourly rate can be significantly cheaper if you only need a car for a few hours to run errands or attend a meeting. On the other hand, the rental car agency’s daily rate may be the better deal if you need a car for an entire day or multiple days.
Membership Fees
Another factor to consider when comparing the cost of Zipcar to traditional car rental agencies is the membership fee. To use Zipcar, you must be a member, which means paying an annual fee. This fee varies depending on your membership level, but it typically ranges from $70 to $180 per year.
While this may seem like a high cost, it’s essential to consider that traditional car rental agencies also charge fees beyond the daily rate. For example, you may be charged for additional drivers, insurance, or other extras. These fees can add up quickly, making Zipcar’s annual membership fee seem like a better deal in the long run.
Insurance and Gas
One of the major benefits of Zipcar is that insurance and gas are included in the hourly or daily rate. This means you don’t have to worry about purchasing additional insurance or filling up the gas tank before returning the car.
Traditional car rental agencies also include insurance in their rates, but they may charge extra for additional drivers or coverage options. They also typically require you to return the car with a full tank of gas, or you may be charged a fee.
Zipcar’s all-inclusive hourly and daily rates can be more convenient and potentially cheaper, as you don’t have to worry about these additional costs.
Flexibility and Convenience
In addition to the potential cost savings, Zipcar offers a level of flexibility and convenience that traditional car rental agencies may not. For example, Zipcar allows you to reserve a car and pick it up within a certain time frame rather than having to book a specific pickup and drop-off time. This means you can be more spontaneous and adaptable with your plans, as you don’t have to worry about returning the car at a specific time.
Zipcar also offers a variety of vehicle options, from sedans and SUVs to hybrids and vans. This means that you can choose the type of vehicle that best fits your needs, whether you need a small car for city driving or a larger vehicle for a road trip.
Additionally, Zipcar has a mobile app that allows you to easily reserve and unlock cars, track your usage, and make payments. This can be especially convenient if you’re in a new city and don’t have access to a rental car agency.
Overall, Zipcar offers a level of flexibility and convenience that traditional car rental agencies may not be able to match.
Final Thoughts
So, is Zipcar cheaper than car rental? It depends on your specific needs and circumstances. If you only need a car for a few hours, Zipcar’s hourly rate may be significantly cheaper than a rental car agency’s daily rate. However, a rental car agency’s daily rate may be the better deal if you need a car for an entire day or multiple days.
It’s also important to consider the membership fee, insurance and gas costs, and flexibility and convenience factors when deciding between Zipcar and a traditional car rental agency.
Ultimately, the best option for you will depend on your budget and specific needs. By carefully comparing the costs and benefits of both options, you can make an informed decision that works best for you.