If you’re in need of a car-sharing service but want to explore options beyond Zipcar, there are several alternatives to consider. Here are the top five best Zipcar alternatives:
Car2Go
Car2Go is a car-sharing service that operates in several cities across North America and Europe. One of the main differences between Car2Go and Zipcar is that Car2Go operates on a one-way rental model, meaning you can pick up a car in one location and drop it off at a different location. This is a convenient option if you need to make a one-way trip or don’t want to worry about returning a car to the same location.
Car2Go also offers a variety of car options, including sedans, hatchbacks, and SUVs. Additionally, Car2Go has a fleet of electric vehicles in certain cities, making it a more environmentally friendly option.
One potential downside of Car2Go is that it may not be available in all cities, so be sure to check if it operates in your area before signing up.
Enterprise CarShare
Enterprise CarShare is a car-sharing service offered by Enterprise Rent-A-Car, one of the largest car rental companies in the world. Similar to Zipcar, Enterprise CarShare allows you to reserve a car for a few hours or a few days at a time. However, Enterprise CarShare also offers hourly rentals, which is a unique feature not offered by Zipcar.
Enterprise CarShare has a wide variety of car options, including sedans, hatchbacks, SUVs, and trucks. Additionally, Enterprise CarShare has a “green fleet” of hybrid and electric vehicles in certain cities.
One potential downside of Enterprise CarShare is that it may not be as widely available as Zipcar or other car-sharing services. However, if you’re a member of certain organizations or businesses, you may be eligible for discounted rates.
Turo
Turo is a car-sharing service that allows you to rent out your own personal vehicle or rent a car from someone else. Turo operates in the United States, Canada, and several other countries and offers a variety of car options, including sedans, hatchbacks, SUVs, and luxury vehicles.
One of Turo’s main benefits is that you can choose from a wide range of vehicles, including unique or hard-to-find models. Turo offers flexible rental periods, so you can rent a car for as little as an hour or as long as several weeks.
However, Turo does require you to have your own personal auto insurance, and you may need to purchase additional insurance through Turo for certain rentals. Additionally, Turo does not offer additional services such as roadside assistance, so you’ll need to handle any issues that may arise during your rental period.
Getaround
Getaround is a car-sharing service that allows you to rent out your own personal vehicle or rent a car from someone else. Similar to Turo, Getaround offers a variety of car options and flexible rental periods. However, Getaround operates in fewer cities than Turo and other car-sharing services.
One of the main benefits of Getaround is that it offers a “Getaround Connect” feature, which allows you to unlock and start a rental using your smartphone. This is a convenient option if you don’t want to worry about carrying around a physical key or fob.
Getaround also offers a variety of insurance options, including personal auto insurance and additional insurance options through Getaround. However, similar to Turo, you will need to handle any issues that may arise during your rental period without the assistance of a dedicated customer service team.
Zipcar Flex
Zipcar Flex is a newer service offered by Zipcar that operates in London and some other cities in the United Kingdom. Similar to Car2Go, Zipcar Flex operates on a one-way rental model, allowing you to pick up a car in one location and drop it off at a different location. This is a convenient option if you need to make a one-way trip or don’t want to worry about returning a car to the same location.
Zipcar Flex also offers a variety of car options, including sedans, hatchbacks, and SUVs. Additionally, Zipcar Flex has a fleet of electric vehicles in certain cities, making it a more environmentally friendly option.
One potential downside of Zipcar Flex is that it is only available in a limited number of cities, so it may not be an option for everyone. However, if you’re located in one of the cities where Zipcar Flex operates, it may be a convenient and cost-effective alternative to traditional Zipcar rentals.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing a car-sharing service, there are several options beyond Zipcar to consider. Car2Go, Enterprise CarShare, Turo, Getaround, and Zipcar Flex all offer unique features and options for car rentals. Be sure to consider your needs and budget carefully before deciding on the best car-sharing service.