Ever wonder how nice it would be if you didn’t really have to buy a car to have it there whenever you need to use it? Not have to pay hundreds of dollars to keep a car which you use just over the weekend, worry about parking, and skip meals to keep up with the rising gas prices?  If you could have a car available only when you need it for just as long as you need it?

Zipcar came up with the answer six years ago and now it seems that Zipcar has arrived.

What is Zipcar?

Zipcar is a self-service, on-demand, by the hour car rental service.  It is a “car share” service which offers its members the option to use a car whenever they need it, for a very reasonable price.  Within minutes and even up to a year in advance, using the online or phone reservation system, members can reserve a Zipcar, all day, all week, all year round. 

Gas, parking, insurance, maintenance, and XM Satellite radio are included in the rental price.  Business users and frequent drivers get additional discounts.

Zipcars include over 20 different makes and models including gas/electric hybrids like Toyota Prius and RAV-4, as well as standard sedans, SUVs, pick-up trucks, and even high end fancy vehicles like the Mini Cooper and BMW 325i.

How did Zipcar come about?

In 1999, the founders of Zipcar were inspired by a phenomenon they saw in Berlin, where people were able to pick cars, parked around the city for the car network’s members, and drive them around by the hour instead of owning their own vehicles.  Taking that idea, the team spun it into a technologically streamlined and enhanced service, called Zipcar.  With a hassle-free reservation system, cars outfitted with wireless technology, and strategic pick-up/drop-off locations around major cities, Zipcar would become the nation’s premier car share service.

In June 2000, the first Zipcars met the road.  Six years later, there are more than 2,000 Zipcars operating in 11 US states and Ontario, Canada – shared by approximately 75,000 private and business drivers.  Zipcar is the only car share network to attain profitability in all of its markets.  In May 2006, GE Commercial Finance Fleet Services approved a $20 million financing package for Zipcar to significantly expand its coverage.

How does Zipcar work?

It’s really very simple.  You sign up to become a Zipcar member.  After you become a member, you receive a “Zipcard” which is like an ATM check card that you can swipe to unlock and drive away your Zipcar from a specified parking space.

You can reserve your Zipcar online or by phone, 24/7, and pick it up from any one of on/off street locations in your area.  Zipcar is constantly expanding its fleet and service area, as well as the locations where Zipcars are parked for member pick-up/drop-off.

Who can become a Member?

To become a member, you have to be at least 21 years of age and have a good driving record (no more than two moving violations in the last three years, no more than one in the last 18 months).

How much does Zipcar cost?

You pay a sign up fee of $25 and a $50 membership fee per year in the US to be a Zipcar member/user.  Rates are as low as $7.50 an hour to $56 per day (inclusive of gas, insurance, and parking!).  Rates may vary by city and country, so please check with Zipcar before making a decision.

Where is Zipcar available?

Zipcar currently operates in 12 states and provinces:

1. California (San Francisco/Bay Area)
2. District of Columbia
3. Illinois  (Chicago)
4. Maryland (Bethesda, Greenbelt, Rockville, Silver Spring, Takoma Park)
5. Massachusetts (Allston/Brighton, Amherst, Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, Charlestown, Dorchester, Jamaica Plan, Medford, Northampton, Somerville, Wellesley)
6. Minnesota (Minneapolis)
7. New Jersey (Hoboken, New Brunswick, Princeton)
8. New York (Brooklyn, Long Island City, Manhattan, Rochester, White Plains)
9. North Carolina (Chapel Hill)
10. Rhode Island (Providence)
11. Virginia (Alexandria, Arlington, Springfield)
12. Toronto, Ontario (Canada

Zipcar is also available on more than 30 college campuses including MIT, George Washington University, San Francisco State, Princeton, The University of Chicago, and University of Minnesota.  Additionally, more than 30 top developers and property managers have partnered with Zipcar to make car-sharing available on their properties.  This is a very interesting concept because the more builders and property managers sign up, the more Zipcar locations will become available to people closer to their homes and offices.

Why use Zipcar?

Zipcar’s shared car service is an ideal solution for couples and families who have occasional but important uses for auto transportation and don’t want to deal with the stress of carving out a timeshare plan on a single car.  It is also ideal for young professionals living in downtown areas that don’t really need a car all the time, but would really like to have one from time to time.  Zipcar is also a perfect solution for out of town visitors who would like the flexibility to get around without sticking to bus/train schedules or needing a pick/drop service to the nearest train station.