Zipcar

About Zipcar

Founded in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 2000 by Robin Chase and Antje Danielson, Zipcar pioneered modern car-sharing in North America by adopting a European model of vehicle access and urban efficiency . A merger with Flexcar in 2007 expanded its footprint dramatically, and acquisition by Avis Budget Group in 2013 brought further scale and operational backing .

Today, Zipcar serves over one million members across more than 500 cities and university campuses in the U.S., Canada, UK, and beyond, offering access to a fleet of nearly 10,000 vehicles. Their mission centers on minimizing car ownership and urban congestion through sustainable mobility solutions .

How Zipcar Works: Membership, Rates & Access

Membership & Booking

Users choose between monthly or annual plans—such as the “Occasional Driving Plan” or “Extra Value Plan”—and pay a one-time $25 application fee upon joining . Once approved, members can reserve vehicles by the hour or day via mobile app or website, often up to a year in advance.

Booking & Access

Reservations can start in 30-minute intervals. Pickups and returns take place at designated Zipcar spots, and opening the vehicle is seamless via smartphone app or RFID Zipcar. Keys are located inside, and insurance, fuel, and maintenance are included in per-use pricing.

Mileage & Pricing

Most trips include up to 180 miles per 24 hours (200 km in Canada), with additional mileage billed at typical rates—e.g. $0.45/mile in the U.S. or $0.30/km in Canada.

Fleet & Sustainability

Zipcar’s fleet spans over 60 vehicle models, including hybrids, luxury cars, SUVs, cargo vans, and EVs Zipcar. Each Zipcar reportedly replaces up to 13 privately owned cars, thereby reducing congestion and emissions Zipcar.

Innovation & Digital Excellence

Technology-Driven Access

Zipcar was early in integrating comprehensive mobile technology—reservation, unlocking, GPS tracking, extension, and support, all within a smartphone app—eliminating key swaps or in-person pick-ups LinkedIn.

Environmental Mission

Celebrating 25 years in 2025, Zipcar continues to reinforce sustainable urban living, pioneering initiatives like the Dream Green Giveaway to encourage reduced ownership and more shared urban transportation. Their sustainable approach earned recognition from Fast Company as one of the most impactful brands globally.

How to Get the Most Savings

While Zipcar includes fuel, insurance, and maintenance in the membership, users can still benefit from promotional opportunities. When signing up or booking, entering a Scratchcoup discount coupon code may provide discounts on application fees, monthly membership, or even ride credits—adding value to an already efficient service.

FAQs: 

Q1: What dues and fees does Zipcar charge?
Members pay a one-time $25 application fee. Beyond base rates, there may be a young driver fee (ages 18–24), liability coverage costs, and per-mile charges after mileage limits are exceeded.

Q2: What’s included in a standard Zipcar trip?
Trips include insurance, gas card, roadside support, and up to 180 miles per day. Keys stay inside the vehicle. Additional mileage or late returns may incur extra charges .

Q3: How does the app enhance convenience?
The Zipcar app enables booking, car locating (through horn honking to signal), unlocking, trip extensions, cancellation, and customer support. Everything is digital—no key pick-up, no staff needed on-site .

Q4: Can I cancel or modify a reservation?
Yes; cancel without penalty up to 3 hours before for trips under 8 hours, or 24 hours prior for longer trips. Late changes may incur cancellation fees.

Q5: Who is permitted to drive?
Only licensed and active Zipcar members can drive. You may allow another member to drive your reserved vehicle—but you must be in the car when it’s your reservation. Non-members are prohibited from driving at any time Zipcar.

Q6: Does Zipcar offer electric vehicles?
Yes. Many cities include EVs or hybrids in the fleet. Members can filter and book EVs through the app or site—and are encouraged to recharge them if vehicles provide chargers Zipcar .

Why Choose Zipcar?

Cost-effective urban mobility: Ideal for members who drive occasionally—covering errands, appointments, or weekend trips—without the cost and complexity of ownership.

Clear pricing & all-inclusive rates: Fuel, insurance, and maintenance covered; pay only for your reservation.

Sustainably minded: Zipcar helps reduce congestion, pollution, and local parking demands.

Tech-forward: Mobile-first system ensures smooth, frictionless access from reservation to return.

Campus & business friendly: Programs tailored for universities, housing complexes, and corporate use, streamlining group and organizational mobility .