Lewis BarbaraCar-sharing services have made navigating around the city an easy thing. Today, you don’t have to own a car to be able to get around, all thanks to car sharing. They are cost-effective and convenient, emerging as a revolutionary solution to traditional car ownership. Each of these services offers a distinct blend of features tailored to meet individual preferences. In this article, we delve into the top car-sharing services in the United States, providing a detailed analysis of their pricing models, offerings, and overall user experience.
Top 5 Car-Sharing Services in the US
In the next paragraphs below, we will list the best car-sharing services you should consider when seeking to get around the city.
Turo
If you are looking for a service that embraces a peer-to-peer model, allowing users to rent cars directly from individual owners, then Turo is the solution to your needs. It’s the king of the road, boasting over 350,000 vehicles in around 5,500+ cities.
According to research, Turo is one of the largest car-sharing marketplaces, with around 14 million plus users globally. The unique approach used by Turo provides users with an extensive choice of vehicles, including trucks, luxury cars, and specialty rides. With this car-sharing company, you get diverse insurance options, which empowers you as the user to customize coverage based on your preferences. The company sees that users are covered with $750,000 in liability insurance from travelers with options to choose from, including varying levels of reimbursement for physical damage.
Moreover, it operates globally in over 50 countries, standing out as a platform that not only facilitates transportation but also promotes a shared community of car enthusiasts. The costs vary based on factors like the vehicle type, rental duration, location, insurance, and additional fees, but typically, the costs roughly range between $5 per hour to $200+ per hour.
Key features:
- Vehicle variety
- Insurance options
- GPS navigation
- 24/7 customer support
- Peer-to-peer rentals
- An easy-to-use app
Zipcar
Unparalleled flexibility in urban mobility is essential, and therefore, individuals need a car-sharing service like Zipcar, a pioneer in the industry. Once you become a Zipcar member, you can rent vehicles by the hour or day, with access to a diverse fleet that includes compact cars and SUVs. This means that the service operates on a membership basis. However, with the membership comes exclusive benefits such as gas, discounted rates, and insurance coverage. The membership plans are divided into three categories: the basic plan (£0/month), the Smart Plan (£6/month), and lastly, the Plus Plan (£15/month).
When you submit your first Zipcar application, you are expected to pay a $25 non-refundable application fee. Additionally, the company provides users with a user-friendly mobile app that can be downloaded from both Google Play and App Store. The availability of a mobile app contributes significantly to the establishment of a robust nationwide network, making Zipcar a go-to option for those seeking on-demand and hassle-free transportation.
Key features:
- Flexibility: Hourly or daily rentals.
- Nationwide network: Extensive coverage in over 500 cities across the country.
- Membership benefits: All-inclusive packages and discounted prices.
- Diverse fleet: Ranging from SUVs to compact cars.
Getaround
As a car-sharing company, Getaround has gradually helped consumers shift away from car ownership by providing them with instant and convenient access to vehicles when needed. The company is changing the way people access and experience transportation. With Getaround, individuals don’t have to worry about car ownership and parking woes as it offers an affordable, flexible, and convenient alternative to traditional car ownership. Similarly, this car-sharing company is committed to doing three things: empowering people, improving mobility, and protecting the environment.
Getaround is the world’s first car-sharing marketplace to offer a 100% digital experience, which means that drivers get a contactless experience. Therefore, there’s no waiting in line at a car rental counter, manual paperwork, or manual collection of keys. The company has covered over 1,000 cities in 8 countries and has completed over 5 million trips. Apart from that, it has a mobile app known as the Getaround app that can be downloaded from the App Store and Google Play.
Research shows that in 2022, Getaround ranked second after Zipcar as the largest car-sharing provider globally, with a market share of 10%, gaining popularity in several major cities in the United States of America for its innovative peer-to-peer model.
Key features:
- Keyless entry: Seamless access to rented cars without needing physical keys.
- Instant access: It is easy for users to locate, book, and unlock vehicles using the mobile app.
- Peer-to-peer rentals: Connects car owners with renters for a decentralized car-sharing experience.
- No membership fee: Users are not charged a membership fee when using this service.
Enterprise CarShare
Enterprise CarShare stands out as a top contender for those seeking reliable and established car-sharing services in the United States. The company is backed by the well-known Enterprise Rent-A-Car brand, ensuring it offers convenient and seamless car-sharing solutions to users. Enterprise CarShare focuses on an extensive network, with a fleet of over 150,000 vehicles, from spacious SUVs, Cargo vans, and fuel-efficient hybrids to electric models and much more in 15+ major US cities. It offers a wide coverage among traditional car-sharing services; hence, it is easier to find a car near your location, whether you are in a smaller suburb or a bustling city.
Additionally, there is a booking system in place and a user-friendly mobile application that can be used to reserve and access a car, making the whole process a breeze. There are no paperwork or counter queues involved, as you only need to unlock your chosen vehicle via your phone and hit the road. Enterprise CarShare services can be used by different categories of people, from business travelers, professionals, families, and individuals who prefer the security and familiarity of a recognized brand to drivers looking for a diverse fleet with various vehicle types to choose from.
Key features:
- 24/7 member service: All Enterprise CarShare members can access around-the-clock support through communication channels such as email and phone.
- Prepaid fuel card: Once the fuel reaches ¼ of a tank, a member can use the fuel prepaid card to fill up their vehicle.
- Insurance coverage: The company provides physical damage and liability protection, which is normally included in the rates.
HiyaCar
HiyaCar is an ideal option for budget-conscious individuals looking for affordable car access for errands and short-term trips, gig workers seeking a cost-effective way to access vehicles for their platforms, and urban dwellers who value convenience. With its presence growing rapidly, HiyaCar actively operates in major United States cities and suburbs across the country. The company offers comprehensive insurance for rentals and roadside assistance, not forgetting a team of customer support readily available to offer assistance around the clock.
However, drivers have to go through seven layers of verification, which is a mandatory process when using this service. HiyaCar ensures there is advanced tech in quality vehicles through features such as Keyless QuickStart technology and Kwik Fit-tested cars, which is a way of providing the best experience to owners and drivers alike. While less extensive than some competitors, HiyaCar offers a variety of car models, such as fuel-efficient Sedans and high-quality SUVs. The company partners with local businesses and organizations to provide convenient car-sharing options in specific neighborhoods and communities.
Key features:
- Simple booking and access: HiyaCar has an app that makes booking and accessing vehicles a smooth process.
- Point-to-point delivery: The company saves you time and effort by offering point-to-point delivery and pickup. This takes away the need to travel to a designated parking spot.
- No cancellation fee: You can cancel your subscription anytime without paying a cancellation fee.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the car-sharing landscape in the United States is booming, hence an increase in competition among companies. While the services are designed to offer convenience, flexibility, and affordability in transportation, it is essential to always look at factors such as availability, pricing structure, rental duration, vehicle variety, and customer support before choosing a service. This helps ensure you choose the best car-sharing company that suits your needs.