Zipcar is better suited for short trips in urban areas where gas and insurance are included and convenience is key. Turo is a better option for longer trips, a wider selection of vehicles, and potentially lower daily rates, but requires more planning regarding fuel and mileage.
| Attribute | Zipcar | Turo |
|---|---|---|
| Rental Cost per Hour/Day | Rates start at $11/hour or $67/day. Some locations offer higher rates. Prices vary depending on the plan, city, and vehicle. London prices start from £6 per hour and £60 per day. | Daily rates often lower than traditional car rentals, with savings of 20-30% reported. Prices can start as low as $20-$30 per day for smaller cars. Prices are variable. |
| Membership Fees | Monthly plan: $9/month. Annual plan: $90/year. A one-time $25 application fee may apply. Students may receive discounted membership costs. | Turo does not have membership fees. |
| Insurance Coverage Options | Includes insurance coverage in its rates. Minimum liability coverage by default. $2,500 fee per incident with the standard protection plan. Additional damage protection plans available. | Offers protection plans (not insurance policies) that limit financial responsibility. All trips include third-party liability insurance. Three protection plans available in the U.S.: premium, standard, and minimum. |
| Vehicle Availability and Variety | Offers a variety of vehicles, including sedans, hybrids, SUVs, and vans. Operates in many cities across North America and Europe. Targets densely populated urban areas and college campuses. Vehicle availability can vary. | Offers a wide variety of vehicles, including economy cars, luxury vehicles, and trucks. Hosts can list anything from family minivans to Ferraris. |
| Geographic Coverage Area | Operates in over 500 cities and towns globally. Presence in the US, Canada, France, Spain, Belgium, the UK, Taiwan, and Turkey. Focuses on urban areas. | Operates in the United States, Australia, France, the United Kingdom, and in the Canadian provinces and territory of the Yukon. You can drive anywhere within the country where your trip originated. |
| Ease of Booking and Pickup/Drop-off | Members can reserve cars via the internet, Android, and iPhone apps, or by telephone. Cars can be booked for as little as 30 minutes. Zipcars are accessed using a Zipcard or the mobile app. The vehicle must be returned to its designated parking space. | The booking process is straightforward and user-friendly, available on a computer or through the app. You can filter by price, location, and vehicle type. Many hosts offer delivery services. |
| Fuel Policy | Zipcar is responsible for the cost of fuel. Members are required to fill up gas-powered vehicles if the fuel tank drops below one quarter of a tank. A fuel card is provided. | You are generally responsible for returning the car with the same fuel level as when you received it. Hosts can charge for missing fuel plus a convenience fee. |
| Mileage Limits | In the US, Zipcar offers 180 miles for the first 24 hours of rental. After the initial 24 hours, you receive 20 additional free miles per hour. In Canada, the policy includes 200 free kilometers for the first 24 hours, with 15 additional free kilometers per extra hour until reaching a total of 200 kilometers. Additional mileage is billed at $0.67/mile. | Some Turo cars come with mileage limits, which can result in extra charges for longer trips. Turo determines the minimum distance per day based on the vehicle's value or location. A reasonable mileage limit is between 200 and 300 miles per day. Unlimited distance vehicles are available. |
| Late Return Policies and Fees | Returning a vehicle late incurs a fee of $50 per late hour or any part thereof, up to a maximum of $150 per late return. Late fees can also lead to account suspension. | Turo offers a grace period for late returns. 0-29 minutes late: No charge. 30 minutes to 1 hour 59 minutes late: ½ the average daily trip price. 2 hours or more late: Average daily trip price for 1 day + a late return fee. |
| Vehicle Cleanliness and Maintenance | Members are expected to return the vehicle clean and in good working order. If Zipcar is not notified of a problem at the start of a reservation, the member may be held responsible. | Turo does not require renters to clean or disinfect the car before returning it. "Significant amounts of pet hair" and "major stains or residue" are violations. |
| Customer Support Responsiveness | If you are unable to return the car on time, you should call Zipcar. | Turo customer service is available 24/7. Email support provides responses within 24 to 48 hours. Phone support wait times typically range from a few minutes to over 30 minutes during peak times. |
| Cancellation Policy | All charges will be canceled or refunded for a reservation (i) of less than 8 hours canceled or changed 3 hours or more before the reservation was scheduled to begin or (ii) 8 hours or longer canceled or shortened 24 hours or more before the reservation is scheduled to begin. | Guests may cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before their scheduled trip start time. If you book within 24 hours of the start, you have one hour after booking to cancel for free. |