Free2move is better suited for users needing access to a vast fleet across numerous countries and who don't mind potentially variable fuel policies and customer service. Zipcar is a better choice for those primarily in North America seeking all-inclusive pricing (including gas) and reliable 24/7 support, despite membership fees and potential vehicle condition issues.
| Attribute | Free2move | Zipcar |
|---|---|---|
| Membership Fees | Registration is free. | Monthly: $0 for the first month, then $9/month. Annually: $90/year. Application Fee: A non-refundable $25 application fee applies. University Discount: Some universities offer discounted annual memberships (e.g., $35 for Stanford) |
| Hourly Rental Rates | Not specified generally, but in Hamburg, Germany, rates start from 19 cents per minute, depending on the model and tariff. | Rates start from $6.00/hour for Roundtrip and from $14/hour for Flex. Starting at $11 per hour. Can be as low as $8.75 per hour for Cal Poly students, staff, and faculty. |
| Daily Rental Rates | In some locations, daily rates start from 35 GBP or 39.99 EUR + 0.19 EUR/km (including fuel, parking, and insurance). In Tirana, the average cost is $23 per day, with the lowest found at $21 per day. | Starting at $67 per day |
| Vehicle Availability | Free2move has a fleet of 450,000 rental vehicles. They aim to increase their fleet from around 10,000 to 15,000 vehicles in 2025. | Zipcars are available 24/7. Vehicle type availability varies by region. Zipcar has a fleet of 12,000+ vehicles. Availability may fluctuate at some locations at certain times of the year. |
| Geographic Coverage Area | Available in 170 countries. Operates in 16 cities including Berlin, Munich, Paris, Rome, and Washington, D.C. | Zipcars are located in hundreds of cities and towns globally. Predominantly in the US, but also present in Canada, France, Spain, Belgium, the UK, Taiwan, and Turkey. Operates in 500+ cities across North America. Limited availability in rural areas. |
| Fuel/Mileage Policy | Some deals include a "full to full" fuel policy or unlimited mileage. Otherwise, a long distance fee of 0.39 EUR per kilometer may apply after the included mileage (e.g., 200 km with minute rate). Hourly and daily rates might not include mileage, charging 0.24 EUR per kilometer driven. | Gas is included in the cost of your Zipcar membership. 200 miles are included per day with most membership plans. Overage is billed at $0.67 per mile. Members are required to fill up gas/diesel powered Zipcar vehicles if the fuel tank drops below one quarter of a tank. |
| Insurance Coverage | Includes third-party liability insurance. Deductibles are automatically reduced to a specific amount in case of an accident (though waived in cases of gross negligence). Collision coverage exists for accidents caused by users, with responsibility limited to a deductible (up to $500). | All members in good standing have secondary third-party auto liability and, where required, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or no fault coverage. A $2,500 damage fee may apply, which you can reduce or eliminate by buying an optional damage protection waiver. |
| Vehicle Types Offered | Offers a range of vehicles including compact cars, city cars, family cars, SUVs, and vans from brands like Peugeot, Citro , DS Automobiles, Opel, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Jeep. Also offers electric and hybrid cars. | Offers a variety of vehicle makes and models, including hybrids, SUVs, pickup trucks, luxury vehicles, minivans, and cargo vans. Offers vehicles in different categories, such as economy cars, electric vehicles (EV's), hybrid vehicles, full-size cars, luxury vehicles |
| Ease of Booking | Bookings can be made through the Free2move app or website. | Apply online with a valid driver's license and download the app. Most people are approved instantly and can rent a car within minutes. Members can reserve a car via the internet, Android, and iPhone apps, or by telephone. |
| Cancellation Policy | Depends on the deal selected. Some rentals offer free cancellation. For physiotherapy appointments, 48 hours notice is required to cancel, or a 50% fee is charged. | Not explicitly detailed in the search results. |
| Parking Options | Provides parking spaces in 65 countries, with over 500,000 spaces available. Offers parking at airports and train stations. | Cars "live" in dedicated parking spots. Zipcars may park in any marked, non-reserved parking space on campus without an additional UCSC parking permit. |
| Customer Support Responsiveness | Customer service by email may be slow. Some reviews mention long wait times to speak with a customer service agent. | 24/7 Support: Help or roadside assistance is always a call or live chat away. Zipcar Member Services can be reached at 1-866- 4ZIPCAR (1-866-494-7227) 24/7 for additional assistance or by emailing gov@zipcar.com. |