Car sharing services: Zipcar vs. Turo
Quick Verdict
Zipcar is better for short, occasional trips where convenience and included costs are important, while Turo offers more vehicle variety and potentially lower base rates, but requires more attention to insurance and fees.
- Zipcar includes gas and insurance in its rental rates, while Turo offers a wider selection of vehicles.
- Turo's rental cost can be affected by service fees, while Zipcar has membership fees.
- Both services have mileage limits and associated fees.
Key features – Side-by-Side
| Attribute | Zipcar | Turo |
|---|---|---|
| Rental Cost Structure | Hourly and daily rates. Rates can start from £6.00/hour for Roundtrip and from £14/hour for Flex. Rates may vary depending on the plan, day, city, and vehicle. Renting a van starts from £10/hour, and £100/day. | Depends on trip length, car type, and travel day. Service fee ranges from 2.5% to 100% of the trip cost. |
| Vehicle Availability and Variety | Variety of vehicles, including compact cars, vans, and premium/luxury vehicles. Offers cars, trucks, and other vehicles, including hybrids. | Offers a wide selection of vehicles, including economy cars, luxury vehicles, and unique models. Over 1,600 unique makes and models available. |
| Insurance Coverage Included | Includes insurance in its rental rates. Members are responsible for a damage fee up to $2,500 in case of an incident. | Does not automatically provide insurance. Offers protection plans for renters and hosts with different coverage levels, deductibles, and limits. Up to $750,000 in third-party liability protection and physical damage coverage. |
| Membership Fees and Requirements | One-time application fee. Various membership plans, including monthly and annual options. Occasional driving plan costs $70 per year. The monthly driving plan costs $7 per month. A one-time $25 application fee is applied when a driver applies for membership. To become a member, you typically need to be 21 or older (18 in some cases) and have a valid driver's license. | No membership fees listed. Account creation and eligibility requirements are necessary to book a car. |
| Geographic Service Area | Operates in various cities in the US, Canada, and Europe. | Operates in the United States, Australia, France, the United Kingdom, and the Canadian provinces of Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, Alberta, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and in the Canadian territory of the Yukon. Driving is allowed within the country where the trip originated. |
| Cancellation Policy | Generally allows cancellations without penalty if done within a specified time frame. For most reservations, cancellations made up to an hour before the scheduled start time do not incur charges. | Full refund up to 24 hours before the trip. One-hour free cancellation for bookings with less than 24 hours' notice. Cancellation fees may apply after the free period. |
Overall Comparison
Variety: Turo wins; Insurance: Zipcar included; Fees: Both have potential fees
Pros and Cons
Zipcar
Pros:
- Includes gas and insurance, which can be an advantage.
- The Zipcar app is generally easy to use.
- Ideal for occasional drivers.
Cons:
- Be aware of potential fees for late returns, low fuel, or damage.
- Availability can vary.
Turo
Pros:
- Wide selection of vehicles including economy, luxury, and unique models.
- Convenient search and filtering options for finding cars near a location.
- Flexible pickup and drop-off options including in-person handoff and remote unlocking.
- Cancellation policy allows for a full refund up to 24 hours before the trip.
Cons:
- Rental cost can be affected by service fees that range from 2.5% to 100% of the trip cost.
- Vehicle condition and cleanliness can vary.
- Customer service responsiveness can be inconsistent.
- Mileage limits and associated fees may apply.
- Some users have reported issues with unexpected fees or charges.
User Experiences and Feedback
Zipcar
What Users Love
- Zipcar aims to keep the booking and cancellation process straightforward.
- Zipcar provides 24/7 roadside assistance.
Common Complaints
- No major complaints reported.
Value Perception
- No value feedback reported.
Turo
What Users Love
- Intuitive and easy-to-use website and app.
Common Complaints
- Some users have reported negative experiences with Turo's customer service, citing long hold times, unhelpful staff, and difficulty getting issues resolved.
- Vehicle condition and cleanliness can vary.
Value Perception
- No value feedback reported.
User Recommendations
- Turo allows you to search for vehicles using an address or the name of an airport, train station, or hotel. You can filter by "Pickup Option" to see vehicles available at or near your specified location.
- Turo offers several insurance options for vehicle owners and renters, designed to provide different levels of coverage based on individual needs and risk tolerance.