I think that everybody should try this whole zipcar / hourcar thing instead of owning a car.
I'm sure it would be a big adjustment in some ways, but I think the advantages of not having to deal with maintenance and parking and the financial savings and ecological aspect more than makes up for needing to arrange to get to the garage to get a car.
Give it a chance, and I'm sure you'd orient yourself in no time.
Unfortunately, I don't have any personal experience with them to share with you, but I think they're a great idea. I remember wishing somebody would offer a service like that before they started popping up all over the place.
Post by salmonjunkie on Jan 14, 2009 13:18:11 GMT -5
BTW, roundeyes, I decided to join this Zipcar service. They have two cars in the parking garage next door to my office, and a bunch more in walking distance. That means I'm not buying a new car for the time being, which is actually quite liberating to say. With limited funds, I would've had to compromise, and get a car either older than what I wanted, or finance for something a little newer - and I don't want any more monthly payments than I have right now. Plus, I'm actually enjoying riding the bus.
How does liability insurance work with the Zipcar service? Included in the "rental" price, or do you still have to get your own non-owner's liability to meet the state's requirements?
Oh, and Pun's House is the ultimate racist site. As far as I'm aware of, we have no porch monkey members.
Don't forget blown spot. Also I would have called the African-Americans, but if you're agreeing to call them that awful term then that's your thing, Pun.
Pun hates black people. Remember that in round two.
How does liability insurance work with the Zipcar service? Included in the "rental" price, or do you still have to get your own non-owner's liability to meet the state's requirements?
Oh, and Pun's House is the ultimate racist site. As far as I'm aware of, we have no porch monkey members.
It is included in the membership / "rental" price. Here's the info straight from their website:
Beginning November 1, 2007, for Zipcar members 21 years of age or older, our insurance coverage consists of a combined single limit of $300,000 per accident, meaning that all third party bodily injuries, or property damage costs relating to the accident covered in the aggregate up to $300,000. For drivers under 21, we provide coverage up to state-mandated levels, which vary by the state in which the accident occurs. Zipcars are covered under a vehicle collision policy.
For both third party or vehicle damage claims, the member is responsible for a damage fee of up to $500 to cover repairs if the accident is his or her fault, or if no fault is assigned. Members age 21+ have the option to purchase a damage fee waiver to reduce that amount to $250, or to eliminate it altogether.
Zipcar provides Personal Injury Protection (PIP), or "no-fault" coverage, at statutory limits for our members if they are injured in an accident. Members may also use their own health care coverage in case of injury.
If the total amount of the injuries and/or property damage exceeds our coverage limits, Zipcar members are responsible for this excess and will be contacted by either Zipcar, our insurance provider – Liberty Mutual – or the insurance company representing another driver involved in the accident.
I'm still keeping my non-owners liability through Geico, though, in the case that I'm borrowing someone else's car and such. I've been told that if I stop getting insurance and then want to go get it later, it will cost more because of that break of time w/o insurance.
Also, gas is included in the "rental" price too. Every car in the Zipcar fleet has it's own gas card, which you're supposed to fill up with when the tank hits 1/4.
Last Edit: Jan 16, 2009 12:45:15 GMT -5 by salmonjunkie
I'm still keeping my non-owners liability through Geico, though, in the case that I'm borrowing someone else's car and such. I've been told that if I stop getting insurance and then want to go get it later, it will cost more because of that break of time w/o insurance.
Smart man. I was an insurance underwriter for 4 years, and I can verify that they will jack your rates even if you only let it lapse for 1 day.