Car Sharing Services
There are many car sharing services available today, but which one is the best? Read more about the top car sharing services that you can avail now!
Car sharing services are getting popular these days. Car manufacturers have realized that the monopoly that they have had comfortably for years is ending. But why and how? Discover the top car sharing services that you can avail today!
Things You Need to Know About Car-Sharing
Not too long ago, there was a time when the idea of sharing a car would have seemed ridiculous. But these days, car-sharing is getting popular especially to the younger crowd who might have a hard time getting their own car.
But why should you choose car sharing services over getting your own car? Here are the things you need to know about these services:
1. Convenience – With car sharing, you can start your trip at any time you want even if you are underage. You can just simply use the mobile app and find the available car, show your membership card and that’s it! You can now have the key and the credit card you could use for refueling. And just like that, you can now drive your shared car and go on your trip.
Some car-sharing services might require you to pick up and return the vehicle at specific locations, while some services might let you leave the car near your destination.
2. Insurance Coverage – If you are renting a car, you wouldn’t have to worry about insurance. Most car-sharing services provide insurance up to one million US dollars.
But if you are the one that owns the car, the insurance part may seem a little blur because sharing a car falls into the gray area between private use and commercial use.
3. Cost – In car-sharing services, the rates are measured in hours, days, and miles. The price might not look like a bargain at first glance compared with rental car rates, but keep in mind that you are only paying for the time behind the wheel. The gas, insurance, and maintenance are included in the fee, and sometimes, the parking fee is included as well. So you have to know first why you are availing these services. Are you just going to the market? Then it’s wiser to choose the mileage option. But if you are going to go on a more extended trip, then the hourly plan is a safer choice.
The Downside of These Services
As good as car-sharing services sound, there are still compromises. For example, you need to decide beforehand how long you would want to keep the car. It is wiser to add an extra hour to the reservation in case you encounter traffic heading back to the drop-off location because the penalties for late returns are expensive.
Getting valet service with these vehicles can be difficult as well because most of the time, these vehicles do not have keys and can be only controlled through the mobile app on your phone.
