University Students: Free Zipcar Access And Benefits

University students often require a car to commute to campus, run errands, or go on a fun day out. Zipcar is a membership-based car rental program that provides 24/7 self-service access to vehicles on campus. While it is not free, it does offer discounted memberships for students aged 18+ with valid driver's licenses. The cost of membership varies by university, with additional fees for certain violations. Student plans offer lower fees and a lower minimum age requirement than regular plans.

Student membership fees

Zipcar offers discounted memberships for students aged 18+ with valid driver's licenses. The membership costs vary by university, with additional fees for certain violations. Student plans offer lower fees and age requirements than regular plans.

The cost of a Zipcar membership for students depends on the university and location. For example, Stanford students pay $35 per year, while UCLA students pay $20 per year. The subscription plan will also depend on the location and university. For instance, Stanford students can rent cars starting from $10.50 per hour or $91.25 per day, whereas UCLA students pay $8.50 per hour or $70 per day.

There is also a non-refundable $25 application fee to cover record-keeping costs. This is non-refundable, even if your application is rejected.

Zipcar is available on many university campuses across the United States, including in Baltimore, Boston, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, New York City, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Portland, San Diego, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Seattle.

Student eligibility

Zipcar offers discounted memberships for students aged 18+ with valid driver's licenses. Student plans offer lower fees and age requirements than regular plans. The minimum age requirement for students is 18 years, compared to the standard 21 years for regular plans.

To be eligible for Zipcar's student membership, you must be a student at a university that has partnered with Zipcar. You can check if your university has partnered with Zipcar by searching for it on the Zipcar website or on the official Zipcar for Universities page.

Once you have confirmed that your university is a partner, you can sign up for the Zipcar student membership by following these steps:

• Go to Zipcar's university page online and type in the name of your school/university.
• If your university has a partnership with Zipcar, you will see its name as you type. Click on it, and the available plans, including the student membership, will be displayed.
• Scroll down and click "Join student plan."
• On the next page, you will see more information about the rates for your university. Click "Join for $X/year" (the precise cost will vary based on your university).
• Fill in your details, including your name, university email address, mobile number, and account password. You will also need to upload a selfie and a photo of your driver's license for identity verification.
• Upload a copy of your driver's license so that Zipcar can verify your age and check your driving record.
• Pay the yearly membership fee.
• Assuming your driving record is clear, Zipcar will confirm your application and send you your Zipcard in the mail.

It's important to note that Zipcar can reject your application if you have a history of traffic violations or a sketchy driving record. Before signing up, it's recommended that you check your eligibility and driving records, as the $25 application fee is non-refundable.

Student membership perks

Being a student comes with its perks, and with Zipcar, you can enjoy the freedom of having a car without the hassles of ownership. Zipcar is a leader in the car-sharing industry, offering convenience, simplicity, and affordability. Here are the benefits of Zipcar's student membership:

Discounted Membership Fees

Students enjoy reduced membership fees compared to regular plans. The cost varies by university, with some schools charging as little as $20 per year. This membership provides access to a car whenever you need it, without the burden of maintenance, insurance, or parking fees.

Lower Age Requirement

Zipcar typically requires members to be 21 or older. However, with a valid driver's license, students aged 18 and above can take advantage of the service. This makes it an excellent option for those who are not yet eligible for traditional car rental services.

Competitive Rental Rates

Zipcar offers competitive rental rates, starting as low as $8.50 per hour or $70 per day. These rates include all vehicle fees, gas, insurance, and mileage. With such affordable prices, students can easily fit Zipcar into their budgets.

Wide Availability

Zipcar is available in over 500 cities across North America and Europe, including major metropolitan areas such as San Francisco and Los Angeles. The service is also offered at numerous university campuses, making it convenient for students to get around.

Easy Application Process

Signing up for Zipcar is simple. After selecting your university and membership plan, you provide basic information, verify your driver's license, and pay the yearly membership fee. Once your application is confirmed, you'll receive your Zipcard, which allows you to unlock and access Zipcars.

Convenience and Flexibility

With Zipcar, you can reserve a car online by the hour or day, paying only for the time you need. This flexibility is ideal for students who may only require occasional access to a vehicle. The cars can be picked up and returned to designated spots on campus, providing a convenient and accessible transportation option.

Student membership application process

Zipcar offers discounted memberships for students who are 18 or older and have valid driver's licenses. The process to apply for a Zipcar membership is straightforward.

Firstly, you need to check if your university is eligible by searching for it in the search bar on the Zipcar website. Once you find your university, click on it and you will be redirected to the Zipcar plans page. Here, you can choose the "Join" button under the Student plan. This button will show the specific membership fee for your university and city.

On the next page, you will be asked to fill in some personal information, such as your name, university email address, mobile number, and account password. You will also need to upload a selfie of yourself holding your driver's license for identity verification.

After submitting your personal information, Zipcar will ask you a few questions to ensure that you meet their eligibility requirements. You will need to upload a copy of your driver's license, which allows Zipcar to verify your age and check your driving record.

There is also a $25 application fee that must be paid before your membership is accepted. This fee is non-refundable, even if your application is rejected.

Once your application has been submitted, Zipcar will verify your driver's license and identity. This process typically takes one business day but can sometimes take longer. Most members are approved within minutes, but in some cases, it may take a little longer, and Zipcar will email you if there is a reason for the delay.

Once your application has been approved, you will receive your Zipcard in the mail within 3-7 days. After activating your Zipcard, you are ready to start using Zipcar!

Additional fees

Zipcar offers discounted memberships for students aged 18+ with valid driver's licenses. While the membership fee for students is lower than the regular fee, there are additional fees that students should be aware of.

Firstly, there is a $25 application fee to cover record-keeping costs. This is non-refundable, even if your application is rejected. The membership fee then varies by university, with Stanford students paying $35 per year and UCLA students paying $20 per year. On top of this, there are rental costs, which depend on location and car brand. For example, Stanford students can expect to pay $10.50 per hour or $91.25 per day, while UCLA students pay $8.50 per hour or $70 per day as a starting price.

There are several other additional fees that may apply in certain situations. These include:

• Young Driver Fee: This is a non-student-specific fee that applies to anyone under 25.
• Mileage Fee: While most cars offer a free 180-mile leeway, there is an extra charge of 58 cents per mile (or $0.50 Canadian per km) for additional miles.
• Late Return Fee: A $50 per hour fee, up to a total of $150, for returning the car late.
• Low Fuel Fee: A $30 fee is charged if the car is returned with less than a quarter of a tank of gas.
• Key Replacement Fee: Students must pay for a replacement key if they lose the original.
• Retrieval Fee: A $139 fee is charged if the car is not returned to its designated place.

Frequently asked questions