Car sharing offers an eco-friendly and economical way of travelling. It is a simple and convenient alternative to owning, renting or leasing a car. If you’re not a frequent driver and only need a vehicle for occasional use, car sharing can be an ideal solution. You’re not obligated to commit to ownership, yet you can have a vehicle readily available whenever you need one. In the UK, there are several car-sharing services, each with its unique features and benefits. Whether you need a car for an hour, a day, or a week, these car-sharing services have got you covered.
Peer-to-Peer Car Sharing: Getaround
Let’s start with Getaround, a peer-to-peer car-sharing service. The concept of peer-to-peer sharing is simple. If you own a car but do not use it frequently, you can rent it out to other Getaround members. Conversely, if you need a car occasionally, you can hire one from an owner near your location. It’s a win-win situation that benefits all parties involved.
En parallèle : Exploring Safety Risks: The Impact of Larger Wheels on Compact City Cars
Getaround offers a wide range of vehicles, from compact cars for city driving to spacious vans for moving house. Rates vary depending on the type of car and duration of rental. Additionally, Getaround provides insurance for every trip, covering up to £1 million in damages.
One of the standout features of Getaround is the Getaround Connect technology. This keyless access system allows you to unlock and start the car directly from your smartphone. It’s a smart feature that enables seamless and hassle-free vehicle access.
A voir aussi : What is the impact of UK road taxes on commercial vehicles?
Traditional Car Sharing: Zipcar
The UK’s car-sharing club scene wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Zipcar, probably the most recognised name in the game. As a traditional car-sharing service, Zipcar owns and maintains its fleet of vehicles.
Operating in several cities across the UK, Zipcar offers a variety of cars available for hire by the hour or day. The rates include fuel, insurance, and a generous mileage allowance. It’s a perfect solution for those who need a vehicle for short-term use.
Zipcar members receive a Zipcard, which they use to unlock the cars. Alternatively, they can use the Zipcar mobile app. The vehicles are conveniently parked in designated spots across the city, making it easy for members to pick up and return them.
Car Sharing for Longer Journeys: E-Car Club
If you’re planning a longer journey or need a vehicle for a few days, the E-Car Club could be the ideal option for you. It’s a car-sharing service that focuses on providing electric and hybrid vehicles.
E-Car Club operates on a simple principle: the longer you rent, the lower the hourly rate. Rates start from as low as £5.50 per hour, and daily rates can be as low as £45. The price includes comprehensive insurance and roadside assistance.
One of the unique features of E-Car Club is the option to rent a car for several days or even weeks. It’s perfect for those who need a car for a vacation or a business trip.
Corporate Car Sharing: Enterprise Car Club
For businesses looking to provide their employees with a flexible and economical transportation solution, Enterprise Car Club offers a tailor-made solution. With a fleet of over 1,100 vehicles across 30 UK cities, Enterprise Car Club provides businesses with a convenient and cost-effective alternative to maintaining a company car fleet.
Enterprise Car Club offers round-the-clock access to vehicles, with both hourly and daily rental options. The rates include fuel, servicing, cleaning, and comprehensive insurance.
One of the key benefits of Enterprise Car Club for businesses is the ability to reduce their carbon footprint. By sharing vehicles, companies can significantly reduce the number of cars on the road and, consequently, their overall environmental impact.
Luxury Car Sharing: HiyaCar
For those who enjoy the finer things in life, HiyaCar offers the opportunity to drive luxury cars without the luxury price tag. This peer-to-peer car-sharing service allows owners of premium cars to share their vehicles with other members.
HiyaCar operates across several UK cities and offers a wide range of high-end vehicles, from sporty convertibles to luxury SUVs. Rates vary depending on the type of car, but all include fully comprehensive insurance.
One of the standout features of HiyaCar is the QuickStart technology, which enables keyless car access. All you need is your smartphone and the HiyaCar app, and you can unlock and start your chosen car.
These are just a few of the car-sharing options available in the UK. Each of these services offers its unique features and benefits. Therefore, whether you need a car for an hour, a day, or a week, there is a car-sharing service that fits your needs perfectly.
Subscription-Based Car Sharing: Onto
If you’re seeking a flexible option that bridges the gap between traditional car hire and car ownership, you might want to consider Onto, a subscription-based car-sharing scheme. This unique service is akin to having a month-to-month lease, with the added benefits of car sharing.
Onto operates primarily with electric vehicles, reinforcing its commitment to providing an eco-friendly transportation solution. The service offers a variety of electric vehicles, from compact city cars to spacious family cars. A particularly appealing aspect of Onto is its all-inclusive pricing. Your monthly subscription covers everything: insurance, breakdown cover, charging, and even a generous mileage allowance.
Onto’s subscription model is simple and straightforward. Rather than hourly or daily rental rates, you pay a monthly fee based on the type of vehicle you choose. You can keep the car for as long as you like, with a minimum commitment of one month.
One of the key benefits of Onto is the flexibility it offers. You can change your car or cancel your subscription with a month’s notice, providing a level of freedom that’s unattainable with traditional car leasing or ownership.
One-Way Car Sharing: ShareNow
If you need a car for a quick one-way trip across town, ShareNow might be your best bet. This car-sharing service, previously known as DriveNow, operates on a ‘free-floating’ model. This means you can pick up a car from one location and drop it off at another within the company’s operating area.
ShareNow operates in London and offers a fleet of BMW and MINI vehicles. The pricing model is based on a per-minute rate, with discounted rates for longer rentals. The price includes fuel, parking, insurance, and VAT.
The ShareNow app is your key to everything. After registering and uploading your driver’s license, you can locate and book available cars near you. Once you’ve finished your trip, you can leave the car in any legal public parking spot within the company’s operating area.
The convenience and flexibility of ShareNow make it an ideal option for urban dwellers who need a car for short, one-way trips.
Conclusion
Car sharing is a versatile, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional car ownership, and the options available in the UK are diverse. From peer-to-peer services like Getaround and HiyaCar to traditional car clubs like Zipcar and Enterprise Car Club, there’s a sharing scheme to suit every need.
Whether you need a car for an hour, a day, or even months at a time, you can find a service that fits your requirements. And, with the industry’s increasing focus on electric and hybrid vehicles, you can even choose a greener option.
In conclusion, car sharing provides flexibility and convenience at your fingertips. When considering your travel options, remember to compare services, read reviews, and take note of what’s included in the rates. Happy sharing!
