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{{Short description|American car-sharing brand}}
{{Primary sources|date=August 2016}}
{{use mdy dates|date=September 2014}}
{{Infobox company
| name = Zipcar
| logo = Zipcar Logo.svg
| type = [[Subsidiary]]
| traded_as = {{NASDAQ was|ZIP}}
| founder = {{ubl|Antje Danielson|[[Robin Chase]]}}
| area_served = Urban areas and college campuses throughout the United States, Canada, Costa Rica, Iceland, Taiwan, Turkey, and the United Kingdom
| key_people = [[Angelo Adams]] ([[President (corporate title)|president]])
| industry = [[Car sharing]]
| genre = 
| products = 
| services = [[Car sharing]]
| revenue = 
| operating_income = 
| net_income = 
| owner = 
| num_employees = Over 500<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ir.zipcar.com/faq.cfm |title=Avis Budget - Investor Relations |publisher=Ir.zipcar.com |access-date=2013-10-15}}</ref>
| parent = [[Avis Budget Group]]
| divisions = 
| subsid = 
| footnotes = <ref>{{cite news |last=Grillo |first=Thomas |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/boston/real_estate/2013/04/zipcar-getting-makeover-of-new.html |title=Zipcar getting makeover of new corporate HQ |work=[[The Boston Business Journal]] |date=2013-04-08 |access-date=2015-12-14 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.zipcar.com/cities?return_url=find-cars|title=Where the cars are|publisher=Zipcar|access-date=2014-12-02}}</ref><ref name="ir.zipcar.com">{{cite web|url=http://ir.zipcar.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=714078 |title=Avis Budget - Investor Relations |publisher=Ir.zipcar.com |access-date=2013-10-15}}</ref>
| homepage = {{url|zipcar.com}}
| foundation = {{start date and age|2000|1}}, in [[Cambridge, Massachusetts]], U.S.
| location = [[Boston]], Massachusetts, U.S.
}}

'''Zipcar''' is an American [[car sharing|car-sharing]] company and a subsidiary of [[Avis Budget Group]]. Zipcar provides vehicle reservations to its members, billable by the minute, hour or day; members may have to pay a monthly or annual membership fee in addition to car reservations charges. Gas, maintenance, insurance options, and a dedicated parking spot are included.<ref>{{cite web |last=Mortimer |first=Jeff |date=2010-12-20 |title=My Days as a Zipster |url=http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20101220/RETAIL03/312209961/1426 |work=Automotive News}}</ref> Zipcar was founded in 2000 by Antje Danielson and [[Robin Chase]].{{CN|date=September 2023}}

On March 14, 2013, Avis Budget Group acquired Zipcar for approximately {{USD|500}} million.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Avis to buy Zipcar for US$500-million|url=https://financialpost.com/transportation/avis-to-buy-zipcar-for-us500-million|access-date=2021-02-08|newspaper=Financial Post|date=January 2, 2013 |language=en-CA}}</ref> [[Scott Griffith]], who had run the company for the previous decade, resigned the day after the acquisition closed and passed the reins to a new company president, Mark Norman.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theatlanticwire.com/business/2013/03/uh-oh-zipcars-ceo-stepped-down-right-after-its-merger-avis/63171/
|title=Uh Oh, ZipCar's CEO Stepped Down Right After Its Merger with Avis | first=Rebecca | last=Greenfield | work=The Atlantic Wire | date=2013-03-15}}</ref> In early 2014, Kaye Ceille took over as Zipcar's North American president. In the summer of 2016, Ceille became a managing director of Avis Budget Group International and in 2017, Tracey Zhen was appointed as president. Angelo Adams was announced as the head of Zipcar in 2022.

In September 2016, Zipcar announced that it had 1 million members across 500 cities in nine countries, and offers nearly 10,000 vehicles.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.zipcar.com/cities|title=Zipcar Locations &#124; Car Sharing Cities &#124; Car Share Near Me|website=www.zipcar.com}}</ref>

Members can instantly join and reserve vehicles via Zipcar's [[Android (operating system)|Android]] or [[iPhone]] mobile app or online and, once approved, immediately book Zipcars up to a year in advance. Zipcar members have 24/7 on-demand access to the cars by enabling Bluetooth on their Zipcar mobile app or, if needed, an access card which unlocks the door; the keys are already located inside. Members can also use Zipcar's app to search, book and locate a Zipcar by honking its horn, extend, end and cancel a reservation.<ref>{{cite magazine| url=https://www.wired.com/autopia/2009/06/zipcar-iphone/| title=Zipcar iPhone App Makes Car-Sharing A Breeze | first=Ben | last=Mack | magazine=Wired | date=2009-06-10}}</ref> 

In the third quarter of 2007, Zipcar merged with Seattle-based rival [[Flexcar]] to create a nationwide car rental company.<ref name="Seattle Times 31OCT07"/> The company's [[Initial public offering|IPO]] was in April 2011. Zipcar [[common stock]] traded on [[Nasdaq]] under the ticker symbol "ZIP" until it was acquired by Avis in 2013.<ref name="Reuters-20130102">{{cite news|title=Avis Budget to buy Zipcar for $500 mln|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/zipcar-offer-avisbudget-idUSL4N0A72IF20130102|work=Reuters|access-date=2 January 2013}}</ref><ref name="Yahoo-Finance-20130315">{{cite web|title=Avis Budget Group Completes Acquisition of Zipcar|url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/avis-budget-group-completes-acquisition-204500835.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130412052305/http://finance.yahoo.com/news/avis-budget-group-completes-acquisition-204500835.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=12 April 2013|access-date=15 March 2013}}</ref>

==History==
[[File:London 01 2013 Zip van 5534.JPG|thumb|Zipvan vehicle in London.]]
Zipcar was co-founded by Antje Danielson and [[Robin Chase]] based on German and Swiss company precedents in January 2000. In June 2000, the first Zipcars hit the road around [[Boston, Massachusetts]]. In January 2001, Danielson was fired after Chase petitioned Zipcar's board for the ability to make hiring and firing decisions without consulting them.<ref name="Duhaime-Ross">{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2014/4/1/5553910/driven-how-zipcars-founders-built-and-lost-a-car-sharing-empire|title=Driven: how Zipcar's founders built and lost a car-sharing empire|last=Duhaime-Ross|first=Arielle|date=April 1, 2014}}</ref>

In September 2001, the [[Washington, D.C.]] office opened, with the branch in [[New York City]] following in February 2002. In February 2003, after difficulties in securing additional rounds of funding, the Zipcar board replaced [[Robin Chase]] as CEO with [[Scott Griffith]].<ref name="Duhaime-Ross"/> In July 2005, Zipcar secured $10 million in funding led by [[Benchmark Capital]]. In August 2005, [[San Francisco]] office opened. In May 2006, the [[Toronto]] office opened. In May 2006, [[General Electric]]'s Commercial Finance Fleet Services ({{nyse2|GE}}) gave Zipcar $20 million in lease line financing. In September 2006, the Toronto market was named the fastest growing new market in company history.

In November 2006, the [[London]] office opened. In April 2007, the [[Vancouver]] office opened. In October 2007, Zipcar and [[Flexcar]] executives announced a merger of the two companies, with the Zipcar brand and headquarters replacing that of Flexcar.<ref name="Seattle Times 31OCT07">{{cite news| url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2003984391_flexcar31.html |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20071031223700/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2003984391_flexcar31.html |archive-date=31 October 2007 |last=Gates |first=Dominic | title=Seattle's Flexcar merges with rival Zipcar| newspaper=[[The Seattle Times]]| date=31 October 2007| access-date=9 September 2020}}</ref>

On 23 January 2008, the merged Zipcar/Flexcar canceled service for the [[Southern California]] cities of [[Los Angeles]] and [[San Diego]] without providing advance notice to customers in those areas, although Southern California college operations were left intact.<ref name="San Diego Union Tribue 24JAN08">{{cite news |first=Jeanette |last=Steele |title=Flexcar is curbing a majority of its fleet|url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/metro/20080124-9999-1m24flex.html|work=[[U-T San Diego]] |date=2008-01-24|access-date=2008-03-10}}</ref> On July 11, 2008, Zipcar announced it doubled membership in past year, including the Flexcar members it acquired, and now had 225,000 members.<ref name="CarSharingWorld 16JUL08">{{cite news |title=Zipcar doubled membership in past year to 225,000 |url=http://carsharingworld.com/2008/07/zipcar-doubled-membership-in-past-year-to-225000/ |work=CarSharing World |date=2008-07-15 |access-date=2008-07-18 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081226014652/http://carsharingworld.com/2008/07/zipcar-doubled-membership-in-past-year-to-225000/ |archive-date=December 26, 2008 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> On August 28, 2008, [[Rice University]] announced its introduction into the program in their goal of achieving the lowest possible carbon footprint while providing additional transportation options for employees that carpool.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.media.rice.edu/media/NewsBot.asp?MODE=VIEW&ID=11382 |title=Zipcars offer campus a new transportation option |publisher=Media.rice.edu |access-date=2010-11-27 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607145910/http://www.media.rice.edu/media/NewsBot.asp?MODE=VIEW&ID=11382 |archive-date=June 7, 2011 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> In June 2009, the company announced an iPhone application at the Apple World Wide Developer Conference; the application is capable of honking the horn and unlocking some Zipcars.<ref>{{cite web|last=Paczkowski |first=John|url=http://digitaldaily.allthingsd.com/20090608/wwdc-2009-keynote-live-zipcar-pasco-and-mr-science/ |title=WWDC 2009 Keynote LIVE: Zipcar, Pasco and Mr. ''Science''! |publisher=Digitaldaily.allthingsd.com |date=2009-06-08 |access-date=2010-11-27}}</ref>

Following impressive third-quarter results, previous CEO Scott Griffith announced that 2012 would mark Zipcar's "first full year of profitability on a US GAAP basis".<ref name="Members">{{cite web |url=http://zipcar.mediaroom.com/2013-05-15-Zipcar-Launches-in-the-City-of-Lakes-Minneapolis-Becomes-Zipcars-21st-Major-Metro-Market |title=Zipcar Launches in the City of Lakes; Minneapolis Becomes Zipcar's 21st Major Metro Market - May 15, 2013 |publisher=Zipcar.mediaroom.com |date=2013-05-15 |access-date=2013-10-15 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130729185420/http://zipcar.mediaroom.com/2013-05-15-Zipcar-Launches-in-the-City-of-Lakes-Minneapolis-Becomes-Zipcars-21st-Major-Metro-Market |archive-date=July 29, 2013 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Scott Griffith stepped down on March 15, 2013, following Avis Budget Group's acquisition of Zipcar. Mark Norman remained as president until February 2014, when Avis Budget Group announced that Kaye Ceille was appointed president of Zipcar, and "Mark Norman would step down in order to pursue another career opportunity."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.zipcar.com/press/releases/avis-budget-group-appoints-ceille-president|title=Avis Budget Group Appoints Kaye Ceille as President, Zipcar {{!}} Zipcar Press Center|website=www.zipcar.com|access-date=2016-08-17}}</ref> In July 2016, Kay Ceille stepped down as president of Zipcar to become the managing director of Avis Budget Group International, Australia.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://ratantravels.com/project/tempo-traveler/|title=Family Trip/ Holidays/ Transfers / Airport Pick up Tempo Traveler|last=Tempo Traveler|date=5 January 2019|work=Ratan Travels|access-date=5 January 2019|archive-date=April 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403151446/http://ratantravels.com/project/tempo-traveler/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=http://www.zipcar.com/press/releases/president|title=zipcar appoints Tracey Zhen as president|last=Wester|date=January 5, 2017|website=Zipcar|access-date=January 5, 2017}}</ref> On January 5, 2017, Zipcar announced that after a 6-month search they appointed Tracey Zhen as its new president. Zhen came over from TripAdvisor where she had been a vice president and general manager.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2017/01/05/zipcar-recruits-new-president-from-tripadvisor/6nCkoWYxifsCL8AEdxPgrM/story.html|title=Zipcar recruits new president from TripAdvisor|last=Vaccaro|date=5 January 2017|work=Boston Globe|access-date=5 January 2017|via=Globestaff}}</ref> On September 27, 2020, Zipcar announced Angelo Adams as its new head of Zipcar.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Angelo Adams to Steer Zipcar into the Future of Urban Transportation {{!}} Zipcar |url=https://www.zipcar.com/press/news/angelo-adams-to-steer-zipcar-into-the-future-of-urban-transportation |access-date=2022-09-28 |website=www.zipcar.com}}</ref>

Zipcar saw a significant swing in demand during the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], with a falloff in demand in March 2020 and a surge in May. Having taken cars off the road, the company had trouble keeping up with demand, causing a backlog at the customer service center.<ref name="confronts">{{Cite web|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/08/11/business/zipcar-confronts-surge-interest-after-lockdowns-eased/|title=Zipcar confronts surge in interest after lockdowns eased - The Boston Globe|website=BostonGlobe.com}}</ref> Some customers arrived at the time of their reservation to find no car in the parking spot. Some customers reported being stranded without transportation and unable to reach customer service to complain or cancel their membership.<ref name="outrages">{{Cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/14/tech/zipcar-customer-service/index.html|title=Zipcar's customer service outrages its users, draws backlash|first=Matt|last= McFarland|work=[[CNN]]|date=July 14, 2020 }}</ref> President Tracey Zhen apologized in June, saying the company was adding cars and customer service employees.<ref name="confronts" /> By that month, she reported membership applications in New York City 70% above June 2019. An anonymous employee told CNN that the problems were exacerbated by laying off more than 20% of its employees, and changing call centers.<ref name="outrages" />

== Membership ==
[[File:Honda Civic Hybrid with logo DC 5020 03 2009.jpg|thumb|The [[Honda Civic Hybrid]] is part of Zipcar's [[alternative fuel vehicle|clean fuel vehicle]] fleet.]]
Members are able to view vehicle availability and reserve a self-service car via the internet, Android, and [[iPhone]] apps, or by telephone, in increments as short as 30 minutes. Members pay only for time they reserve. Zipcar vehicles report their positions to a control center using in-car technology.<ref name=Economist0609/> In the U.S., each reservation entitles members up to {{convert|180|mi|km}} for a 24-hour period and then $0.45 per mile beyond 180 miles ($0.55 per mile for premium vehicles and cargo van rentals) will be charged within the 24 hour period. If the rental is longer than 24 hours, then the member is entitled to {{convert|180|mi}} per 24 hours; then {{convert|20|mi}} per additional hour of the reservation period until {{convert|180|mi}} is reached. If the 180 mile limit based on hours is exceeded then $0.45 per mile will be charged ($0.55 per mile for premium vehicles and cargo van rentals).<ref name="Zipcar: Miles Included">{{cite web|url=https://support.zipcar.com/hc/en-us/articles/220623207-Miles-Included|title=Zipcar: Miles Included|access-date= 2018-06-16}}</ref><ref name="learnmore">{{cite web |url=http://www.zipcar.com/111welcome/learnmore-22 |title=Zipcar : Flexcar : Member Q&A |access-date=2008-01-04 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080414213018/http://www.zipcar.com/111welcome/learnmore-22 |archive-date=April 14, 2008 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Canadian members receive up to {{convert|200|km|mi}} with each reservation for the first 24 hours with $0.30 per kilometre (up to $0.45 per kilometre for premium vehicles and cargo van rentals) being charged if the 200&nbsp;km limit is exceeded. If the rental reservation is longer than 24 hours, then {{convert|200|km}} is included per 24 hours period along with {{convert|15|km|mi}} per each additional hour up to {{convert|200|km}}. If the 200&nbsp;km limit based on hours is exceeded, then $0.30 per kilometre (up to $0.45 per kilometre for premium vehicles and cargo van rentals) will be charged.<ref name="Zipcar: Miles Included"/><ref name="Zipcar: Vancouver, BC - FAQ">{{cite web |url=http://www.zipcar.com/how/faqs/one-faq?faq_number=57 |title=Zipcar ... frequently asked questions |access-date=2008-03-05}}</ref> Individual members can sign up for one of two different plans, the "Occasional Driving Plan" and the "Extra Value Plan".<ref name="learnmore"/>

Members are given an [[RFID|access card]] containing a wireless chip that will open the vehicle they have reserved only at the time they have reserved it.<ref name=Economist0609>{{cite news|url=http://www.economist.com/science/tq/displaystory.cfm?story_id=13725743|title=The connected car|newspaper=The Economist|date=2009-06-04|access-date=2009-06-05|edition=Print}}</ref> The reservation includes [[vehicle insurance]], a [[Gasoline|gas]] card for the car. A member can reserve and use a Zipcar in any Zipcar city.

==Fees==
[[File:Zipcars in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.JPG|thumb|left|Zipcar parking in Pittsburgh.]]
Zipcar was sued in 2009 and again in 2011<ref>{{cite news|title= Zipcar's late fees come under fire with consumer's lawsuit in Boston federal court|author= Chesto, Jon|publisher= Mass. Market blog|url= http://blogs.wickedlocal.com/massmarkets/2011/08/01/zipcars-late-fees-come-under-fire-with-consumers-lawsuit-in-boston-federal-court/|date= 2011-01-08|url-status= dead|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120718063323/http://blogs.wickedlocal.com/massmarkets/2011/08/01/zipcars-late-fees-come-under-fire-with-consumers-lawsuit-in-boston-federal-court/|archive-date= July 18, 2012|df= mdy-all}}</ref> by customers alleging that they charged excessive or hidden fees. The suit cited several hidden charges, including a charge to talk to a customer service representative even when customers call to report a problem that cannot be handled through the website or automated phone system, additional fees on top of the cost of a parking ticket even if the ticket was overturned in court, late fees starting at $50, a fee to retrieve items left in cars, and an inactivity fee.<ref name=BostonLawsuit>{{cite news|url=https://www.boston.com/business/articles/2009/10/13/suit_alleges_zipcar_pulled_fast_ones_with_excessive_fees/|title= Suit alleges Zipcar pulled fast ones with excessive fees |work=Boston Globe|date=2009-10-13|access-date=2012-07-26}}</ref> According to the complaint, many customers may not even be aware of the charges because Zipcar does not send monthly statements. The lawsuit was dismissed in 2010, after U.S. District Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton found that every penalty except an inactive-user charge is legal.<ref name=BostonLawsuitDismissed>{{cite news|url=https://www.boston.com/business/articles/2010/06/11/suit_vs_zipcar_over_fees_is_dismissed/|title= Suit vs. Zipcar over fees is dismissed|work=Boston Globe|date=2010-06-11|access-date=2012-07-26}}</ref> In August 2016, Zipcar agreed to settle a case involving allegations of charging New York consumers illegal damage fees for rental vehicles. According to New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman, New York State law mandates if rental car companies mean to pursue charges for damages to their vehicles, they must give consumers the opportunity to dispute the complaint. Schneiderman's office alleges Zipcar failed to follow this requirement. The company sometimes purportedly charged consumers damage fees before notifying them of the charges. As a settlement, Zipcar will refund any damage charges assessed against consumers who disputed their responsibility for the damage. Additionally, the company will pay the Attorney General's Office $35,000 for fees and costs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://legalnewsline.com/stories/510974455-zipcar-to-settle-allegations-of-charging-consumers-illegal-damage-fees|title=Zipcar to settle allegations of charging consumers illegal damage fees|last=Iandolo|first=Mark|access-date=2016-08-17}}</ref> In addition, Zipcar is barred from charging customers for damage unless those customers agree they are liable or the company obtains a legal determination—for example, from a court—that the driver is responsible.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/avoid-being-unfairly-charged-rental-175313147.html |title=Avoid Being Unfairly Charged for Rental Car Damage |website=Finance.yahoo.com |date=2016-08-26 |access-date=2016-09-04}}</ref> As of September 25, 2018, the business is not accredited by the [[Better Business Bureau]] and averages a one-star review from the BBB from numerous complaints alleging deceptive business practices.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbb.org/|title=Zipcar, Inc. &#124; Better Business Bureau® Profile|website=www.bbb.org}}</ref>

==University, organization and business partnerships==
Zipcar launched its Zipcar for Business program in early 2004 to provide companies with discounts on Monday-Friday driving. Since the launch of the program, Zipcar has signed 10,000 small, medium, and large sized businesses, as companies are increasingly adopting Zipcar's on demand car rental model as a cost-saving alternative for employee travel.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/23/business/23share.html | title=A Shift From Company Cars | work=The New York Times | first=Elizabeth | last=Olson | date=2010-11-22}}</ref> Zipcar has partnered with over 600 colleges and universities across North America.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://zipcar.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=289 |title=Zipcar Now Offers Campus Car Sharing With More Than 300 North American Colleges and Universities - Oct 9, 2012 |publisher=Zipcar.mediaroom.com |date=2012-10-09 |access-date=2013-10-15 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130520193501/http://zipcar.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43 |archive-date=May 20, 2013 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

==Zipcar fleet==
[[File:20120922 Volt-Chicago.JPG|thumb|The [[Chevrolet Volt]] [[Plug-in hybrid]] was available to Zipcar members in [[Chicago]] in 2012.]]
Zipcar offers more than 50 makes and models of vehicles. Each vehicle has a home location: a reserved parking space located on a street, driveway, or neighborhood parking lot in the member's area, to which it must be returned at the end of the reservation. The locations of all Zipcars and models available at those locations are available at the Zipcar website. Zipcar currently (2019) has a fleet of 12,000+ vehicles. The makes and models of Zipcar vehicles available vary by location (for example, on college campuses, most Zipcar vehicles are economy, [[hybrid electric vehicle|hybrid]], and full-size cars), though members are able to choose the exact make and model of vehicle they wish from the list of available vehicles online or in the Zipcar [[smartphone]] application.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.zipcar.com/press/overview|title=Zipcar Overview {{!}} Zipcar Press Center|website=www.zipcar.com|access-date=2019-09-23|archive-date=September 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190923152600/https://www.zipcar.com/press/overview|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Most Zipcar vehicles will feature decals with the Zipcar logo. Each vehicle has a "name" that help the renter to identify their specific vehicle. Zipcar offers vehicles in different categories, such as economy cars, [[electric vehicles]] (EV's), [[hybrid electric vehicle|hybrid]] vehicles, full-size cars, luxury vehicles (such as those from [[Audi]], [[BMW]], [[Mercedes-Benz]], and other luxury manufacturers), [[SUV]]'s, [[pickup trucks]], and cargo [[van]]s. A Zipcar vehicle will not unlock for the renter until their exact reservation time. Renters unlock their vehicle (both at the beginning of the reservation and throughout the rental) by either holding their Zipcar membership Radio Frequency Identification [[RFID]] card or [[smartphone]] against the upper corner of the vehicle's windshield. The vehicle's keys are always tied to the steering column of the vehicle, and stay inside the vehicle at all times. A Zipcar "Copilot" guide is located in the driver's side sun visor, and includes a complimentary refueling card (gasoline card), insurance information, the vehicle registration card, and information about both the vehicle, as well as rental policies and procedures.

===Embedded technologies===
[[File:Zipcar vehicle in Lewisham, London.jpg|thumb|A Zipcar vehicle in a dedicated parking bay in Lewisham, London.]]
Zipcars have RFID readers located on the windshield that communicates with the card to lock and unlock the doors of the vehicle. Each vehicle records hours of usage and mileage, which is uploaded to a central computer via a wireless data link. The location of the vehicles is not tracked during a reservation for privacy reasons but is trackable, and all cars are equipped with a "kill" function that allows the company to prevent the car from starting in the event of theft. Zipcar also offers the embedded [[Information Technology|Information Technologies]] it has installed in its fleet as a fleet optimization service through its [[FastFleet]] service.

During a rental, a Zipcar member can interface with their rented vehicle using the Zipcar [[smartphone]] app, which includes the ability to locate the vehicle in a parking lot (including [[GPS]] location and the ability to sound the vehicle's horn and flash the lights) and unlock or lock the vehicle.

===Clean fuel vehicles===
Among its fleet of fuel-efficient vehicles, and through an agreement between Honda and Zipcar, the program offers [[alternative fuel vehicle|clean fuel]] and [[low-emission vehicle]]s that include the [[Honda Insight|Insight]] [[hybrid electric vehicle|hybrid]], [[Honda Civic Hybrid|Civic Hybrid]], and [[Honda Fit EV]] all-[[electric car]]. Vehicles such as the [[Toyota Prius]] are also available.<ref name=Members/>

===Zipcar Flex===
In the United Kingdom, some vehicles are branded "Zipcar Flex" which means that they can be left anywhere within a designated zone, rather than in a specific parking space. The remaining vehicles are branded "Zipcar Roundtrip".<ref>Fleet News https://www.fleetnews.co.uk/news/fleet-industry-news/2017/07/10/zipcar-flex-one-way-drive-and-drop-car-club-service-launched-in-london</ref>

=== Common vehicles in the Zipcar fleet ===

==== Sedan ====

* [[Toyota Corolla|Toyota Corolla (sedan)]]
* [[Chevrolet Malibu]]
* [[Ford Focus|Ford Focus (sedan)]]
* [[Ford Fiesta |Ford Fiesta (sedan)]]
* [[Nissan Sentra]]
* [[Honda Fit]]
* [[Honda Civic|Honda Civic (sedan)]]
* [[Volkswagen Jetta|VW Jetta]]
* [[Hyundai Elantra]]
* [[Kia Forte]]
* [[Subaru Impreza|Subaru Impreza (sedan)]]

==== Hatchback ====

* [[Volkswagen Golf|VW Golf]]
* [[Kia Soul]]
* [[Subaru Impreza|Subaru Impreza (hatchback)]]
* [[Honda Civic|Honda Civic (hatchback)]]
* [[Mazda3|Mazda 3 (hatchback)]]
* [[Ford Fiesta |Ford Fiesta (hatchback)]]

==== Luxury ====

* [[Mercedes-Benz C-Class]]
* [[BMW X3]]
* [[Mercedes-Benz GLC]]

==== SUV ====

* [[Kia Sorento]]
* [[Mitsubishi Outlander]]
* [[Honda CR-V]]
* [[Subaru Crosstrek]]
* [[Mazda CX-5]]
* [[Kia Sportage]]
* [[Honda HR-V]]
* [[Toyota 4Runner]]
* [[Ford Escape]]
* [[Ford Edge]]
* [[Nissan Rogue]]
* [[Jeep Wrangler]]
* [[Toyota RAV4]]
* [[Hyundai Santa Fe]]

==== Pickup Truck ====

* [[Nissan Frontier (North America)|Nissan Frontier]]

==== Minivan ====

* [[Honda Odyssey (North America)|Honda Odyssey]]
* [[Toyota Sienna]]
* [[Dodge Grand Caravan]]

==== Cargo Van ====

* [[Ford Transit]]

==Expansion==
On October 31, 2007, Zipcar and [[Flexcar]] announced their intentions to merge.<ref name="Zipcar 31OCT07">{{cite web |url=http://www.flexcar.com/Portals/0/10About/PressReleases/pr103107.html |title=Zipcar and Flexcar Agree to Merge |access-date=2007-10-31 |date=2007-10-31 |work=Press Release |publisher=Flexcar |archive-date=November 3, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071103090735/http://www.flexcar.com/Portals/0/10About/PressReleases/pr103107.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> The merged company retained the name "Zipcar" and was headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts.<ref name="Seattle Times 31OCT07"/> Zipcar's chief executive, former Seattle-based [[Boeing]] engineer [[Scott Griffith]], became Chairman and CO, while Flexcar CEO Mark Norman became president and Chief Operating Officer.<ref name="Seattle Times 31OCT07"/> The merger combined Zipcar's fleet of 3,500 vehicles in 35 markets with Flexcar's 1,500 cars in 15 markets.<ref name="Seattle Times 31OCT07"/><ref name="Boston Globe 31OCT07">{{cite news |first=Caroline Y. |last=Johnson |title=Zipcar is expected to join with rival Flexcar |url=https://www.boston.com/business/globe/articles/2007/10/31/zipcar_is_expected_to_join_with_rival_flexcar/ |work=[[Boston Globe]] |date=2007-10-31 |access-date=2007-10-31}}</ref>

In December 2009, Zipcar announced their participation in a round of financing with Avancar, the largest on-demand car rental company in Spain, based in Barcelona. Under the terms of the agreement, Zipcar acquired a minority interest in Avancar, a Zipcar executive joined Avancar's board and Zipcar was given a year option to increase the company's ownership stake.<ref name="prnewswire.com">{{cite news | url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/zipcar-invests-in-barcelona-based-avancar-79609022.html | title=Zipcar Invests in Barcelona-Based Avancar | agency=PR Newswire | date=2009-12-18}}</ref> Later on in April 2010, Zipcar announced that it had acquired London-based car-sharing club [[Streetcar (carsharing)|Streetcar]].<ref name="Josie Garthwaite">{{cite web |url=http://earth2tech.com/2010/04/21/zipcar-snaps-up-uk-car-sharing-network-streetcar/ |title=Zipcar Snaps Up UK Car-sharing Network Streetcar |first=Josie |last=Garthwaite |work=earth2tech Blog |publisher=earth2tech.com |date=2010-04-21 |access-date=2010-04-21 }}{{Dead link|date=August 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> In December 2010, Zipcar extended their option for another year through the end of 2011, and provided a monetary loan to Avancar, which is convertible into equity if Zipcar chooses to exercise the option.<ref name="http">{{cite news | url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/zipcar-extends-option-with-barcelona-based-avancar-112863174.html | agency=PR Newswire | title=Zipcar Extends Option with Barcelona-Based Avancar | date=2011-01-04}}</ref> On October 17, 2012, Zipcar announced the completion of its Avancar integration.<ref name="ir.zipcar.com"/> On January 22, 2019 Zipcar (Avancar) members received notification that the service would no longer be available as of midnight, February 28, 2019. On Facebook and Instagram, the company cited a decision made by Avis to discontinue the service in the Spanish city.

Since 2014, Zipcar has started services in cities in North America,<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2014/04/30/631993/10079207/en/Zipcar-and-Metrolinx-Partner-to-Bring-Convenience-of-Car-Sharing-to-Transit-Stations.html |title=Zipcar and Metrolinx Partner to Bring Convenience of Car Sharing to Transit Stations Nasdaq:CAR |website=Globenewswire.com |date=April 30, 2014 |access-date=2016-09-04}}</ref> Europe,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.zipcar.com/press/releases/brussels|title=ZIPCAR TO LAUNCH ITS FIRST FLOATING CAR-SHARING SERVICE IN BRUSSELS {{!}} Zipcar Press Center|website=www.zipcar.com|access-date=2016-08-17}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite press release|url=https://globenewswire.com/news-release/2016/09/14/871752/0/en/Zipcar-Drives-Into-Brussels-With-Its-First-Free-Floating-Car-Sharing-Service.html|title=Zipcar Drives Into Brussels With Its First Free-Floating Car-Sharing Service|last=Thysmans|first=Jurgen|date=September 14, 2016|publisher=Globe news wire}}</ref> and Asia.

==Insurance==
[[File:Zipcar DC 4997 03 2009.jpg|thumb|Zipcar drop off/pick up area in downtown [[Washington, D.C.]]]]
Zipcar provides liability coverage of $100,000 bodily injury per person, $300,000 bodily injury maximum, and $25,000 property damage per accident for members over 21 years of age who joined after March 1, 2015. Members at fault are responsible for the first $1,000 of costs related to the repair, recovery, and loss of use of any Zipcar vehicle.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.zipcar.com/how-it-works|title=How Does Car Sharing Work? &#124; Zipcar|website=www.zipcar.com}}</ref> However, members can purchase no-liability insurance for an additional $79 a year. Members involved in accidents where fault is not determined (such as in a hit and run) must pay the first $1000 of these costs. For members under 21, Zipcar provides insurance coverage at state-mandated levels.

Zipcar has received some scrutiny for their low coverage limits.<ref>{{Cite news|title = Before Driving a Zipcar, Consider Liability Insurance|url = https://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/23/your-money/23money.html|newspaper = The New York Times|date = 2011-04-22|access-date = 2016-02-16|issn = 0362-4331|first = Ron|last = Lieber}}</ref>

Insurance coverage may vary depending on the region of use. For example, Canadian members in Toronto, Ontario, are provided with $1 million in liability coverage.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.zipcar.com/toronto/apply/rules-of-vehicle-use |title=Zipcar: Toronto, ON Terms and Conditions |access-date=2008-05-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080519144252/http://www.zipcar.com/toronto/apply/rules-of-vehicle-use |archive-date=May 19, 2008 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Vancouver, BC members are provided with $2 million in liability coverage.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.zipcar.com/vancouver/apply/rules-of-vehicle-use |title=Zipcar: Vancouver, BC Terms and Conditions |access-date=2008-05-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080609030250/http://www.zipcar.com/vancouver/apply/rules-of-vehicle-use |archive-date=June 9, 2008 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Both regions in Canada also include comprehensive and collision coverage in addition to liability insurance. Previously, Zipcars traveling into Canada from the U.S. required members to obtain a special insurance card from Zipcar.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.zipcar.com/how/faqs/faq?subject=drive_away_us |title=Zipcar FAQ: If I reserve a Zipcar in the US, can I drive out of state or in Canada? |access-date=2008-05-18}}</ref> As of February 2018, however, it appears that this is no longer the policy.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://support.zipcar.com/hc/en-us/articles/115004485367-Driving-Between-US-and-Canada |title=Driving Between US and Canada – Zipcar |access-date=2018-07-02}}</ref> Canadian Zipcars traveling into the U.S. do not need the extra insurance card.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.zipcar.com/how/faqs/faq?subject=drive_away_ca |title=Zipcar FAQ: If I reserve a Zipcar in Canada, can I drive in the US? |access-date=2008-05-18}}</ref>

Similar to members of Zipcar U.S., members of Zipcar London, UK, require a special "vehicle on-hire" certificate when traveling abroad, which can be obtained from Zipcar.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.zipcar.co.uk/how/faqs/faq?subject=drive_away_uk |title=Zipcar FAQ: If I reserve a Zipcar in the UK, can I drive it abroad? |access-date=2012-07-18}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Sharing economy]]
* [[Plug-in electric vehicles in California]]
* [[Turo (company)|Turo]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commonscatinline}}
* {{Official website}}

{{Vehicle rental brands}}

[[Category:Car rental companies of the United States]]
[[Category:Carsharing]]
[[Category:Plug-in hybrid vehicles]]
[[Category:Companies based in Boston]]
[[Category:American companies established in 2000]]
[[Category:Transport companies established in 2000]]
[[Category:Companies formerly listed on the Nasdaq]]
[[Category:2011 initial public offerings]]
[[Category:2013 mergers and acquisitions]]
[[Category:Avis Budget Group]]