Does this mean that I can always get a Zipcar without a reservation lets say on the UES and drop it off in a garage in the village within one hour for $10? If these cars are readily available (as cabs are)and can be dropped off anywhere in the city then it sounds like a good deal especially if gas is included. Is this the experience of NYC Zipcar users?
RichardF said:A cab ride accross town is $10-15+. You can rent a ZipCar for $10/ hour... better convenience and privacy of use included. Of course if you'd rather not drive, then cabs are the way to go.

Any word from any SF people that applied?

this question may seem silly or obvious, but for those w/ NY state licenses, did you enter your name "exactly" as it appears on the license (last,first,middle)? or normally (first middle last)? i know the zipcar instructions state "exactly as it appears on your license" but i'm not sure if those instructions are meant for ppl who use nicknames/aliases or if they actually want the order formatted in a certain way w/ commas. thanks.

EDIT: NM: they would have used "exactly as shown" if they had wanted it formatted like on the license.

Zipcar has increased their liability insurance coverage to $300,000 for members over 21 which had been a huge criticism of their service in the past. If you're under 21 you're still stuck with the state-mandated minimums as you're in the group that costs the most to insure under a traditional policy.

https://www.zipcar.com/111welcome/learnmore-35

Thanks OP...signed up. Hope it goes through as I'm in NYC.

Thanks OP!

This is my excuse to try out the service. I really like the concept.

In addition to the automatic renewal fee (but only if you don't cancel before your year is up), I noticed some other potential fees... but they don't appear to kick in unless you rent a Zipcar in one of the following areas:

New Jersey: A $5.00 New Jersey Domestic Security Fee is added to each reservation for cars used in New Jersey: learn more. New Jersey residents are charged a 7% sales tax on application and membership fees: learn more.

Boston, MA: The Massachusetts Convention Center Financing Fee is added as an annual $10 fee, one time per member year, for all members who reserve and drive a car that is located inside the city limits of Boston: learn more.

Chicago, IL: A $2.75 Lessor Tax is added to each full day reservation. (This does not apply to hourly reservations.)

Vancouver, BC: The British Columbia Passenger Vehicle Tax of $1.50 is added to each reservation.

Good concept, tried the "occasional driver" one. I'm in CA and hope it comes through. Thanks for this.

Applied for 1, I am in Chicago.

Thanks OP !!

bigdoof said:shmoker said:Does this mean that I can always get a Zipcar without a reservation lets say on the UES and drop it off in a garage in the village within one hour for $10? If these cars are readily available (as cabs are)and can be dropped off anywhere in the city then it sounds like a good deal especially if gas is included. Is this the experience of NYC Zipcar users?
RichardF said:A cab ride accross town is $10-15+. You can rent a ZipCar for $10/ hour... better convenience and privacy of use included. Of course if you'd rather not drive, then cabs are the way to go.

I live on the UES and have a Zipcar. Unfortunately, you cannot return the cars to whatever garage you want. If you rent from a particular location, you must return it to that location. I mostly use it for airport pickup/dropoff runs and hauling some heavier items between locations in NYC. Also, you'll need a "reservation," particularly on weekends. On off days, you can reserve a car right before you want to pick it up with no problem. The website reservation system is pretty slick.

The Zipcar is really not a substitute for cabs/public transit, at least in NYC. It seems to be best suited for people who rarely need to drive, but need to lug some stuff around every once in a while.

darn, i was kind of hoping i could get a car at jfk airport and dropping it off at the location in lower manhattan. nvm.

monkeybizness said:when i change the city (on the link on the left of the page) from boston to washington, dc, the message at the top about the $75 bucks off goes away. bummer.

Don't change the city.

What is key here is to get a free membership(and card) from the Boston site.

Once you get the card, you can use it anywhere.