Free 1 year membership, no application fee and $150 driving credit (at least for Washington, D.C.) using this link
Welcome to the Zipcar Low-Car Diet
Get ready to trim down with the Low-Car Diet Challenge! That is, trim down expenses, pollution, and congestion. With gas prices at an all-time high, it's a great time to start.
Here's how it works. You agree to keep your car keys in your junk drawer for just one month, from July 21st through August 15th. In return, you get a loaded public transit pass, a free 1-year Zipcar membership, some driving time and more goodies that we'll tell you about a little later.
During the month, we'll ask that you check in and let us know how your diet's going. You can send us emails, even video clips, to share your thoughts and stories. We'll post excerpts on our website to help keep everyone motivated! Want to learn more? Check out our Q&A.
I can use my NYC card to reserve cars in DC so I think it would work
pr0craztinazn
Member
posted: Jun. 19, 2008 @ 3:57p
Signed up; live in the DC metro area & am curious how it works out. Thank you!
Credit card info is required. As already said, they do a pull on your credit, so if yours isn't in great shape, don't bother. Didn't see anything in the contract about automatic renewal...
dgdarien
Senior Member
posted: Jun. 19, 2008 @ 3:59p
Did you guys have to enter credit card information? Will we automatically get charged after one year?
dont forget that if you are a member of the freelancers union (free to join) you can get better hourly rates during the week - you have to add the freelancers union account to your account - pretty simple.
in nyc - normal rates are 10.25-14.25/hr during the week and the freelancer rate is $8/hr - pretty sweet!
I live in WA state. I'll update this thread once they give me the thumbs up / thumbs down in a couple of days.
From the FAQ:
Can I use Zipcars in other Zipcar cities?
Absatooten lootly (Yes)! As a member you can use any Zipcar in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, London, New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Portland, San Francisco, Seattle, Toronto, Vancouver and Washington DC. It's like having your very own car in each city. There are thousands of Zipcars out there. You reserve and use them the same exact self-service way.
Unless things have changed, Zipcar runs a credit check on you.... not a problem; just informing those that don't want a hard hit on their credit report...
Added information to QuickSummary: Cities listed for the promotion: * Atlanta * Chicago * Philadelphia * Portland * Toronto * Vancouver * Washington DC
As has been stated -- you can use any of the zipcars world-wide.
g3cK0 said: Wait...so no San Francisco?
nhaner
Addicted Member
posted: Jun. 19, 2008 @ 5:16p
Similar question: i dont see Ann Arbor, MI listed on the promotion. Should i sign up under a random city and then use it for Ann Arbor? can anyone knowledgeable about this help? Thanks
Technologist said: Unless things have changed, Zipcar runs a credit check on you.... not a problem; just informing those that don't want a hard hit on their credit report... NOTE: after thinking about this, i realized that i never gave out my SS number, so they never did a credit check when i first signed up a year ago or more.
it's hard to run a "HARD HIT CREDIT CHECK" without a SS number.
.
arpicked
Member
posted: Jun. 19, 2008 @ 5:22p
Awesome find! I have been looking for something just like this! Green for you!!
disposable said: Technologist said: Unless things have changed, Zipcar runs a credit check on you.... not a problem; just informing those that don't want a hard hit on their credit report... it's not a "hard hit" and it's nothing to be concerned about. if you have a credit card, you are getting regular "checks" to see what you're up to, and there's nothing you can do about it.That is not the same thing.
elfnumber1
Member
posted: Jun. 19, 2008 @ 5:33p
apparently only for new members. any existing members have any luck?
maxboostnyc
Broke Member
posted: Jun. 19, 2008 @ 5:35p
disposable said: Technologist said: Unless things have changed, Zipcar runs a credit check on you.... not a problem; just informing those that don't want a hard hit on their credit report... it's not a "hard hit" and it's nothing to be concerned about. if you have a credit card, you are getting regular "checks" to see what you're up to, and there's nothing you can do about it.
you don't have to own a car or have auto insurance to use zipcar so if you want to go down and take off with a $10,000.00 or more vehicle, you are going to have to let them know you can be trusted to bring it back.
this is assuming you have good credit to begin with.
.
I'm curious but how do they pull a credit check on your w/o a SS#?!?! I applied for it and it never mentioned anywhere about a credit check besides a basic DMV abstract on my driving record.
elfnumber1 said: apparently only for new members. any existing members have any luck?
What's it doing when you try to apply?
I had a free 1 yr Flexcar membership I joined through Fat Wallet that charged my credit card when it autorenewed earlier this year so I had it cancelled. This web site site has my e-mail and name but it's having me apply like a new member. I had gotten a couple e-mails to transfer the Fexcar to Zipcar but I never did.
nevermind - relied on old info....zip car drivers over 21 years old are now covered to 300k/accident
Beginning November 1, 2007, for Zipcar members 21 years of age or older, our insurance coverage consists of a combined single limit of $300,000 per accident, meaning that all third party bodily injuries, or property damage costs relating to the accident are covered in the aggregate up to $300,000. For drivers under 21, we provide coverage up to state-mandated levels, which vary by the state in which the accident occurs. Zipcars are covered under a vehicle collision policy.
For both third party and vehicle damage claims, the member is responsible for a damage fee of up to $500 to cover repairs if the accident is his or her fault, or if no fault is assigned. New members age 21+ and existing members age 21+, who have had no at-fault or no-fault assigned accidents in the last 12 months, have the option to purchase a damage fee waiver to reduce that amount to $250, or to eliminate it altogether.
We provide Personal Injury Protection (PIP), or "no-fault" coverage, at statutory limits if you're injured in an accident. You may also use your own health care coverage in case of injury
If the total amount of the injuries and/or property damage exceeds our coverage limits, Zipcar members are responsible for this excess and will be contacted by either Zipcar, our insurance provider – Liberty Mutual – or the insurance company representing another driver involved in the accident.
Members engaging in prohibited uses of our Zipcars are not covered. You are not covered as a Zipcar member in any vehicle not supplied by Zipcar. A non-member driving a Zipcar is not covered as well. We will revoke membership if we learn about unauthorized use.
If you have any concerns about the insurance coverage Zipcar provides and whether it works for your personal situation, we encourage you to consult with a licensed agent and put them in touch with us if needed. You can reach us at insurance@zipcar.com.
tonyj
Member
posted: Jun. 19, 2008 @ 6:27p
how much value would be loaded onto the public transit pass? will the pass be available for any city of choice, or just for the select cities that zipcar operates? how long will the pass be valid?
g3cK0 said: johnqh said: I wish San Francisco was included in this.
So can you sign up for another state but still rent a car from SF? If so, will we still get the free miles and credit?
That's a good idea....has anyone tried it?
elfnumber1
Member
posted: Jun. 19, 2008 @ 10:32p
replyguy said: What's it doing when you try to apply? I had a free 1 yr Flexcar membership I joined through Fat Wallet that charged my credit card when it autorenewed earlier this year so I had it cancelled. This web site site has my e-mail and name but it's having me apply like a new member. I had gotten a couple e-mails to transfer the Fexcar to Zipcar but I never did.
they track you by your DL number and/or your zipcard number. it will catch either.
dsgsgdag
New Member
posted: Jun. 19, 2008 @ 10:53p
I 'm from Pittsburgh! Just signed it up and it shows $500 credits. I'm happy to give it a try if I can really get rid of my car!
I signed up and instead of $150 credit - it showed me $500 credit. thanks OP!
Thanks for participating in Zipcar's Low-Car Diet 2008! As part of the program you are entitled to a FREE 1-year Zipcar membership + $500 in FREE driving credit for the month. Please proceed and fill out the member application to get your very own Zipcard. Happy Zipping!
anyone knows this credit is good till when? does it expire?
It's weird - if you can use the membership in any location, why wouldn't you sign up for the plan with the most $ credit? Some cities offer only $100 and some are $500.
Unspeaked
Senior Member
posted: Jun. 19, 2008 @ 11:40p
kirbydog said: It's weird - if you can use the membership in any location, why wouldn't you sign up for the plan with the most $ credit? Some cities offer only $100 and some are $500.
Yeah, I'm confused by this myself.
I already signed up for the $150 credit before I realized some cities were $500. I wonder if there's anyway to redo it...
thebombs12
Senior Member
posted: Jun. 19, 2008 @ 11:51p
Hot deal! I've been waiting for something like this and I just turned 21!
i just turned 21. but read the rules: To be eligible, you must:
* Be at least 21 years old * Have a valid driver's license (from any country) and have been licensed for at least one year o If you have a US license from NH or Puerto Rico, click here. o If you have a Canadian license from Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Quebec, Saskatchewan or the Yukon Territories, click here. (For BC, we accept Class 5 licenses only. For Ontario, we cannot accept Class G1 licenses. ) o If you have a license from outside US/Canada, click here. * Have had no more than two "incidents" (moving violations PLUS accidents) in the past three years and no more than one incident in the past 18 months * Have had no major violations in the past three years * Have had no alcohol violations in the past seven years
no alcohol violations in seven years? is that meaning driving and alcohol (dui)? does that include MIPs?
stsarvet
Senior Member
posted: Jun. 20, 2008 @ 1:57a
cheaprulz said: $500 just for a month though!! so you may just have 30 days to use them
dsgsgdag said: I 'm from Pittsburgh! Just signed it up and it shows $500 credits. I'm happy to give it a try if I can really get rid of my car!
Use it to go to work.
AJolly
Member
posted: Jun. 20, 2008 @ 2:26a
Depending on the city it either says $ in free driving, or $ for the month. For example, Chicago says " a free one-year membership and $150 in free driving." Philidephia says " FREE 1-year Zipcar membership + $500 in FREE driving credit for the month."
If you are not going to use it all at once, it may be better to sign up for one that isn't limited to one month.
shinchan
Member
posted: Jun. 20, 2008 @ 8:31a
Grrr...need to attend a "kick-off" event (on a weekday no less) and fill out a separate application. I would be in but taking time off of work for the kick-off will cost me more than $150.
--- Hello and thank you for your interest in Zipcar and the Zipcar Low-Car Diet!
A funny thing happened with your application, we received your application to become a Zipcar member, but not your application to be a participant in the Low-Car Diet July 21 - August 15. The application page you applied from and the rates listed on it are solely for this event.
To particpate in the event, we would need you to be available Monday, July 21st for our kick-off event, to email us once a week for the month and to take an end of the event survey about your experience living without your car! If you're not up for the challenge, can't participate or feel you reached this application page in error, email us back and we'll point you in the right direction. If this isn't for you, kindly let us know that, too - we won't take it personally.
Still with us? Good, let's back up and get your responses to the event application. These are used to determine whether the Low-Car Diet is a good fit for you. Please take a few minutes to reply to the follow questions. We need these to process your Zipcar application, get you your very own Zipcard, and get you geared up for the event AND for using Zipcar.
Sign up in Vancuver and it seem to be free for more than just 1 year and no renewal fee plus you get $200. Only draw back is 150 KM a day, which is about 90 miles vs 180 miles.
Group: Low Car Diet 08 - Free Account and $200 in Driving
Thanks for taking the Low Car Diet Challenge! Enjoy your free account and $200 in driving credit. Good luck!
No deposit. No monthly commitment.
What does it cost to drive? From $9.75/hour, and $69/day (any 24-hour period), depending on the car model. Gas, insurance and 150 FREE kilometers* are included.
What about housemates or family? Once you join, you can add other drivers to your account. It's $25 to apply. There's a $25 annual fee. You may wish you weren't related — but they'll at least be happy about it.
Thanks! I see it now. It was a hot day to be at the event. I feel bad for the guys staffing it.
maxboostnyc said:
Went to the kick-off event yesterday in Philly and saw my $500 credit in my account 5pm that same day. You had to be there to get it since they took down your details and gave you some free promo stuff and took pictures. Because I work in NJ/PA/NYC I'm guessing I qualified since I do commute alot to these areas even though I don't live in Philly.
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