Ever needed a car for a quick errand or a weekend getaway, but found the hassle and expense of traditional car rental or ownership daunting? Well, car sharing is the perfect solution. This is a much more flexible alternative.
What exactly is a car sharing service, what are the different types, and how exactly do they work?
This is all you need to know.
The Basics of Car Sharing
In a nutshell, car sharing is a service that allows individuals to access and use a fleet of vehicles for short periods, typically by the minute, hour, or day, instead of owning a car.
This innovative concept offers a convenient and often more affordable alternative to traditional car ownership and car rental.
The car sharing market is booming, with plenty of companies to choose from across the globe.
These companies either offer their own fleet or a peer-to-peer service.
Here’s how it works:
Membership
You typically sign up for a car-sharing service through its website or app.
This involves providing your driver’s license information and payment details.
Some companies may charge a small fee to activate your account.
Find a Car
Once you become a member, you can use the app to find available vehicles in your area.
You can also filter your search by car type, location and desired rental duration.
Freefloat carsharing companies have vehicles available anywhere within the area, while station-based will need to be picked up from one of the rental stations.
Book
Once you’ve found a suitable car, you can easily book it through the app, choosing your pickup and drop-off times.
For short-term rentals, you’ll most likely be charged by the minute or hour, as well as a fee based on the driven distance.
Many carsharing companies will allow users to pre-book a car for longer journeys in advance, too.
Unlock and use the car
Car sharing services use digital car key technology.
This allows you to seamlessly unlock and lock the car using your smartphone, eliminating the need for physical keys and adding a layer of convenience to the overall experience.
Payment
You are typically charged based on the length of your rental and the distance you drive.
Some services offer daily or monthly membership plans for frequent users.
Benefits of Car Sharing
Cost-effective
Compared to car ownership, car sharing eliminates the burden of monthly payments, insurance, maintenance, and parking costs.
You only pay for the time you actually use the car.
Convenient
Car sharing provides on-demand access to vehicles, often located near your home or work, eliminating the need to visit a rental agency.
Green
By reducing the number of privately owned vehicles on the road, car sharing contributes to a more sustainable environment.
Variety of vehicles
Many car sharing services offer different types of vehicles, from compact cars for errands to SUVs for weekend trips, so you can choose the perfect fit for your needs.
Is car sharing right for you?
If you only need a car occasionally, live in an urban area with good car sharing coverage, or simply want a more convenient and cost-effective way to get around, car sharing may be a good option for you.
In addition, using a car sharing service that incorporates digital car key technology adds another layer of convenience and security to your car sharing experience.
With your smartphone acting as your key, you can avoid the hassle of carrying physical keys and unlock the car with a simple tap.
Movitronic- a White-Label Solution for Car Sharing Companies
You can transform your station-based and free-float car sharing experience thanks to Movitronic’s white label app and Keybox One hardware. Check out more details here!
