About to join ZipCar...Need Advice (apartment, rent, insurance)

[DCguy03]

I have been living in the DC metro area for a few months now, and living without a car is great except for those once-in-awhile trips that you can't do on metro.

I just moved near the Courthouse metro station in Arlington, and I am on the verge of joining ZipCar.

Do any of you have experience with ZipCar in DC and NoVa?

if so, what are the pros and cons? I have heard that cars in the "hot" locations are booked up too far in advance, but this might just be a rumor. I'm hoping to join soon, so DC ZipCar members, let me know what you think!

[lisat]

Zipcar is the fo'shz! We've been members for a few years and have never had a problem getting a car. Can't speak to the Courthouse area, but with a bit of planning, it's the best thing. Just plan your trips with a bit of extra time to allow for traffic, construction, slow lines at stores, that kind of thing, and you're fine. I.e., if I'm going for a big grocery shopping trip, I allow two hours. Sure, I could probably do it one, but not knowing what might happen, and not wanting to impact the next renter's availability, I'll book it for two. Regardless, it's cheaper than owning a car!

Also, I don't know if they're doing it this year, but last year, through May I believe, Thrifty offered cars for 10 bucks a day. A friend who lives in Arlington just booked one in advance for every weekend and cancelled if she didn't need it.

[DCguy03]

Thanks for the tips! That makes my decision much easier. I also found out that ZipCar has a pickup truck that can be rented in Rosslyn, which would make moving to my new apartment much easier.

I like the idea of not having to borrow a friend's car or worry about maintenance, insurance, etc. Does anyone else have ZipCar experience/suggestions for me before signing up?

[breakingfree]

I actually just used one for the third time today, and I have nothing but good things to say about it. If you plan ahead, you can find one close to you, gas is on them (if you find a place that doesn't accept their gas card, they'll reimburse you---just fax them the receipt) and the cars are usually pretty nice (the one I rented two out of three times had a CD player and it drives very well). I love how tapping the membership card on the sensor on top of the car (like a SmartTrip card works on Metro) locks/unlocks the car!

I'd go for it if I were you! It's only $100 to sign up ($25 application fee, then a $75 annual fee each year), and cars rent at $9 an hour (on average).

There was an ad I saw on Metro for a discount promo they're doing for new members, but I cannot remember its code.

[DCguy03]

I saw that ad on the metro too - RetailMeNot has a list of all the ZipCar promo codes here: http://www.retailmenot.com/view/zipcar.com (broken link)

I just signed up and got the $50 discount on annual membership!

[breakingfree]

Originally Posted by DCguy03

I saw that ad on the metro too - RetailMeNot has a list of all the ZipCar promo codes here: http://www.retailmenot.com/view/zipcar.com (broken link)

I just signed up and got the $50 discount on annual membership!

I saw the code on the Metro today and made sure to remember it this time---it's Spring25. It's only good for new members.