Car sharing services are certainly becoming more and more popular.Car2Go one of the premiere services of this type currently boasts hundreds of thousands of members worldwide. Essentially this car sharing platform allows you to find and use a car whenever you need. Getting rid of the hassle and expense of actually owning a car Car2Go charges a per minute ($0.41) a per hour ($15) or a per day ($59) rate depending on your usage. You also must pay a $1 driver protection fee for each trip (waived after 90 trips in a calendar year) . The company offers access to a Smart For Two (pictured above photo curtesy ofCar2Go) and is rolling out acess to Mercedez-Benz sedans as well. Car2Go also covers all fuel parking and insurance costs.
Do You Need Insurance to Use This Service?
Many people often wonder about the insurance requirements when it comes to car sharing programs. After all you are driving a vehicle which means should an incident occur you’re going to need some form of insurance coverage. So how exactly does the insurance work when it comes to Car2Go Zipcar or any other such car sharing program?
Car sharing insurance is provided by the company offering the service. They’re usually included as part of the cost and why most services do not require you to have your own insurance. This is largely because most insurance providers will not extend coverage to a borrowed car. While some companies will offer coverage in the event that you’re getting a rental their position in regard to a car sharing program works a bit differently. As an increasing number of personal insurance companies have decided to not cover you when you’re involved in a car sharing plan it’s definitely good that the likes of Car2Go and other companies are including insurance coverage.
What About Non-Owner Insurance?
If you are going to regularly use a car sharing service then looking into non-owner car insurance may not be a bad idea. If there is a serious accident and the other party is looking to recoup extensive damages they may in fact go after you personally as well as the car-sharing service’s insurance. Having non-owner insurance provides another layer of protection and thus gives you greater peace of mind.
The best course of action if you are going to be using services like Car2Go is totalk to a qualified insurance brokerabout the various options available. It never hurts to gather information and consequently gain a better understanding of the different scenarios that might arise.