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How does Zipcar know when you return the car?

I'm getting ready to take a road trip with my partner and we're looking at the possibility of taking a Zipcar. I'm a little worried we'll be late on returning the car, though. Can Zipcar tell when you’ve ended your trip?

avatar
Liz Jenson · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
“Road trips are the best—and it’s so cool that Zipcar is now an option! Zipcar will know that you’ve completed the return when you lock the doors.
When you return
the car
to the proper location, lock the doors using either the app or your Zipcard. Zipcar will process your car as returned at that point.
So, if you’re late, Zipcar can tell based on the final time that you locked the car doors. That said, don’t forget to lock it using the app or your Zipcard, or you might get charged a late fee even if you are done using the vehicle on time.
There is usually a grace period of a few minutes, so don’t stress too much about returning the car one to two minutes late. But if you’re really late with your return—or if someone has the car reserved after you—it’s more likely that you’ll be charged a late fee.
You may be able to request more time on the app if you anticipate travel delays. Look into it if you’re running behind.
Getting home late is a bummer, but nothing ruins a road trip faster than mechanical issues. To make sure that you’re covered, consider roadside assistance through the ​
Jerry
app! Jerry provides leading roadside assistance at the push of a button, so help is always within reach.”
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.

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