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Is Zipcar cheaper than renting a car?

I live in Chicago and need to use a car for a few hours to move out of my apartment. I don't need a moving vehicle, just an SUV would work. Would a Zipcar be cheaper than renting a car?

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Sophie Newman · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
“Since you only need a car for a few hours, Zipcar may be the most convenient and cheapest option. Because Zipcar offers hourly rates, it may be cheaper than renting a car for a full day. In Chicago, Zipcar rents cars for as little as $10 an hour.
If you’re currently not a Zipcar member, you do need to sign up and pay a membership fee. Memberships cost $7 a month or $70 a year. There is also a non-refundable $25 application fee when you first sign up.
In comparison, rental car companies charge daily rates along with taxes and fees. You’d also be responsible for gas.
Car insurance
is another cost to consider. Both Zipcar and rental cars include
Illinois’ minimum car insurance
requirements. However, with a rental car company, you have the option to purchase a damage collision waiver, while Zipcar includes it with a $1,000 deductible.
If you don’t think you’ll use Zipcar more than this one trip, the cost of renting a car may be cheaper. The best thing is to find out how much a rental car will cost and compare it to all fees associated with a Zipcar.
If you plan on renting cars more frequently, you may want to consider a
non-owners car insurance
. Non-owners policies extend coverage to any vehicle you drive and can alleviate any out-of-pocket costs if you’re in an accident.
To learn more about non-owners policies, you can text or call
Jerry’s
friendly agents. They’d be happy to help find you the best coverage and policy!”
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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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