Saving the planet - Car Clubs and Car Sharing!
Car clubs and car sharing are becoming increasingly popular alternatives to owning a car. They offer a flexible, cost-effective and sustainable way of accessing a vehicle without the hassle and expense of ownership.
But what are car clubs and car sharing, and how do they work? In this blog post, we will explore the different types of car clubs and car sharing schemes, their benefits for users and the environment, and some tips on how to find the best option for your needs.
What are car clubs and car sharing?
Car clubs and car sharing are services that allow you to rent a car for a short period of time, usually by the hour or by the day. You can book a car online or via an app, pick it up from a nearby location, drive it and return it at the end of your booking. You only pay for the time you use the car, and the service provider takes care of the insurance, maintenance, fuel and parking costs.
There are different types of car clubs and car sharing schemes available in the UK:
Commercial car clubs own their own fleet of vehicles that they rent out to users. These clubs may operate in different ways, such as back to bay (you return the car to the same parking spot), back to area (you return the car within a designated zone) or one-way or flex (you can drop off the car anywhere within a defined zone). Some examples of commercial car clubs are Co-Wheels, Enterprise, Hertz, and Zipcar.
Peer-to-peer commercial car sharing platforms allow you to rent privately-owned vehicles from local owners via an online platform. The platform providers take a commission and provide insurance cover. This model can offer more variety and availability of cars, especially in areas where commercial car clubs are not viable. Some examples of peer-to-peer commercial car sharing platforms are Getaround, Hiyacar, Karshare and Turo.
Community car clubs are run by local groups or organisations that own or lease a few vehicles that they share among their members. These clubs are often informally arranged by local communities as a convenient and affordable way of using a car without owning one. Some examples of community car clubs are Derwent Valley Car Club¹³.
What are the benefits of car clubs and car sharing?
Car clubs and car sharing can offer many advantages for users and the environment, such as:
Saving money. By paying only for the time you use the car, you can avoid the fixed costs of owning a car, such as depreciation, insurance, tax, maintenance and parking fees. Depending on your usage patterns, you could save hundreds or even thousands of pounds per year by switching to a car club or car sharing scheme.
Saving time. By booking a car online or via an app, you can avoid the hassle of finding a parking space, filling up the tank or dealing with paperwork. You can also choose from a variety of cars depending on your needs, such as a small city car, a spacious family car or a van.
Saving space. By reducing the number of privately-owned cars on the road, you can free up valuable space for other uses, such as cycling lanes, green spaces or public transport. You can also reduce congestion and traffic noise by driving less.
Saving the planet. By driving less and using newer and more efficient vehicles, you can reduce your carbon footprint and air pollution. Car clubs and car sharing schemes can also encourage you to use other modes of transport, such as walking, cycling or public transport, for shorter or more frequent trips¹⁴.
How to find the best option for you?
If you are interested in joining a car club or using a car sharing service, here are some tips on how to find the best option for you:
Compare different providers. There are many different providers of car clubs and car sharing schemes in the UK, each with their own features, prices and availability. You can use comparison websites such as Compareandshare.com or Liftshare.com to find out what options are available in your area.
Check the terms and conditions. Before signing up for any service, make sure you read and understand the terms and conditions carefully. Pay attention to details such as membership fees, hourly rates, mileage charges, insurance coverage, cancellation policies and penalties.
Plan ahead. To get the most out of your car club or car sharing experience, it is advisable to plan ahead and book your vehicle in advance. This way, you can ensure availability, avoid peak times and get better deals.
Be responsible. When using a shared vehicle, remember to treat it with respect and care. Follow the rules of the road, return the vehicle on time and in good condition, report any damage or issues promptly and leave it clean and tidy for the next user.
Conclusion
Car clubs and car sharing are great alternatives to owning a car that can save you money, time, space and the planet. By choosing from different types of services available in your area, you can enjoy flexible access to a vehicle without the hassle and expense of ownership.
Source: Conversation with Bing, 03/05/2023