Not only has Zipcar eliminated every single car in Southeast Seattle except one (a creaky hybrid called “Clallum”—adorable!), they charged my credit card 50 bucks—50 freakin’ bucks!—for returning my car 15 minutes late. At 11:00 at night. On a week night. That’s $106 for a four and a half hour reservation. I could’ve gotten a Lexus from Hertz for that! According to the customer service lady at Zipcar, Zipcar has no grace period. “You can be one minute late. You can be 40 minutes late. It will still be a $50 fee.”

Gee, I can’t imagine why people don’t want to join your awesome service, Zipcar!

(That’s nothing compared to the commenter who got charged the minimum $500 deductible when someone sideswiped her Zipcar and drove away, I know, but good company policies have some flexibility.)

55 replies on “Zipcar: I Have A(nother) Bone To Pick With You”

  2. I have never understood Zipcar…Why exactly have American cities handed all of this premium parking to a private company (just because it pretends to be green)? Why cannot Hertz and Avis park cars for free all of the place? Because they have truly different businesses, or it is simply green-washed symantics? Some of there parking is rented through private building and lots, but most Zipcar parking in cities that I have seen was simply taken away from the limited available street parking and handed to these guys…How many times while spending too much time looking for a spot have I been teased with a free spot only to find that damn “reserved for Zipcar” sign? I truly hate them.

  3. For me, Zip Car is FANTASTIC! While I could afford to own a car, I choose not to and can do so, thanks to Zip Car. Does it require planning on my part? Sure, and I accept that accountability. Sorry for those of you who feel like you haven’t gotten value for your memberships, but there is at least one person out here (ME) who is a HUGE Zip Car fan, and no, I don’t work for them or know anyone who does.

  4. Late is late. Just like the bank will charge you an overdraft fee if you are a penny overdrawn, Zipcar charges a late fee. I’m sorry you have such a problem with so simple a concept, ECB. Do you have any more stories that showcase your lack of personal responsibility? I’m fascinated.

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