Zipcar FAQs

If your question is not answered here, please visit support.zipcar.com for help. In some cases, contacting Zipcar support directly will be necessary.

What payment methods do you take?

For Zipcar reservations, we accept valid debit cards and credit cards only (including American Express). We do NOT accept Uber Credits, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Prepaid cards. We also do not accept any financed payments (e.g. Klarna, Affirm, etc). If you need to pay with one of these methods, please select a different rental type in the app.

Insurance and protection options

Zipcar offers the following protection options that you can add on as part of your booking under the ‘car details’ page:

  • Combined protection: covers third party liability and all car damage fees for damage done to the Zipcar. Damage protection does not cover damage done to other vehicles or structures. You can view Zipcar’s help center for basic insurance protection coverage here
  • Liability protection: third party liability coverage up to $300,000. You can view Zipcar’s help center for liability protection coverage here
  • Damage protection: covers all car damage fees. You can view Zipcar’s help center for damage protection coverage here
  • Decline damage protection: $2,500 deductible may apply in case of any damage to the vehicle. Your personal insurance and credit card may not cover this trip.

Mileage & Rental Limits

Zipcar bookings include 150 miles per day. Additional miles are charged at a per-mile rate. Multi-day bookings are allowed if vehicles are available.

Deposit Information

Zipcar currently does not charge deposits. The total cost you see at checkout is what you will be charged. Keep in mind, your booking may be subject to post-trip charges, such as tolls or violations.

How do I cancel my trip?

To cancel booking in the Uber App:

  1. Go to your Reservation in the Uber app.
  2. Scroll down and tap Cancel Reservation.
  3. Select a cancellation reason and confirm.

If you’d prefer to cancel with an agent, you can contact Zipcar support directly at 1 (866)- 494-7227 to process the cancellation. Uber agents cannot cancel a reservation for you.

Please note that any cancellations may be subject to a cancellation fee, as outlined in the Zipcars cancellation policy here.

Cancellation Policy for Zipcar on Uber

  • If your trip starts within 30 min of booking → cancel free until the trip starts.
  • If your trip is 8 hrs or less → cancel free up to 3 hrs before start or within 30 min of booking (whichever is later).
  • If your trip is longer than 8 hrs → cancel free up to 24 hrs before start or within 30 min of booking (whichever is later).

After the free window ends, a cancellation fee may apply. The app will show the fee before you confirm.

If you would like to modify your upcoming or active booking, please contact Zipcar support. For upcoming bookings, you can also cancel the booking and rebook. Please note, cancellations may be subject to a cancellation fee. For additional questions, please contact Zipcar support at 1 (866)- 494-7227. You can also chat with Zipcar here by selecting the chat icon in the bottom right hand corner of the webpage.

How do I pick up the car and start my trip?

  1. Head to the pickup location shown in your reservation.
  2. Open the Uber app and go to Rental Cars (from your home screen or the Services tab).
  3. Tap your upcoming reservation → Manage car → Start trip → Unlock.

Follow the prompts to:

  1. Take a few required photos of the car from different angles (the app will guide you).
  2. Complete a quick pre-trip checklist.
  3. Agree to a few driving and rental rules.

Once these steps are done, your Zipcar will unlock and you’re ready to drive.

How do I unlock the car?

You can unlock your Zipcar right from the Uber app — no key or card needed:

  1. Open the Uber app and go to Rental Cars (from your home screen or the Services tab).
  2. Tap your upcoming reservation → Manage car → Start trip → Unlock.
  3. Wait a few seconds while the app connects to the car and unlocks it.

Make sure you have enabled Bluetooth on your device before you attempt to unlock the vehicle. If you’re having trouble, move closer to the car and try again.

If the car doesn’t unlock after a few tries, you can chat with an Uber agent for help or call Zipcar Support if it’s an urgent on-site issue.

How do I end the trip?

  1. Return to your drop-off location on time. Please remember that the drop off location MUST be the same as the pickup location. No exceptions.
  2. Plan to arrive with enough time left in your booking. Late returns can lead to penalties such as incurring late fees
  3. In the Uber app, go to Rental Cars → open your active reservation → tap End trip.

Follow the prompts to:

  1. Upload photos of the car from different angles. These protect you from future damage claims and help Zipcar keep vehicles clean and well maintained.
  2. Confirm any final checklist items.

Please note that If you end your trip early, you won’t receive a prorated refund for unused time. If you return the car early but don’t end your trip, you’ll continue to have access — and be billed — until your scheduled booking time ends.

Can we help with anything else?