UHaulCarShare
Is This Your Business?Author: Kaitlyn Short
UHaulCarShare gives drivers access to a vehicle when and where they need it. Users can simply reserve a vehicle online or via mobile app, use it for the needed period of time, and return it. All transactions are taken care of online for maximum convenience, and long-term costs of owning a car are gone forever.
Membership for UhaulCarShare is free, and it takes only minutes to join. After registration, users can rent vehicles for rates starting as low as $4.95/hour + mileage. Daily rates are available as low as $62/day.
Gas, roadside assistance, and rental car insurance are included in the cost. Users can drive cars for 180 miles each day. Any distance exceeding that costs $.40/mile.
Rent cars for 1 hour or for up to 3 days at a time. If you need to be renting a car for more than 3 days, contact customer service.
Top Ranked Companies
The Good
- Pricing
- Ease of Entry
- Mobile App
Pricing
UHaulCarShare is marketed to those who don't have a car, but occasionally need one, like university students (there are parental restrictions available). A variety of vehicles are available for users who need hourly or daily rental access. UHaulCarShare has some of the most competitive pricing on the market, and no membership costs or annual fees. Because of this, joining and renting with UHaulCarShare is relatively commitment-free. Those who don't own a car and don't have time to take public transportation, but need a car rental now and then could benefit.
Ease of Entry
Joining UhaulCarShare is easy. Other car sharing services take more time to vet users and have more restrictions. With this service, anyone 18 and older with a valid driver's license can apply; however, drivers age 18-21 are subject to certain restrictions. Many other car sharing services don't accept drivers under the age of 21. Keep in mind that anyone with an alcohol or drug violation in the last five years won't be able to use this service.
Mobile App
Additionally, joining this service is convenient and fast, so renters don't have to wait for a membership card to get moving. UHaulCarShare is particularly marketed to students who are looking for alternatives to renting or buying a car. UhaulCarShare is accessible online or on a mobile device. Either open the website or app to register. After registration, members can make reservations within minutes. All reservations require a picture of your personal driver's license and a real-time headshot, for security purposes. You can just unlock your car with a seven digit code.
The Bad
- Insurance
- Fees
- Limitations
Insurance
The insurance policy is a bit basic, but the coverage is fairly standard for car-sharing companies. UhaulCarShare provides a loss damage waiver to cover users in the event of a car accident. However, this insurance is only for the minimum required limits for the area and circumstances in which the accident takes place. You are responsible for the first $500 in damage the car.
Fees
There is also a charge of $25-50/hour when you are late; however, you can opt-in to text message notifications for rental return reminders.
If you leave behind any messes due to smoking or pets, there is a $25 fee, plus the cost of cleaning.
Cleaning for any messes, or a replacement for a lost key will also be a $25 charge.
Limitations
There are a number of services missing that other car-sharing services provide. For example, UHaulCarShare does not include the following:
- GPS
- Toll tags (Outside of Portland, ME)
Current, the only city with EZ-passes for toll booths is Portland, Maine. So, members are responsible for paying tolls and parking violations. You must pick up and return your rental car to the same special parking spot. One-way reservations are not available.
The Bottom Line
UHaulCarShare is a great option for those who live in participating cities. People who need on-and-off transportation, students who are looking for mobility programs offering access to a car, or anyone looking into selling your car and reducing your carbon footprint will find that this company is designed with you in mind. With fast, convenient registration and vehicle accessibility, different vehicle options for different cargo needs, and competitive pricing, UHaulCarShare holds its own in this growing industry. Parents can even monitor their students' use with monetary limits and permissible usage times.
