Paul Sanchez
Zipcar is a car-sharing service that offers vehicles for rent by the hour or day. Zipcar provides insurance for its members, but the coverage varies depending on the jurisdiction and the driver's age. In some cases, the insurance provided by Zipcar may not be sufficient, and members might want to purchase additional insurance. If you are in an accident while driving a Zipcar, it is important to properly and promptly make a claim to receive the benefits of Zipcar insurance. However, there are concerns about how Zipcar's insurance policies will impact members' future insurance rates, especially if they are found to be at fault or if they have to file multiple claims.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Basic insurance coverage | Included with Zipcar |
| Additional insurance | Available for purchase |
| Accident claims | Covered up to the minimum financial responsibility limits required by the laws of the jurisdiction in which the accident occurs |
| Liability | Depends on the facts of the case |
| Claim process | Fill out a police report, document the damage, and communicate with Zipcar |
| Damage fee | Up to $1,000 |
| Personal Injury Protection (PIP) | Available in no-fault states |
| Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage | Not included |
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What You'll Learn
Zipcar insurance liability and coverage
Zipcar insurance is available to members of the service. The company offers its members a minimum amount of auto insurance coverage, which includes secondary third-party liability coverage and, where required, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or "no-fault" coverage. This coverage meets the minimum requirements of the state or jurisdiction in which the accident occurs. In Canada, for example, members are protected against liability for causing bodily injury, death, or property damage to others, up to the minimum financial responsibility limits of the jurisdiction.
While Zipcar insurance covers the cost of repairs to Zipcar vehicles, members are responsible for a damage fee of up to $1,000 or $2,500, depending on the source. This fee can be reduced or eliminated by purchasing optional damage protection coverage. Members can also purchase additional liability protection, which insures them against third-party claims for bodily injury, death, or property damage caused by the use of a Zipcar vehicle. This additional coverage is available for an hourly or daily charge and can provide up to $300,000 of excess coverage.
It is important to note that Zipcar insurance does not cover incidents where a member allows a non-member to drive the rental and an accident occurs. Members are also required to promptly notify Zipcar of any accidents and comply with the company's procedures, including filling out incident report forms, to remain eligible for coverage.
Regarding the impact on insurance rates, it is challenging to provide a definitive answer based on the available information. However, it appears that Zipcar insurance functions similarly to rental car insurance, where the company provides basic coverage and members have the option to purchase additional liability protection. Any claims made against this additional protection would likely not impact a member's personal insurance rates directly. Nevertheless, it is always advisable to review the terms and conditions of Zipcar's insurance coverage and consult with a trusted insurance professional for specific guidance.
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Making a claim after a Zipcar accident
Zipcar accidents should be handled like any other car accident, with the addition of working with Zipcar's team to report what occurred. Zipcar insurance is available only to members of the service. Here are the steps to take to make a claim after a Zipcar accident:
Call 911 and request emergency medical services
This is crucial to do after an accident to strengthen the foundations of your case. A police officer can file an official police report of the incident. Having records of being treated on-site for injuries can be used as evidence for your claim.
Exchange information with the other driver
It is important to get their name, address, driver's license, insurance information, and license plate number in order to file an insurance claim against them if they were at fault or partially at fault for causing the accident.
Report the accident to Zipcar
Call Zipcar's incident report number, 866-4ZIPCAR, as soon as possible after the collision. Once you have called this number, you will be emailed an incident report to fill out. This incident report will be analyzed by Zipcar's claims administrator. Before filling out any accident reports, it's best to get a free consultation from a car accident attorney so that they can build a successful claim for you.
Document the damage
Document the damage, along with the date and time of the incident, names and contact information of those involved, and fill out a police report.
Pay a damage fee and any other charges
Members have to pay up to $1,000 if they are involved in an accident, even if no claim is filed. Higher-tier members can pay lower fees.
Get a lawyer
Pursuing a claim for compensation can be daunting. A lawyer can help sort through all the possible insurance policies that might help to pay for your losses.
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Zipcar accident and health insurance
Zipcar insurance includes secondary third-party liability coverage and, where required, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or "no-fault" coverage. PIP coverage meets the minimum requirements of the state or jurisdiction in which the accident occurs. If the jurisdiction where the accident happened requires personal injury protection (PIP), Zipcar will provide the minimum amount of this “no-fault” coverage the state mandates. For accident claims in Canada, members who comply with the membership contract will be protected against liability for causing bodily injury or death to others, or damaging the property of someone other than the driver and/or renter. Zipcar provides different levels of liability insurance to pay for bodily injuries and property damage to third parties, depending on the driver’s age and the date the driver joined Zipcar. If the driver is under the age of 21, the coverage will be the same as the minimum coverage required in the state where the accident happens. If the driver is 21 or older and joined Zipcar on or after March 1, 2015, the company will provide liability coverage of $100,000 bodily injury per person, $300,000 bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 property damage. Zipcar insurance includes physical damage coverage, but drivers who don't purchase a damage fee waiver have to pay up to $1,000 if their vehicle is damaged.
In the event of a Zipcar accident, it is important to promptly make a claim to receive the benefits of Zipcar insurance. Members may not receive coverage if they fail to notify Zipcar about the loss and fill out a report form. To remain in compliance, in the event of an accident, Zipcar users should document the damage, along with the date and time of the incident, names and contact information of those involved, and fill out a police report. They should also fill out the incident report form that Zipcar insurance will send and cooperate with Zipcar and the company's third-party adjusters. After Zipcar completes its investigation, the user must pay a damage fee and any other charges.
If you experienced a car accident in a Zipcar, you might have questions about who is liable and what car insurance is available to pay for losses. Unlike in a traditional car accident, the driver does not own a Zipcar. Zipcar users apply online to join the Zipcar ride-sharing network, book a vehicle, then return it after use. Many of the same legal principles of standard car accident cases apply when determining who is responsible in Zipcar cases. Liability will depend on the facts of the case, whether you are a driver or passenger in a Zipcar, an occupant of another vehicle, or a pedestrian. A personal injury lawyer can help evaluate these factors to establish who should pay for your injuries.
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Zipcar accident in a no-fault state
Zipcar insurance covers the minimum insurance requirements in the state where the accident occurs. This includes Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or "no-fault" coverage.
If you are in a Zipcar accident in a no-fault state, you will likely be covered by the Zipcar insurance policy. However, it is important to note that Zipcar insurance is secondary coverage, meaning that it only applies after a driver's personal insurance has been exhausted. Additionally, Zipcar members must pay a fee of up to $1,000 if their vehicle is damaged, regardless of fault.
If you are in a Zipcar accident, there are several steps you should take to ensure your safety and protect your rights:
- Call 911 and request emergency medical services, if necessary.
- Exchange information with the other driver, including name, address, driver's license, insurance information, and license plate number.
- Record as much evidence as possible, including photos of the accident, injuries, and the scene. Witness information is also important.
- Report the accident to Zipcar as soon as possible by calling their incident report number. They will then send you an incident report form to fill out.
- Contact a lawyer to help you navigate the insurance process and ensure you receive fair compensation.
It is important to note that Zipcar insurance does not cover accidents that occur when a non-member is driving the rental vehicle. Additionally, Zipcar insurance may not cover accidents caused by poor maintenance or other issues with the vehicle itself. In these cases, you may need to pursue a claim against Zipcar directly.
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Zipcar accident in a traditional car
Zipcar is a car-sharing service that offers an alternative to traditional car rentals and ownership. It provides its members with the ability to reserve and drive vehicles on an as-needed basis, with bookings available via the internet, mobile apps, or telephone. Members pay only for the time they reserve, and the cost includes gas, maintenance, designated parking, and insurance.
When it comes to insurance, Zipcar provides basic coverage for its members. This includes secondary third-party liability coverage and, where required, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or "no-fault" coverage. The coverage provided meets the minimum requirements of the state or jurisdiction in which the accident occurs. In Canada, for example, members are protected against liability for causing bodily injury, death, or property damage to others up to the minimum financial responsibility limits required by law.
While Zipcar insurance provides some peace of mind, it's important to note that it may not cover all scenarios. For instance, Zipcar insurance does not provide coverage if a member lets a non-member drive the rental and an accident occurs. Additionally, members are responsible for a damage fee of up to $1,000 if their vehicle is damaged, even if no claim is filed. This fee can be reduced for higher-tier members.
In the event of a Zipcar accident in a traditional car, it is crucial to follow the proper steps to ensure coverage. Members must promptly notify Zipcar about the loss, document the damage, collect relevant information, and fill out an incident report form. Failure to comply with Zipcar's user agreement and claims process may result in a loss of coverage.
To enhance their protection, Zipcar members can purchase additional liability coverage. This is especially relevant for regular users who may not have their own car insurance or want more comprehensive protection. By carrying up to $300,000 of excess coverage, members can have added peace of mind when using Zipcar's services.
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Frequently asked questions
Zipcar provides its members with a minimum amount of insurance coverage. This includes secondary third-party liability coverage and, where required, Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or "no-fault" coverage. Members under the age of 21 will receive the minimum coverage required in the state where the accident happens. Members who are 18 years old and older have liability coverage up to the minimum dollar amount in the state the accident occurs.
To remain in compliance, in the event of an accident, Zipcar users should document the damage, along with the date and time of the incident, names and contact information of those involved, and fill out a police report. They should then fill out the incident report form that Zipcar insurance will send and await the completion of Zipcar's investigation.
If you are a Zipcar member and at fault for the accident, Zipcar's basic coverage will cover the property damage and medical bills of the other drivers and passengers. However, if you are found to be violating the terms and conditions of the agreement at the time of the accident, your membership could be terminated, and you would be responsible for the costs and damages. In this case, you may have to go through your own insurance and risk raising your premium.
