26.05.2023
5 myths about car-sharing
Car-sharing has become the transportation mode of choice for many people, offering a convenient and affordable way to move freely without owning a car. However, despite its growing popularity, there are still quite a few misconceptions about car-sharing that we would love to debunk. In this blog post, we will go over five common myths about car-sharing and clarify why they simply aren’t accurate.
Myth #1: Car-sharing is only for short trips
Perhaps the most common misunderstanding in the world of car-sharing is that it's only suitable for short trips. While it's true that car-sharing is very practical for short trips, it's also perfect for longer journeys or even holidays. In addition to paying per minute, many car-sharing companies offer hourly and daily rates or even monthly packages, making it possible to use their cars for longer periods. This makes it a great alternative to a long-distance train journey or even a short flight. If you are looking for some unique getaway ideas and want to enjoy the ride, check out our most scenic drives compilation.
Myth #2: Car-sharing is only for urban areas
Another misconception about car-sharing is that it's only available in urban areas. While it is popular in cities, it's also available in more suburban areas. It’s also not mandatory to stay inside the car’s “zone”, you can drive to other cities or even countries. Of course, there are some rules and regulations when it comes to dropping off cars in certain areas. After all, car-sharing companies are not above the law and are not exempt from parking rules (or fines)!
Myth #3: Car-sharing is more expensive than owning a car
A common misunderstanding among people is that car-sharing services are expensive. People often believe that the cost and effort outweigh owning a car. However, once you factor in the cost of buying, maintaining, and insuring your car, and rising fuel costs opting for car-sharing can be a much cheaper option if you only need to drive occasionally. Buying or renting a parking space or garage is also something you don't have to worry about when you decide to opt out of owning a car.
Myth #4: Car-sharing is just not convenient
A lot of people assume you can only pick up and drop off the car at designated locations. However, many car-sharing companies operate in various areas, sometimes called a "home area", where you can easily start or end a rental. Accessing the cars is also very simple, as most of the time the keys are already located inside the car, for example in the glove compartment. Other times, depending on car brands and the technology they use, car-sharing providers choose to enable app keys (digital car key API) which lets app users remotely lock and unlock their cars directly from a mobile app on their smartphones.
Myth #5: Car-sharing is not safe
Another popular myth revolves around the safety aspect of car-sharing. Just as you would not drive a personal car without insurance, the same goes for a shared car. From the moment you start your rental, you are insured whenever you drive one of the fleet’s vehicles. Usually, the fleet consists of the latest car models with plenty of safety features to comply with strict security requirements. There’s also no need to worry about payment, as this is all handled in-app, where you can easily keep track of your spending and check invoices for past trips.
In short, car-sharing is an easy and cost-effective way to get around town and beyond. It's a safe alternative to owning a car, with proper protocols in place. By learning the truth about car-sharing and forgetting about the common misconceptions, more people can take advantage of the service and enjoy all the benefits it has to offer!
Nicky Delphin
Sr. Digital Content Strategist
"Passionate about cats. And cars!"
While the cat’s away, Nicky writes about mobility, one post at a time.
