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Using Zipcar car sharing is a convenient way to get around, but you may have to use a toll road, bridge, or tunnel on many occasions. As such, it would be good to know if they offer any kind of toll pass like an E-ZPass and if they do, how exactly does it work? Let's find out.
Zipcars do come with E-ZPasses. Note that the toll fee will not include your monthly membership but will be billed to your account at the end of the month. E-ZPass is only used in the Eastern, Midwestern, and Southern U.S., meaning Zipcars in other areas won't include it.
This article will cover in detail all the information you need regarding Zipcars, E-ZPass, and late fees. Everything thing from which Zipcars have them to how you are billed and what penalty fees you can expect will be covered.
Does Zipcar Come With E-Zpass?
Yes, most Zipcars will come with a toll pass which includes an E-ZPass. To make sure that your Zipcar comes with an E-ZPass, make sure to review all the car's amenities through its list on the app when booking your Zipcar.
What Is An E-Zpass?
If you have looked through the amenities list of a Zipcar, you are planning to reserve and have seen that it comes with an E-ZPass and don't know what it is because this system is only used in Eastern, Midwestern, and the Southern United States, here is a brief overview.
E-ZPass is a small electronic device that is an automated electronic toll collection system that you place on the windscreen of your vehicle. When traveling through specifically designated lanes through a toll plaza on a road, bridge, or tunnel, the toll is paid electronically with this device by debiting a prepaid account.
How Does E-Zpass Work With Zipcar?
Consider that your monthly membership fee is not inclusive of an E-ZPass. This means that although every Zipcar will include one (depending on the location) if you intend to use it, the fee will be billed to your account at the close of each month.
Does Zipcar Come With An E-Zpass In New York City?
Yes, the over 2500 vehicles in more than 400 Zipcar locations come with an E-ZPass for New York City residents.
If, for some reason, a Zipcar that you reserve in NYC (New York City) does not come with an E-ZPass, you will only need to stop at a participating retailer and purchase one for $30, with the addition of registering it online.
Zipcar And E-Zpass Helpful Hints
Here are some helpful tips to ensure that your trip proceeds smoothly when you are planning a journey that will take you through toll roads, bridges, and tunnels.
- Check the amenities of the Zipcar through the app before booking it to ensure your Zipcar comes with an E-ZPass or the correct toll pass.
- If the Zipcar you have booked comes with a provided toll pass (E-ZPass), then be sure not to use a personal toll pass. This could effectively result in double charging of the toll authority.
- If you are in an area where the Zipcar you booked does not come with the appropriate toll pass, you may use a personal one. Keep in mind that this should be in accordance with (following the) rules and regulations that are set up by the toll authority.
What Happens If You Return A Zipcar Late?
It should be noted that it is imperative that you return your Zipcar on time. This is because it could impact the next member's trip, and secondly, you will be charged a late fee.
The fee will increase depending on how late you are, but a maximum fee of $150 CAD (about $120 USD) will apply.
How Much Does Zipcar Charge For Being Late?
You can incur one of three late charge fees for not returning a Zipcar on time. These late fees will increase depending on how late you are.
Expect to pay one of these amounts that will be billed to your monthly account;
- 60 minutes late: $50 CAD (about $40 USD)
- 61 to 120 minutes late: $100 CAD (about $80 USD)
- Over 121 minutes late: $150 CAD (about $120 USD)
Is There A Grace Period For Returning A Zipcar?
Unfortunately, Zipcar offers no grace period for returning a reserved car late. You will have to make sure that you return the Zipcar on time as per the schedule, or you can expect to pay a late fee in accordance with how late you are.
Can My Zipcar Trip Be Extended If I Am Late?
Zipcar trips can be extended. The only consideration you have to keep in mind is that the car still has to be available. If the car has already been reserved, then you will not be able to extend your reservation.
To extend your trip, simply navigate to the “drive” screen located in your app and proceed from there.
Helpful Tips On How Not To Return A Zipcar Late
There are a few things that you can keep in mind to help you prevent returning your Zipcar late;
- Reserve your Zipcar well in advance while there is still plenty of availability
- Always take traffic into account and reserve a sufficient amount of time to complete your trip
- If you are running late and the car is still available, then extend your trip via the app
- Turn on the app notifications to keep you updated at all times
Take note that if you cannot return the car on time, you should call Zipcar on 886-4ZIPCAR. Additionally, Zipcar may review and suspend your account if you have received three late fees in the course of 12 months.
What Happens If You Exceed 180 Miles (Distance) In A Zipcar?
Most Zipcars that are reserved in the USA will come with an included 180 miles per 24 hours. An additional 20 miles for each hour will be given for each hour until 180 miles are reached.
Any mileage incurred beyond 180 miles will cost $0.58 per mile and will be billed to you at the end of your trip.
Conclusion
We discovered that Zipcars (in the relevant locations) would come with an E-ZPass. You will only need to check the car's amenities via the app to ensure that the car does indeed come with it.
Not that the toll fee will be billed to your account at the end of the month and is not included in the monthly membership.
Lastly, we also found out that it would always be best to return your Zipcar on time so as not to incur a late fee which can add up to a substantial amount. We discussed some tricks to help you avoid this, with the best one being the ability to extend your trip if the option to do so is there.
