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Member Handbook
Click
here for a pdf of the Community Car Member Handbook.
About Carsharing
What
is carsharing?
Membership
How
do I join?
How
do I pay?
Am
I eligible? What are the eligibility requirements
for membership?
What
if I have a foreign license?
How
do I know what’s on my state Motor Vehicle Record (MVR)?
What
if I’ve been in an accident?
How
do I find the police report for the accident I was in?
Do
I need a credit card?
Are
there group or family memberships?
How
do I quit?
Cars & Parking
What
cars do you use?
How
do I use the cars?
Are
cars always available?
Who
pays for gas?
Where
are the cars located?
Who
cleans the cars?
What
is a Universal Parking Permit and how do I use it?
Using the Cars
Can
I make a reservation if I don’t have a computer?
Can
I add time to an existing reservation?
Can
I cancel a reservation?
How
do I get into the cars?
How
do I operate the new Prius Hatchbacks?
Do
I have to worry about locking the cars?
How
do I use the gas card?
How
am I billed?
What
are your office hours?
What
constitutes an emergency?
Oops,
I got a parking ticket, what do I do?
Oops,
the car got towed, what do I do?
What
if the car breaks down?
What
if severe winter weather occurs during my reservation and I don't
feel comfortable driving?
Miscellaneous
What
about insurance?
Can
I smoke in the car?
What
about baby seats?
Can
I transport my pet?
What
about longer trips?
Can
I purchase a gift certificate?
Can
I use carsharing organizations in other cities?
Q:
What is carsharing?
Just like it sounds, carsharing
is a member-based, “time-share” car service. Individual
members use vehicles when they want to, and pay for the service
based on how much they drive. Carsharing provides a way to reduce
the number of cars in an urban area and supports a practical shift
towards sustainable mobility and away from automobile dependency.
Carsharing began in Switzerland in the mid-1980’s and came
to the United States in 1998 in Portland, OR. In the U.S. today
there are more than 25,000 members of over 20 carsharing organizations
nationwide.
Q:
How do I join?
- Fill out the online application or call 608.204.0000.
- Complete a New Member Orientation online or in person.
- Receive a key fob that opens every car, a member identification
number and a password.
Q:
How do I pay?
- On the 5th of every month you'll receive a bill from Community
Car for the previous month’s usage.
- Review the bill.
- If correct, do nothing, your credit/debit card will automatically
be billed on the 10th of the month.
- If incorrect, call Community Car to correct any errors.
Q:
Am I eligible? What are the eligibility requirements for membership?
With the exception of
full time college students*, you must be 21 or older with at least
3 years driving experience to join.
You can join with any
of the following within the last three years:
- Clear record
- 2 Regular Speeding violations (1-10 over limit)
- 1 Regular and 1 Intermediate Speeding violation (11-19 over
limit)
- 1 Intermediate Speeding violation
- 1 or 2 moving violations
- 1 Not-at-Fault accident
Unacceptable drivers under
any circumstance (offense within last 5 years):
- Any alcohol or drug related offence including refusal to submit
to test
- Hit & Run
- Driving while under suspension or revocation
- Speed Contest
- Fleeing an Officer
- Speeding excess (over 20mph over limit)
*Full time (12 credits
or more) currently enrolled students at UW Madison, Edgewood College
or MATC can join Community Car at age 19 or 20. 18 year old students
who meet these requirements can join with just a two year driving
record***. These applicants must meet the following additional requirements
and submit proper documentation**:
- must have at least 3 years driving experience (permits don't
count towards this history)
- must have a completely clean driving record
- must have at least a 3.0 GPA
**proper
documentation: unofficial transcript and copy of current student
ID
***18 year olds are the
ONLY EXCEPTION to the 3 year driving record requirement.
The age and driving record
requirements are set by our insurance carrier. We reserve the right
to deny membership based on driving record history. If you have
a question about your eligibility, please call our office at 608.204.0000.
Q:
What if I have a foreign license?
We can accept applicants
from any country as long as they meet our eligibility requirements.
Please click here for
more details.
Q:
How do I know what’s on my state Motor Vehicle Record (MVR)?
To request your Wisconsin
MVR visit the Wisconsin
DMV website. To contact another state’s DMV, click here.
Q:
What if I’ve been in an accident?
Our insurance carrier
will consider Motor Vehicle Records with an “at-fault”
accident on a case-by-case basis. An "at-fault" accident
is one in which it was determined that YOU caused the accident.
Q:
How do I find the police report for the accident I was in?
Contact the police department
that responded to the accident. For the City of Madison, check the
Police Department's Accident
Information website. If you do not find the accident online,
call the Madison Police Department at 266-4072 and have them check
the hard copy files.
Q:
Do I Need a credit card or debit card?
To keep billing simple
we prefer you pay by credit or debit card; however, we will accept
a refundable security deposit and allow you to pay cash in advance.
Please call our office for more details at 608.204.0000.
Q:
Are there group or family memberships?
YES! You can save
money and share a Community Car membership plan with your family
or co-workers. We offer a variety of group memberships for households,
businesses, non-profits, and UW departments. Click
here for more details.
Q:
How do I quit?
You can resign your membership
at any time by notifying Community Car in writing (e-mail is fine),
returning any Community Car property and paying your final bill.
Q:
What cars do you use?
Our fleet consists of
the following vehicles:
- 7 Toyota Prius hybrid hatchbacks
- 2 Honda Civic 4-door hybrid sedans
- 2 Honda Civic 4-door sedans
- 2 Toyota Yaris hatchbacks
- 1 Honda Fit hatchback
- 1 Mini Cooper convertible
- 1 Ford Ranger pick-up truck
- 1 Toyota Sienna 8-passenger minivan
- 1 Nissan Quest Minivan
50% of our fleet are hybrid
gas-electric cars that average 45MPG. We choose Hondas and Toyotas
because of their record of reliability and commitment to high gas-mileage
hybrid cars. Our specialty vehicles (truck and minivans) allow people
to forgo the purchase of a large vehicle for their infrequent hauling
needs and to instead use our vehicles on those rare occasions!
Q:
How do I use the cars?
- Join Community Car - call (608) 204-0000
- Receive a KEY FOB to access
the fleet of cars
- Reserve a car via web or phone
- Pick up the car and drive away
- Return the car to the same spot
- Pay each month for the hours and miles
you drive
Q:
Are cars always available?
We should have a car for
you most of the time though we do not guarantee availability. You
may reserve a car from 1 minute to 3 months in advance. To ensure
availability it’s best to make your reservation at least 24
hours in advance. Our cars are accessible at any hour, so if you
get an urge to go to Woodman’s for ice cream or chips in the
middle of the night – take a Community Car.
Q:
Who pays for gas?
Community Car does. Every car is equipped with a gas card –
charged to us. You must leave the car with at least 1/4 tank of
gas.
Q:
Where are the cars located?
Click
to view the map of Community Car locations.
As Community Car adds members we add cars and locations. So every
month or so, check the website for new locations. Bright green signs
mark Community Car parking spaces. These are reserved spots, only
for Community Cars.
Q:
Who cleans the cars?
Community Car. Every two weeks each car will be inspected and cleaned
by Community Car staff. However, our members are expected to contribute
towards the cleanliness of our vehicles by removing all trash and
belongings after each use. If a previous driver left the car messy,
a member may take a Community Car to a car wash, send us the receipt,
and we will credit you on your next bill.
Q:
What is a Universal Parking Permit and how do I use it?
Our
campus Community Cars (Helen C White, Grainger, Biotech, Welcome
Center, UW Hospital, University & Charter, W. Johnson &
Frances, and Eagle Heights Community Center) contain a Universal
Parking Permit. While you're driving one of these vehicles, you
may park it in any non-metered surface parking lot on campus, free
of charge.
Click to view a
map of non-metered surface parking lots on campus.
Q:
Can I make a reservation if I don’t have a computer?
Yes, Community Car has a 24-hour telephone Reservation
& Emergency system. The phone number is (866) 305-1122. Simply
call the number to make, cancel, or check on an existing reservation.
The phone reservation system costs you $2 per call, while the Web
reservation system is free. All Madison
Public Library branches have Internet access.
You can also use our SmartPhone
and iPhone applications! By simply going to our homepage you'll
immediately be redirected to the appropriate application.
Q:
Can I add time to an existing reservation?
Yes. To extend your reservation, access the reservation system via
the phone or Web. If there is no conflict with another person’s
reservation, simply extend your reservation.
Q:
Can I cancel a reservation?
Yes. You can cancel a reservation at any time simply by logging
on to our website, or by calling the 24-hour reservation system.
Cancellations may be subject to a fee as follows:
- No fee is charged for reservations cancelled more than 5 hours
before the reservation time.
- Canceling 5 hours to 2 hours before your reservation incurs
a $5 fee.
- Canceling less than 2 hours before your reservation incurs no
fee, but you pay for the time reserved.
- More details regarding these and other fines are in the member
handbook.
Q:
How do I get into the cars?
The KEY FOB you are issued upon membership will unlock and lock
the vehicle's doors. The vehicle key is inside the car.
Q:
How do I operate the new Prius hatchbacks?
The Prius hatchbacks have
unique start up and shut down features. Photograph step-by-step
instructions are located in the glove box of each of these cars
for your reference.
Click here for a helpful
Prius
Tutorial.
Start-Up
- Insert the key into the square ignition to the right of the
steering wheel.
- Press down on the brake pedal and press the "Power"
button located to the upper right of the steering column. Hold
this down for 2 full seconds. This turns the car on.
- To put the car into "drive" pull the transmission
lever (to the far right of the steering column) over and down
and let go.
- Drive away.
Shut-Down
- Put your foot on the brake and come to a complete stop.
- Keeping your foot on the brake, push the "Park" button
located near the ignition slot. Next, push the Power button. This
turns off the car. Take the key out of the ignition slot.
- FOB OUT when you're done to lock the car!
Q:
Do I have to worry about locking the cars?
YES! Every time you exit the car you must FOB OUT to lock the car!
It is extremely important that you ALWAYS lock the car with your
Community Car KEY FOB. Your reservation is not complete until you
lock the car by FOBBING OUT. If you fail to FOB OUT at the end of
your reservation you will be charged a $50 DID NOT FOB OUT fee.
Q:
How do I use the gas card?
The gas card is located in the glove compartment. Please alert Community
Car staff immediately if the card is missing. Drive into any major
gas station and use it like a credit card. Your authorizing number
is the four-digit number printed on the lower left-hand side of
the card (it is NOT your Community Car ID or password). You must
also enter the odometer reading. Please note that the card is blocked
for purchases of all non-automotive products.
Q:
How am I billed?
Community Car sends our members an email (or paper) invoice on the
5th of the month. Payment is due on the 10th of the month (reflecting
the previous month’s usage).
Q:
What are your office hours?
Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM you can reach us at
(608) 204-0000. For all emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
call the Reservation & Emergency line at (866) 305-1122.
Q:
What constitutes an emergency?
An emergency includes, but is not limited to:
- You’ve been in an accident.
- You show up for a reservation and your car is not there.
- You’re running late and can’t extend your reservation
because someone else has reserved the car after you.
- You’re locked out of the car.
- The car breaks down.
In the event of an emergency
call the Community Car Reservation & Emergency telephone number
(866)305-1122 so we can take appropriate steps, such as sending
roadside assistance or calling you a cab. All emergency numbers
can be found in the glove box.
Q:
Oops, I got a parking ticket, what do I do?
Any parking and/or traffic violations that you incur while using
a Community Car are your responsibility. If you fail to pay your
ticket(s), we'll add it to your bill with an additional $10 processing
fee.
Q:
Oops, the car got towed, what do I do?
If you will be late in returning the car call Community Car immediately
so we can make arrangements for the next reservee. Please get the
car from the appropriate lot immediately and pay the associated
fine. Again, parking and traffic violations that are incurred while
you have use of a car are your responsibility.
Q:
What if the car breaks down?
First, please contact Community Car by calling the Reservation &
Emergency line at (866) 305-1122 to report the situation. The problem
may be something we can walk you through. All emergency numbers
can be found in the glove box.
Q:
What if severe winter weather occurs during my reservation and I
don't feel comfortable driving?
If severe winter weather occurs during your reservation, you can
cancel your reservation free of charge. Simply let us know your
reason for cancelling by contacting us at the office at 608.204.0000,
emailing us at memberservices@communitycar.com
or calling the Reservation & Emergency Line at 1.866.305.1122.
Q:
What about insurance?
Community Car takes care of insurance. You do not need your own
car insurance. As a member, you have comprehensive coverage. The
cost is covered by your fees. You are responsible for 50% of the
$1,000 deductible if you get in an accident that is your fault.
Q:
Can I smoke in the car?
No, smoking is not allowed in any Community Car. There is
a $150 cleaning fee associated with anyone smoking in the cars.
Q:
What about baby seats?
We do not provide car seats. Children must use car seats appropriate
to their age and size. Members who will be transporting children
need to fill out a Community Car form attesting that they will use
an appropriately sized car seat for their child or children.
Q:
Can I transport my pet?
Your pet cannot
ride with you in the Mini Cooper Convertible:
this is the ONLY VEHICLE pets are NOT allowed in. Your pet
can ride with you in any other Community Car vehicle. Members must
adhere to the following guidelines:
- Pets may only be transported in a pet carrier or "pet taxi"
provided by the member/owner.
- Members must lay down a blanket/towel under the pet carrier.
You will find a blanket/towel in the trunk/hatch of the vehicle,
but it's a good idea to bring your own as backup.
- Any mess or hair the pet leaves must be cleaned immediately
by the member.
- If the mess is excessive, the member must take the vehicle to
the carwash. You may be subject to a Dirty Car Fee or may need
to pay for more extensive cleaning if your pet leaves a mess that
you do not clean up.
Q:
What about longer trips?
For your longer trips,
we suggest you reserve a vehicle through Budget Car Rental of Madison.
To make a reservation
with Budget, simply call one of Budget's local market locations
(listed below). Discounted LDW
and underage driver fees are LOCAL ONLY.
Rate discounts are
good NATION WIDE.
Budget has three local
locations that will service Community Car members:
East Side Location
2705 Packers Ave.
Madison, WI 53704
608.242.0429
Hours of Operation:
Mon-Fri 8am-5pm
Sat 9am-3pm
Sun
9am-11am
West Side Location
2233 Eagle Drive
Middleton, WI 53562
608.836.4026
Hours of Operation:
Mon-Fri 7:30am-5pm
Sat 8am-1pm
Sun
Closed
Downtown Location
332 W. Johnson St.
Madison, WI 53703
608.251.2181
Hours of Operation:
Mon-Fri 7am-5:30pm
Sat
9am-1pm
Sun
Closed
After hours service is
also available at the Airport location, 608.241.6075.
Budget Customer
Discount (BCD) Number
Budget has assigned Community
Car members a Budget Customer Discount (BCD) number. Please see
the Member Handbook or call 608.204.0000 for this number.
Community Car
Rental Discounts
A discount of 5% on Daily
rates and 10% on Weekend and Weekly Rates will be automatically
applied.
Coverage
The Liability Damage Waiver
(LDW) is offered at a reduced rate of $16.99/day for economy class
through full size vehicles.
Under Age Fee
Community Car members
under 25 year of age will pay a reduced underage fee of only $10/day
(must be 21 to rent).
Qualifications
All renters must meet
Budget's standard qualification requirements:
- renters must be at least 21 year of age
- renters must have a major credit card ($200 minimum authorization)
- renters must be at least 25 years of age to rent with a debit
card ($500 minimum authorization)renters must have a current valid
driver's license
Q:
Can I purchase a gift certificate?
YES! We can customize
a gift certificate for you - just give us a call at 608.204.0000
or email us so we can
assist you.
Q:
Can I use
carsharing organizations in other cities?
YES! Community Car has
partnered with some of our carsharing friends to make using carsharing
in other cities like Minneapolis, San Francisco, Philadelphia, and
Cleveland possible. Call us at 608.204.0000 for more information.
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