Welcome to Community Car

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.

Membership

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.

Cars and Parking

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.

Using the Cars

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.

Miscellaneous

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.

No Answer?

Submit your question to

info@communitycar.com

No Answer?

Submit your question to

info@communitycar.com