You can book on the spur-of-the-moment, or up to one year in advance. There is no standard or required time frame to arrange for a vehicle (50% of trips are booked on the same day that they’re taken). However, the further in advance you book, the more certain you will be of having a vehicle when you need it.

You can drive as often – or as little – as you like, no matter which plan you are in.

The busiest time of the week is Saturday 10am – 4pm followed by Sunday from 10am - 4pm. Although we usually have vehicles available during these periods, it may not be the closest vehicle to you. It is always a good idea to book as soon as you know that you want to drive.

AutoShare cars and vans are available for as little as 1 hour, or as long as you would like.

As many times as you like.

Of course. In fact, we offer an Automatic Discount called the “Daily” rate, which is comparable to renting a car for a 24hr period. AutoShare’s billing system automatically gives you the best price on any trip, and the daily rate kicks in at approximately 8 hours.

No. Vehicles must be returned to the lot they were they are picked up.

Yes, AutoShare vehicles can go anywhere in Canada or the USA.

Yes.

No, only drivers approved as a driver on an account can drive an AutoShare vehicle.

Your online confirmation contains the exact vehicle location and a map of the neighbourhood. Members also have access to a detailed map and fleet list showing this information, which can be printed for easy reference.

AutoShare stations vehicles based on member location, demand, transit access and new member interest. We are regularly growing our fleet to match membership growth.

AutoShare's fleet is primarily great, efficient vehicles like the Mazda 3; Toyota Yaris & Matrix, Honda Fit, Nissan Cube and many more. Our vans are Dodge Cargo Grand Caravans (Cargo & 7-passenger). We also have Hybrids like the Toyota Prius and Honda Insight and Electric Vehicles/Plug-in Hybrids like the Toyota Prius, Chevy Volt, Nissan Leaf and Mitsubishi Imiev. We buy new vehicles every year to grow the fleet, and replace older models after about three to four years. The vehicles currently in Mississauga are the Toyota Prius and the Mazda 3.

All AutoShare cars are automatic (although some recent vehicles have a manual-shift option). All have air conditioning, too!

Not necessarily. Members are responsible for ensuring the tank is at least half full for the next user. If the gas level gets to 'half', the member uses an Esso gas card within the ComUnit to fill the tank back up to full. A personalized pin is issued to each gas card, which will appear on the ComUnit once pulled from the system. The gas card must be returned to the ComUnit after each use.

Members have 24-hour, self-serve access to our vehicles through our security system via an access card. Once you have made a reservation, you can gain access and be driving in an instant.

You do not need a key to get into AutoShare vehicles. Once a member, you receive an access card that you place on the windshield, which tells the ComUnit to unlock the door. You press the card on the same spot to lock the doors as well.

AutoShare purchases insurance under a fleet plan that includes All Perils (Collision and Comprehensive), Third Party Liability ($2,000,000), Accident Benefits, Uninsured Automobile Coverage, and Family Protection Endorsement. All members are fully insured when they are driving AutoShare vehicles. In the event of an at-fault accident, the member at fault is responsible for the $750 deductible and out-of-service costs just as if she were driving a personally-owned vehicle. If the member is deemed not to be at-fault, then there are no costs to be paid.

The members actually cross-check each other with a visual inspection before and after use. For reference, there is a damage diagram available in each vehicle in the Drive Guide.

Car sharing is about sharing the costs and access to a vehicle. It is not about sharing responsibility for infraction costs. If you get a speeding, parking or other car related ticket, you’ll, as a member, have to pay for it. If the vehicle is towed or impounded while it is out in your name, you will have to pay for the costs incurred.

AutoShare’s system works well because people bring the car back on time. Like a parking ticket, AutoShare fines members who are late to discourage this behaviour. If a member knows they will be late to return the vehicle, AutoShare urges members to call 416.840.4444 to let Member Services know of the late return. This way, we can coordinate with the next reservation.

Our 24 hour customer centre is always available to help you with any issue affecting the vehicle or reservation.

AutoShare maintains a schedule of regular maintenance and inspections to be sure the cars are in good working order. You never have to worry about a thing.

No.

Yes, some members will use a car strictly for work-related tasks, in which case the AutoShare invoice represents a business expense. Self-employed consultants, NGO’s and service firms (architects, engineers, accountants etc.) will find this service a good way to reduce overhead costs.

Yes , please take a look at our rates to decide the best plan for you.

To be an AutoShare driver you need to:

1. Be at least 21 years old;
2. Have held a valid drivers license for at least three years;
3. Currently hold a full class “G” license or an equivalent;
4. No speeding convictions 40km above speed limit within last 3 years;
5. Maximum of 4 minor driving infractions within last 3 years (6 points maximum);
6. No more than one (1) at-fault accident in the previous five years;
7. Have no careless driving or criminal driving charges.

• $29 Insurance Approval Fee per driver only for the first 10 drivers ($290 maximum) + HST
• A one-time $100 Membership Fee + HST

Yes - You may be eligible for membership if you can provide proof of a minimum of 3 years driving experience, and if you meet all the other qualifications of membership.

Proof of experience can be either of the following:

1. Obtain written authentication of three years, or more, foreign driving experience from the originating licensing agency, or from the Embassy, Consulate or High Commissioners' offices representing the jurisdiction. The authentication letter must be on official letterhead and be written in either English or French. It must be dated and cannot be more than 6 months old. If the Authentication Letter is in a language other than English or French, it must be accompanied by a Letter of Translation from a qualified translator.
2. Alternately, our insurer may accept your previous insurance history (proof of insurance), a document from your insurance company ensuring that you were covered for a minimum of 3 continuous years and listing any claims you may have had. The coverage must be recent and the policy cannot have ended more than 2 months ago. Please note, that depending on the information provided by your insurer, you may need to supply additional documentation to be approved.

Please print out the application and mail or fax it in to us with the above documentation and a clear photocopy of your drivers license. (416 340 0080 - 26 Soho St., Suite 203, Toronto, ON M5T 1Z7)

The Government of Ontario does require residents to obtain an Ontario drivers license after 60 days of residency. If you would rather switch to an Ontario license, and then apply to become a member, the Ontario government should count your past experience as part of your driving record. If this is the case, Ontario should fast-track you to obtain a full G license straight away. Drivers from most countries outside of Canada will be required to take a written test and an in-car road test in order to obtain an Ontario license. Click here.

Drivers from Austria, Germany, Japan, Republic of Korea, Switzerland, or United States of America* are considered to have reciprocal licenses and should be able to obtain an Ontario license without a road test if they can show 2 or More Years of Driving Experience within the Last Three Years (AutoShare's requirement is 3 years of experience for our insurer's approval). Check here for the documentation you will need when exchanging your license. If you have a license from a reciprocal country and 3 or More Years of Driving Experience, we recommend that you go to the College Park Driver and Vehicle Licence Issuing Offices, located in College Park, Market Level, 777 Bay Street, Toronto M5G 2C8 (South-east corner of Bay and College).

Hours of operation are Mon to Fri 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. This office is operated by ServiceOntario. *Please note: applicants from Illinois, New Jersey and Vermont must provide a driving abstract dated within 6 months.

1. Complete our Application form
2. Fax or email the form back to AutoShare at (416) 340-0080 or applications@autoshare.com

A complete business application usually takes between 2 to 3 business days

Access to the entire fleet helps ensure that you can usually access a car to meet your needs, although it may not be your first choice. We strive to have a car available for all reservations, however it is not guaranteed.

Yes – it’s cheaper than renting for periods less than 24 hours. AutoShare is designed for trips that last a matter of hours, life’s everyday errands. BUT, AutoShare is NOT designed to be the cheapest rental car agency in town. We do offer members Automatic Discounts on longer trips, which are comparable to the cost of renting. Remember, insurance and gas is included in our prices.

Your savings by joining depends directly on how much you drive. Most members spend less on AutoShare than they did on the previous method of providing employees with the ability to use a car for work related trips. And of course, AutoShare is the most affordable car sharing provider in Toronto.

For more information on how much you can save visit our Comparing Prices page.

No. Only members with a personal account build an insurance record with AutoShare. If you leave the service, we can provide you with a letter of coverage from our insurance company ($50), although this does not apply to employee-drivers of corporate accounts. This only applies to members who have been with AutoShare for 6+ months and for those who have a Canadian driver's license.

• For Members – it means low cost access to a car when people need it. Car Sharing provides one of the cheapest alternatives to taxi's and personal travel reimbursements.
• For the Environment – it means improved air quality, reduced greenhouse gases and eventually, less asphalt.
• For our Communities – it means safer streets, more support for transit, less traffic congestion and better mobility for everyone, especially low income earners.

Yes, there are car sharing organizations throughout Europe and North America, with new organizations occasionally launching. For Canada, you’ll find an up-to-date list at CarSharing.ca

$0 – all insurance & gas costs are included. There is a $750 deductible (personal memberships) if your driver is deemed at fault by insurance, or opt for a $0 deductible for your drivers, by paying an extra annual fee (contact AutoShare for more information at 416.340.7888 X4497 & X4498). Corporate accounts can opt for a $0 deductible option by paying $20/employee driver annually.

Longer trips are eligible for Automatic Discounts (flat rates), saving you up to 55%. The lowest rate for each trip will always be applied, meaning sometimes it's cheaper to pay for 24 hours even if you only drive for 8 hours - but travel a great distance.

Each trip's cost is based on the time and distance driven, with rates based on the Rate Plan that you have selected. At the start of every month, we will send you an invoice for the previous month.

Our Pay-As-You-Drive system bills the member organizations' credit card after every trip that their drivers take. The organization will still get a detailed statement of driving, and payments, the following month. Please review our payment policy here. Eligible organizations can request once-a-month charges instead of pay-as-you-drive, please contact us for more information 416.340.7888 X4497 or X4498

If your drivers are responsible and courteous, there are no fees. AutoShare does have a system of late fines, similar to parking tickets, to encourage members to respect their reservations. Please see our Terms and Conditions.

Each trip's cost is based on the time and distance driven, with rates based on the Rate Plan that you have selected. (We have Automatic Discounts like Daily rates and overnight rates, too.) At the start of every month, we will send you an invoice for the previous month.

Yes. We currently have child seat anchors installed in all cars.

AutoShare does not yet have a system for storing and borrowing bike racks.

Yes, 80% of our cars are 'Pet Accessible' but you must use a pet carrier, dog blanket etc. and vacuum as necessary. All cars must be treated with respect and there should never be any sign of your pet when your trip is finished. Please note that about 20% are Pet Free, and no pets may be brought with you.