How AutoShare Works
Booking
Driving
Paying your Invoice
Insurance, Damage, Late Returns & Tickets
Cleaning & Maintenance
Miscellaneous
BOOKING
How do I book a vehicle (once I am a member)?
When you decide that you want a vehicle, you can simply log into our online reservation site, from a computer or a smartphone - or call our 24-hour reservation line – to reserve one for the time that you need it. You pick up and return the vehicle to the same parking spot. You have instant, self-serve access through our security system, which means that you don’t need to go to an office every time that you drive a vehicle.
Can I only book a vehicle during regular business hours?
No, cars or vans can be booked 24 hours a day, seven days a week by phone or Internet.
How long in advance must I reserve a vehicle?
You can book on the spur-of-the-moment, or up to 1 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 the more certain you will be of having a vehicle when you need it.
Do I have to go to the office to pick up / drop off a key each time I drive?
No. You will get "self serve" access to our security system that will allow you to access and drive the entire fleet as needed.
How many people do I share my vehicle with?
All AutoShare members have access to all of the cars and vans in the fleet. Although you may usually drive a few specific ones, there may be times when you want a vehicle closer to work, a special type of vehicle or your first choice is not available.
How often can I drive?
You can drive as often – or as little – as you like, no matter which plan you are in.
What is the busiest time of the week?
The busiest time of the week is Saturday, and then Sunday, 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.
How long am I allowed to have a vehicle?
AutoShare cars and vans are available for as little as 1 hour and 30min increments after the first hour, or as long as you would like. (Since weekends are the busiest times, we may limit weekend use on a portion of our fleet.)
And how many times a week can I use it?
As many times as you like
Can I take it for longer trips?
Of course. In fact, we offer an Automatic Discount called the "Daily" rate, which comparable to renting a car for a 24 hr period. AutoShare’s billing system automatically gives you the best price on any trip, and the Daily rate kicks in at about 8 hours or so.
Can I pick up a car from one place, and drop it at another?
No. Vehicles must be returned to the lot they were picked up at.
Can I go out of Province with AutoShare?
Yes, anywhere in Canada or the USA.
Can I go to the USA with an AutoShare car?
Yes.
Can someone who is not a member drive an AutoShare car?
No.
How do I find 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.
Where are the vehicles located?
Please see our Fleet map.
How are fleet locations determined?
AutoShare stations vehicles based on member location, demand, transit access and new member interest. We are regularly growing our fleet to match membership growth.
DRIVING
Can I smoke in the car?
Absolutely not! There are extreme penalties for smoking in an AutoShare vehicle. You will be fined upwards of $250 for smoking.
What kind of vehicles are in the fleet?
AutoShare's fleet is made up of efficient and reliable vehicles like the Mazda 3; Toyota Yaris & Matrix and Honda Fit. Our vans are Dodge Cargo Grand Caravans (cargo & 7-passenger). We also have fun cars like the Mini Cooper and Mini Cooper convertible; and Hybrids like the Toyota Prius and Honda Insight. We buy new vehicles every year to grow the fleet, and replace older models after about 3 to 4 years.
Automatic or stick-shift?
All AutoShare cars are automatic (although some recent vehicles like the Mini Cooper also have a manual-shift option). All have air conditioning, too!
How about gas? Do I have to fill it after every use?
Not necessarily. Members are responsible for ensuring the tank is at least half full for the next user. There is an Esso Gas Card in Comunit, which members can use to fill the tank up to full. The card works for purchases of Windsheild Wiper Fluid too. We do remind members that purchases at the pump are not supported and can only be done via cashier inside the station. For more information on using the Esso Gas card and/or how to submit reimbursements from other gas stations, please visit our Gas Cardpage.
How do I get into an AutoShare vehicle?
Members have 24-hour “self-serve” access to our vehicles through our security system. Once you have made a reservation, you can gain access and be driving in an instant.
How do I get the keys?
You will get the keys at the car through our self-serve security system.
PAYING YOUR INVOICE
How do I pay?
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 of month, we will send you an invoice for the previous month.
What is "Pay-As-You-Drive"
Our Pay-As-You-Drive system bills members' credit card after every trip that they take. They will still get a detailed statement of driving, and payments, the following month. Please review our payment policy here.
INSURANCE, DAMAGE, LATE RETURNS, TICKETS
How does the insurance work?
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 just as if they were driving a personally-owned vehicle. If the member is deemed not to be at-fault, then there are no costs to be paid.
Is there any way to have a $0 deductible? Maybe via my credit card?
The standard deductible for damage to AutoShare vehicles is $750 (if the member is deemed to be ‘at fault’). Remember you can be responsible to damage for ‘bad luck’ like having a rock hit the windshield or getting ‘hit and run’ in a parking lot.
AutoShare provides you with options to reduce your deductible to $0:
Members with eligible Canadian Gold or Platinum VISA cards can take advantage of the provided $0 Deductible Collision Damage Insurance.
To enroll, please download the VISA Zero Deductible form and either mail or fax (416.340.0080) it back to us.
AutoShare members with eligible Gold or Platinum Canadian MasterCards from Citi, CapitalONE, MBNA and Bank of Montreal Mosaik can take advantage of the provided $0 Deductible Collision Damage Insurance.
To enroll, please download the MasterCard Zero Deductible form and either mail or fax (416.340.0080) it back to us.
Are there other ways to have a $0 deductible?
Yes. Members can pay a $65 annual fee to have their collision damage deductible reduced to $0. To enroll, please sign up via My Account and the Summary tab in the AutoShare reservation site.
To review your deductible status, select 'My Account' on the regular reservation screen
And, I build an Insurance Record?
Members are considered to have been continually covered by AutoShare’s policy for the purposes of getting personal auto insurance. We can provide you with a Letter of Insurance Coverage from our insurance company certifying your coverage history with AutoShare. This is an important consideration because when a car is given up for a period of time, and later there’s a need to acquire another, insurance coverage is often charged at a higher rate – as if one had never had car insurance. This coverage only applied to members who have been with AutoShare for 6+ months and does NOT apply to employee-drivers on a corporate account, nor members without Canadian drivers liscences.
How do we keep track of damage?
The members actually cross-check each other with a visual inspection before and after use.
What if I get a ticket or towed?
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 have to pay for it. If the car is towed or impounded while it is out in your name, you will have to pay for the costs incurred.
What happens if I return a car late?
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. We suggest you book extra time..., just in case!
What If I have a problem to report?
Our 24 hour Reservation and Emergency hotline is always available to help you with any issue affecting the vehicle or reservation.
CLEANING & MAINTENANCE
How are the cars maintained?
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.
Do I have to clean the cars?
That depends on what you’ve done with the car. The cars will be cleaned on a regular basis by AutoShare, but if you’ve made a mess, you’ll have to clean it. AutoShare will reimburse you for the cost (and some of your time) to take it to a car wash.
MISCELLANEOUS
Can I smoke in the car?
Absolutely not! There are extreme penalties for smoking in an AutoShare vehicle. You will be fined upwards of $250 for smoking.
Can I use a car for work-related tasks?
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, NGOs and service firms (architects, engineers, accountants etc...) will find this service a good way to reduce overhead costs.
Can my company join AutoShare?
Yes - for companies with more than 2 drivers, please take a look at our Corporate & NGO rates. |