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Affordable rental car service offers cars for drivers young as 18

Zipcar, a car-sharing company, has the slogan “Wheels where you want them,” and the service it provides does just that. Zipcar allows an opportunity to access a variety of cars, from sedans to hybrids, for rent. The idea is to provide quick access to a vehicle without need to invest in an actual car.
FGCU has recently taken a ride with this company to allow students easy access to a vehicle.
The subscription for the service is $7 per month or $70 a year, then there’s an $8 to $10 per hour driving rate. FGCU has two cars located in the parking lot outside of the Cohen Center available for use by students, faculty and staff, as well as other members of the community.
Marisa Gleavey, a freshman, did not know about the on-campus service and neither did her friend, Sephora Saint Pierre, who is also a freshman.
“If the cars are available, then, it’s definitely something I would do,” Gleavey said.
All it takes to join is to register online. If attending a university or college, the minimum renting age for Zipcar is 18. A valid driver’s license and agreement to the terms and conditions of the company’s member application and agreement are also required. Within seven to 10 days, a Zipcard will come in the mail, which is the access card to these vehicles. The Zipcard works as the Zipcar’s keys. To operate, hold the card up to the windshield of the vehicle reserved, wait a couple seconds, and the car will unlock. By using the online site or the app, vehicles can be reserved for a certain date, time and duration of use.
Some cool perks of using Zipcar is that you don’t pay for gas, and the cars have 24/7 road assistance available every day of the year. Additionally, if the membership contract is followed, Zipcar provides third-party auto liability coverage and personal-injury protection.
Zipcar is a smart, fast and convenient mode of transportation, especially in a university setting. Thanks to Katie Leone, the environmental stewardship and sustainability coordinator, FGCU students and staff get access to both a Ford C-Max Hybrid and a Ford Escape 24/7, every day of the week through Zipcar. Take a ride to the easy side of renting a car without the strings that come with owning one.
To register and learn more about Zipcar at FGCU, visit zipcar.com/fgcu.

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