Zipcar vs cost of owning a car

Is Zipcar cheaper than owning a car?

With the cost of private car ownership rising, owning a car in 2025 is more expensive than ever. This is especially unpleasant to think about when you realise that most of the time cars sit unused.

With Zipcar, members pay for what and when they drive, and nothing more: no parking, no maintenance, and no insurance. Zipcar members save over £2,765 a year* compared to owning a car.

How does Zipcar stack up against traditional car ownership?

Let's compare the typical costs of owning a car in London to hiring a Zipcar. Note that these are average figures based on a petrol Vauxhall Corsa, and costs can vary depending on individual circumstances and location. The following numbers are based on using a Zipcar once a week and being on our Plus membership plan.

	Owning	Zipcar
Buying a car	£18,000	Included
Depreciation	15% (£2,796) per year	-
Insurance	£800	Included
Parking permit	£147	Designated Parking Bays or Flex Zone
Fuel	£868	Included
Tax	£175	Included
Repair and Services	£500	Included
ULEZ	£650**	Included
MOT	£600***	Included
Breakdown costs	£200	Included
Total Annual Costs	£3,939	£1,174*

*Zipcar members in the UK on a Plus plan, taking a trip once a week for around three hours, could save around £2,765 a year compared to owning a car. Calculations of costs and savings were completed in January 2025, and can be found via the sources at the bottom of this page.
**Based on driving through the zone once a week
***After 3 years of ownership

So there you have it - Zipcar can be significantly cheaper, especially for those who don’t need a car every day. And yes - it could save you £2,765 a year!

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What are Zipcar advantages?

1. Flexibility and Convenience

With our easy app, Zipcar offers convenience at your fingertips! Need a small car for a quick trip to the shops? Sorted. Planning a weekend getaway with friends and needing an SUV or van to move? We’ve got you covered! With our two different booking types, Roundtrip and Flex, you can get a high level of flexibility.

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2. All-Inclusive Pricing: No Hidden Surprises

No hidden costs, our app is your way to lead the road! With Roundtrip, the price you see when you book is the price you pay – no hidden fees or extra charges. For Flex, you simply pay by the minute, hour, or day, depending on how long you use the car.

Also, Zipcar includes fuel, insurance, vehicle tax, maintenance, and parking in the price. A 24/7 breakdown cover is included, too! This means no unexpected bills for repairs, insurance renewals, or fuel price hikes. Isn’t that great?

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3. Environmental Impact: Zipcar for a Greener Future

Zipcar includes Electric Vehicle (EV) hiring options in its fleet. By renting an EV Zipcar, you can contribute to a reduced London carbon footprint compared to driving a traditional petrol or diesel car. Zipcar's EVs are also suitable for longer journeys and can comfortably carry multiple passengers, click here to meet our EV fleets.

The Verdict:

While car ownership might make sense for some, Zipcar offers a car-owning alternative for many Londoners. Its flexibility and convenience, transparent pricing policy and great inclusions, make it a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to get around London. So, next time you need a car, consider renting a Zipcar!