Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ

How CarShare Works

What is a CarShare and how does it work?
Booking
Driving
Paying your Invoice
Insurance, Damage, Late Returns & Tickets
Cleaning & Maintenance
Miscellaneous

Is it carpooling?
No. Carpooling is commuting to work, sharing a ride in one person’s car, from home to work, and back at the end of the day. It is a great way to reduce the numbr of cars on the road and share te expense of a daily commute.

Car Sharing is not economical for daily commuting because one would need to pay for the car all the time you were at work! If however you carpool into Halifax and find at times you need a car to get around town during the day, a CarShareHFX membership will provide easy affordable access to the mobility you require.

Is it ridesharing?
No. In ridesharing a driver in his own car gives a ride to someone else often in exchange for sharing the expense of the trip.

There are many excellent carpooling and ridesharing resources on the Web. The following have active listings for Nova Scotia.
Ridesharing in HRM
HRMSmartTrip.ca
Kijiji Halifax carpool & ride share
Zimride
Zimride on facebook

Is it friends sharing use of a car?
No. A carshare is a business with customers who may not know each other. If you borrow a friend's car you will specify the time period you need it – when you will return it, and you are likely to amply replenish the gas tank as a thank you. Car Sharing is very similar both in cost and the reservation requirement.

Is it a co-op?
Not necessarily. Some successful CarShares are co-op corporations, some are not-for-profits, some are private, for profit corporations, and some are parts of a public transit system.

What is CarSharing?
CarSharing provides cars to members by the hour. Members are pre-qualified, provided a way to reserve cars in the CarShare's fleet and a way to get use of the cars for their reserved time. They pay only for what they use.

What is "shared" in Car Sharing?
The use of cars is shared in the same way a Movie DVD from a video rental store or books from a library are shared. A member can check out a car and have exclusive use of it for a while. And then they put it back, and the next person can use it and so on. Users share a responsibility to treat what they borrow with care, follow the lending rules and to pay for their use.

Tell me about Car Sharing technology.
Car Sharing technology has two parts - the booking and billing system and the in-car control system. The booking and billing system uses the Internet to connect CarShare members to a sophisticated reservation system. You can get to it yourself through any computer with an Internet connection or you can talk by phone or in our office to a human who can use the online system for you.

BOOKING (Reserving a car)

Do I have to book a car to use it?
How do I book a car?
Can I only book a vehicle during regular business hours?
How long in advance?
Can I get a car for just 20 minutes?
Can I take it for longer trips?
What is the busiest time of the week?
How many members in a household can book cars for the same time?
How often can I book?
One way trips?
If I book it but don't drive it?
What if I cancel the reservation?

Do I have to book a car to use it?
Absolutely. Each car's onboard computer is told by the reservation system which CarShareHFX member to expect and when. It will only unlock the car when it reads the scheduled Member's ID key. You can't get into a car not reserved for your use. You can't start if you did get in. And you can't get in early, even if it's right there, waiting.

How do I book a vehicle (once I am a member)?
When you decide that you want a vehicle, you can log into our online reservation site - 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, 365 days a year by phone or Internet.

How long in advance must I reserve a vehicle?
You can often book on the spur-of-the-moment. Or planning way ahead, you can book up to 1 year in advance. There is no standard or required time frame to arrange for a vehicle. Half are booked on the same day that they're taken. However, since our system takes member's bookings in a first-come first-served order, the further in advance a particular car is booked the more certain you will be of having it when you need it.

Can I get a car for just 20 minutes?
Your minimum booking is one hour, and goes up in half hour chunks. Certainly, you could take it and return it in 20 minutes, but you'd be billed for an hour. If you return it more than a half-hour early and let our system know the car is back and available you'd get a credit if another member makes use of your unused time. CarShareHFX cars and vans are available for as little as 1 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.)

Can I take it for longer trips?
Certainly. In fact, we offer an Automatic Discount called the "Daily" rate, which costs about the same as renting a car for a 24 hr period at peak times. CarShareHFX's billing system automatically gives you the best price on any trip, and the Daily rate kicks in at about 8 hours or so.

For multi-day or week-long trips a rental car from one of our partner companies offering our members a corporate discount rate may well cost less than using a CarShareHFX car. Renting would leave our vehicle in town and available for several shorter trips by a number of members in the same period. And of course if someone has the car booked already for one hour in the middle of that trip you'd like to make, you can't book it.

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 some vehicles available during these periods, they may not be the ones closest to you. It is always a good idea to book as soon as you know that you want to drive.

Two in my household are Members. Can we book cars for the same time?
Yes. Any member can book a car when they want, if it's available. So most of the time your household has no cars, but if needed two, three or four household members could book their own car for the same times.

How often can I book a CarShareHFX vehicle, how many times a day or week can I use one?
You can make reservations and drive as often - or as little - as you like. Two hours in the morning, one at noon, from 9 PM to midnight... 10 days a month. Or just once, every third month.

Can I book a one-way trip?
No. All cars have a home location, and their trips start and end there.

If I booked a car but didn't drive it?
If you didn't let us know you were doing that, you'd pay for the time.

What if I cancel the reservation?
If you cancel your reservation:
•   3 hours before the time of your reservation, there is no charge or penalty.
•   after 3 hours before your reservation start time, you will be charged 50% of the reserved time, (unless another member books the car).
•   after the your reservation start time you will be charged the full amount.

DRIVING

Can anyone else drive the car?
Do I have to go to the CarShareHFX office to get keys or the car?
How many people do I share with?
Can I pick up a car from one place, and drop it at another?
Can I go out of Province with CarShareHFX?

Can I let anyone else drive the car?
No. If we learn that you did so, we will immediately cancel your membership and assess your account a large Courtesy fee. Extreme circumstances – a suddenly emergency medical condition- a heart attack – might modify this.

Can I pick up a car from one place, and drop it at another?
No. Vehicles must be returned to the spot where you picked it up.

Can I take the car outside Nova Scotia?
Yes, anywhere in Canada. Of course the car has to be available for that length of trip when you book it, and it will probably be less expensive to rent from one of our partner car rental companies.

Can someone who is not a Member drive a CarShareHFX car?
No.

How do I find a CarShareHFX 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 Locations map.

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

What kind of vehicles are in the fleet?
CarShareHFX's fleet is primarily great, efficient vehicles like the Toyota Matrix; Honda Fit hatchbacks. Our micro vans is a KIA Rondo and we have a Prius. We will also have fun cars like the Mini Cooper and Mini Cooper convertible; and Smart Cars and Honda Civic. We buy new vehicles every year to grow the fleet, and replace older models after about 4 to 6 years. (To see more on the models, click here.)

Automatic or stick-shift?
All CarShareHFX cars have automatic transmissions. 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. If the gas level gets to 'half', the member fills the tank and submits the receipt to CarShareHFX to have the cost deducted from their monthly bill.

How do I get into a CarShareHFX vehicle?
Once you have made a reservation, you can gain access and be driving in an instant. Members have 24-hour "self-serve" access to our vehicles using each member's personal CarShareHFX RFID fob. Place the fob by the sensor in the front window, and the on-board computer will unlock the car doors and the ignition interlock.

How do I get the keys?
The ignition key remains in the car, secured by a lanyard. Without a reservation and the matching member's efob the ignition is disabled.

PAYING YOUR INVOICE

How do I pay?
The preferred method is with a credit card that is charged directly or for workplaces, monthly. CarShareHFX will accept other payment modes, but handling fees may be added and security deposits required.

How much do I pay?
Each trip's cost is based on an hourly rate and distance driven. Our basic rates include a per-trip allowance of 150 km. (We have Automatic Discounts like Daily rates and overnight rates, too.) Early each month, we will send you a detailed statement for the previous month, showing trips and their costs, any Courtesy charges, fuel adjustment credit/charge, usage credits, and HST.

What are the payment options?
Our Household Membership account options are PayAsYouGo and PrePaid Balances. Workplace Membership accounts can also opt for Monthly credit card Auto-Pay accounts. We can accommodate Households without a credit card, and businesses wanting commercial credit terms: security deposits may be required and/or service charges may apply. Please enquire. All accounts get a detailed monthly statement of driving, charges and payments early the following month.

INSURANCE, DAMAGE, LATE RETURNS, TICKETS

How does the insurance work?
CarShareHFX purchases insurance under a fleet plan from a major insurance company 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 CarShareHFX vehicles.

In the event of an at-fault accident, the member at fault is responsible for the 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 Deductibles
Our 2008 insurance policy has a $2,500 collision and comprehensive deductible for at-fault events. CarShareHFX Household members pay the first $1,500 of this. Business Members pay the whole $2,500.

Is there any way to have a lower deductible?
Yes.
•   Members can pay an annual CarShareHFX Insurance fee and we reduce the deductible you'd pay in an at-fault accident to $500.
•   If members have other vehicle insurance coverage that offers a lower deductible they may be able to waive our policy's Collision and Comprehensive coverage. Please enquire.
•   Many premium credit cards offer zero-deductible collision coverage as a cardholder benefit.

Zero deductible through my credit card?
Many premium (annual renewal fee) credit cards these days provide insurance to cardholders when they rent a car. CarShareHFX is able to have this insurance available to members who pay their full invoice with an eligible premium credit cards. Eligible cards provide you with a $0 deductible in the event of an accident: some of the card policies do not cover glass damage or use of a pickup truck or full-size van.

The CarShareHFX Insurance Fee?
Yes, CarShareHFX offers members a $500 deductible option, by paying a $100 annual renewal fee (Households) or $150 (Workplace Accounts).

Can I build an Insurance Record being a CarShareHFX driver?
Members are considered to have been continually covered by CarShareHFX'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 CarShareHFX. This can be an important consideration for members who might want to insure a car of their own in the future. This record of insurance is available to all Members (drivers).

How do we keep track of damage to or mistreatment of our cars?
The members actually cross-check each other with a visual inspection before and after use. If you don't check and report previously unrecorded damage or messes that happened before you started your trip, and the next driver does, you'll be the one paying for repairs, for cleaning of cat hair, and all related costs.

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?
CarShareHFX's system works well because people bring the car back on time. Like a parking ticket, CarShareHFX fines members who are late, to discourage this behaviour. You will be charged for the method in which we find another available car for the member, for example, a taxi to the nearest vehicle.

What If I have a problem to report?
Our 24 hour customer centre is always available to help you with any issue affecting the vehicle or reservation.

CLEANING & MAINTENANCE

How are the cars maintained?
CarShareHFX 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 CarShareHFX, but if you've made a mess, you'll have to clean it. If you leave it a mess, you will be assessed for the cleaning costs and a Courtesy charge.

MISCELLANEOUS

Can I smoke in the car?
No.

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 CarShareHFX statement documents 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 CarShareHFX?
Yes - for companies with more than 2 drivers, please take a look at our Workplace Memberships.

JOINING: Criteria, Costs & 30-day Guarantee

1. Be at least 21 years old
2. Have held a valid drivers license for at least three years;
3. Currently hold a NS class 5 license or an equivalent;
4. No speeding convictions 40km above speed limit within last 3 years
5. Maximum 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.

How much does it cost to join?
See Fees and Rates

What is a Household Membership Account?
It is a single responsible bill payer and up to 6 drivers who are added to the account by the responsible person.

What's the "30 Day Trial Period" Money-back Guarantee?
CarShareHFX's "30 Day Trial Period" means that you can give our service a try for 30 days. If you find that it doesn't work for you, you can get a full refund of your Membership Fee and Deposit (although your Application fee is non-refundable, and any referral or other driving credits will be reversed, including any credits to another member as part of the referral).

Do I need a credit card to join?
No. But if you don't you will be required to use our PrePaid Balance Plan AND make a $250 Security deposit. You make payments to your account, and then use these credits to pay for your reservations as you drive. Without money in your account, you cannot drive. You can fill out our application for membership online, and we'll contact you about your payment options.

Can I join with a Drivers License from outside of Nova Scotia?
Yes - You can apply with a License from another Province, or the USA. (For more details, click here.)

For many jurisdictions we can check your record online. If our system does not have access, it will let us know and we will contact you about the steps you need to take.

1. Complete an Application online OR download an Application PDF here, then print, fill it out, and mail or bring it in to our office. (Online is preferable.)
2. We will obtain your Driver's Abstract, check it against our insurance criteria, and notify you within 2 business days.
3. You take our new members orientation, get your Member's ID, Drivers Handbook and RFID efob.

How long does it take to join?
From Application to driving usually takes about 2 business days

IS IT FOR ME?

Will a car be available every time?
In the real world, carshares elsewhere have maintained a fulfillment rate of 95%, 19 times out of 20. Access to the entire fleet helps ensure that you can usually get a car to meet your needs, although it may not be your first choice. You may have to adjust your plan's timing.

How much money can I save by joining?
Your savings by joining depends directly on how much you drive. Most members spend spend less on CarShareHFX than they did on insurance alone. We believe that if you don't drive to work everyday, you will save money with CarShareHFX. For more information on how much you can save, visit our Compare Scenarios page.

Why would anyone leave CarShareHFX?
Darn good question. CarShares elsewhere report about 20% customer-turnover in a typical year. (For every 5 people that join, 1 leaves.)

Toronto's AutoShare reported their experience, asked people why they left:
26% Moving out of town
20% Acquired car (e.g. spouse, inherited etc.)
17% Misc. (not related to service quality/cost)
15% Lifestyle has become completely car-free
12% Had to buy car for new job
10% AutoShare was too expensive
  3% AutoShare didn't work for me
  2% Were asked to leave due to inconsiderate behaviour

What are the benefits of Car Sharing?
- For Members – it means low cost access to a car when you really need one, without the whole debt load of owning and hassles of car maintenance.
- 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.

Are there other car sharing organizations?
Yes, there are car sharing organizations throughout Europe and North America, with new ones launching all the time. For Canada, you'll find an up-to-date list at CarSharing.ca

Rates & Payment

How much does insurance cost?
CarShareHFX does not sell extra per trip insurance: our fleet insurance covers members with better coverage than any rental car company provides. We do offer members a reduced deductible option for an annual renewal fee.

Can I switch Plans?
Yes, you can switch your Payment Plan anytime (changes take effect the next month).

What is "PayAsYouGo"
Some of our Members may have chosen to use our PayAsYouGo system, which bills their credit card after every trip that they take. They will still get a detailed statement of driving, and payments, including any amounts still owing the following month.

How does the PrePaid Balance Plan work?
You add money to your CarShareHFX account, and "spend" to make trips. You can't reserve a trip if your balance won't cover the estimated (time) cost - you'll have to top up the account beforehand. You can top-up on line with a credit card, or you could make a cash payment at the office, write a check, ...

What other fees are involved?
If you have been a responsible and courteous driver, none. CarShareHFX does have a system of late fines, similar to parking tickets, to encourage members to respect their reservations. Please see your Membership Terms and Conditions and the Driver's Manual found in the glove compartment of each of our vehicles.

Can baby seats be used in the cars?
Yes. Child seat anchors are installed in all cars.

And what about bike racks?
CarShareHFX does not yet have a system for storing and borrowing bike racks.

Can I bring my pet in a car?
Yes, but all pets must be in a pet carrier when they are in any of our cars. Please note we do NOT have any cars that are designated Pet Free at this time.

CarShare for Workplaces (Corporations, NGOs & Government)

How much does CarShareHFX-for-Business cost?
Workplace Memberships are $ 300. a year and there is a one time $50. application fee. CarShareHfX working to support the community offers preferential pricing (up to 25% off) on memberships for NGOs and Non-Profit groups.

Can employees drive for personal trips?
CarShareHFX leaves it up to the organization to sort out what kind of access their employees have (like a cell phone or credit card). They are certainly welcome to take personal trips and reimburse the company. We offer a employee incentive to join for only $150 for a Household membership to any employees who are associated with a Workplace or Corporate Membership account.