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Zipcar Refund Policy

Last verified: 2026-03-20

Official Zipcar PolicyVerified

support.zipcar.com/hc/en-us/articles/220623227-Are-there-any-fees-if-I-cancel-or-shorten-my-booking

Summary

Zipcar offers refunds within Initial membership fee is refundable if membership is terminated within the first thirty (30) days following membership approval. Reservation cancellations for trips less than 8 hours require at least 3 hours' notice before the scheduled start time. Reservation cancellations for trips 8 hours or longer require at least 24 hours' notice before the scheduled start time. Reservations can be fully refunded if canceled within 30 minutes of creation. Out-of-pocket expense reimbursement requests must be submitted within 30 days of purchase.. Processing time: Varies — contact provider for estimated timeline. Refund methods include remaining balances on an account upon cancellation will be credited to the credit or debit card on file. and refunds for canceled reservations are issued to the original payment method.. Initial membership fees are only refundable if membership is terminated within the first thirty (30) days following membership approval; certain restrictions apply..

Refund Window

Initial membership fee is refundable if membership is terminated within the first thirty (30) days following membership approval. Reservation cancellations for trips less than 8 hours require at least 3 hours' notice before the scheduled start time. Reservation cancellations for trips 8 hours or longer require at least 24 hours' notice before the scheduled start time. Reservations can be fully refunded if canceled within 30 minutes of creation. Out-of-pocket expense reimbursement requests must be submitted within 30 days of purchase.

Processing Time

Varies — contact provider for estimated timeline

Refund Method

Remaining balances on an account upon cancellation will be credited to the credit or debit card on file.

How to Get a Refund — Step by Step

  1. 1To cancel membership: Call 1-866-4ZIPCAR or log in to your Zipcar account on the website/app, navigate to 'My Account', select your membership plan, and click 'Cancel Membership' (confirming twice).
  2. 2To cancel or shorten a reservation for a refund: Modify your booking within the required advance notice period (e.g., 30 minutes of creation, 3 hours before for trips <8hrs, 24 hours before for trips >=8hrs).
  3. 3To request reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses: Call Zipcar to authorize the expense prior to purchase (excluding fuel). For fuel issues, report through the mobile app. Submit a reimbursement request with eligible receipts within 30 days of purchase.
  4. 4Upon membership cancellation, if a remaining balance is on the account, it will be credited to the credit card on file.

When You Can Get a Refund

  • Initial membership fees are only refundable if membership is terminated within the first thirty (30) days following membership approval; certain restrictions apply.
  • Monthly payments for monthly renewing plans are non-refundable.
  • Driving record/insurance verification, application, and similar fees are non-refundable.
  • For reservations less than 8 hours, cancellation less than 3 hours before the start time obligates the member to pay the entire original reservation amount.
  • For reservations 8 hours or longer, cancellation less than 24 hours before the start time obligates the member to pay the full amount of the reservation, up to one daily rate.
  • Trips ended early are not eligible for a prorated refund for unused time.
  • For out-of-pocket expense reimbursements, expenses must be authorized by calling Zipcar beforehand (except for fuel expenses).
  • Out-of-pocket expense reimbursement requests require valid receipts showing date, time, and amount of purchase, submitted within 30 days.
  • Hand-written or digitally altered receipts are not accepted for reimbursements.
  • Uber Drivers are not eligible for fuel reimbursements.

All Refund Methods

  • Remaining balances on an account upon cancellation will be credited to the credit or debit card on file.
  • Refunds for canceled reservations are issued to the original payment method.
  • Eligible out-of-pocket expenses are reimbursed.

Partial Refunds

  • No prorated refunds are provided for trips ended early.
  • Monthly membership payments are non-refundable.
  • Application fees, driving record/insurance verification fees, and similar fees are non-refundable.
  • Late cancellation of reservations may result in being charged for the full original reservation amount or up to one daily rate, rather than a partial refund.

Dispute Process

  • Disputes regarding the membership contract may be resolved through arbitration conducted before one commercial arbitrator from the American Arbitration Association (AAA).

Additional Notes

  • The initial membership fee is charged within five days of membership approval, regardless of Zipcard activation.
  • Members are responsible for maintaining current credit or debit card information on file.
  • Zipcar is not responsible for any overdraft or other fees charged by a Member's credit card company or bank.
  • Past due accounts will be suspended, and reservations booked in advance will still be charged if not timely canceled.
  • If payment is rejected, membership and use of services may be suspended.
  • Upon membership cancellation, members may continue to book cars until the end of their billing cycle.