FAQ

Question 1

How does car sharing differ from traditional car rental services?

Accepted Answer

With car sharing, you’re borrowing a vehicle from another driver in your city for the duration of your trip or for your day of running errands. Compare that with traditional car rental, in which you rent from a fleet of vehicles. Typically, car sharing is a more affordable option than renting a car.

Question 2

What are the benefits of car sharing for both the environment and my wallet?

Accepted Answer

If you live in a busy area with public transit or walkable areas, you may not need a car for daily use. This cuts down on your carbon footprint and the costs associated with owning a car. But when you need a car for a day, borrowing one is easy and convenient, and it will be less expensive in the long run than paying the regular costs associated with ownership.

Question 3

What types of cars are typically available for car sharing?

Accepted Answer

Most car sharing companies offer several different vehicle brands and models for renters to choose from. Avail offers our borrowers a choice between standard sedans, mid-size SUVs,  full-size SUVs and vans.

Question 4

What are the insurance and liability policies for car sharing services?

Accepted Answer

Avail offers car sharing customers the ability to borrow a car with insurance protection from Allstate. Other car sharing companies may require vehicle owners to carry specific car sharing insurance.

Avail’s Allstate coverage provides borrowers with $100,000 in liability coverage, or their state’s minimum requirement (whichever is higher). This coverage is excess over any other insurance that borrowers may have. Additional fees may apply. Owners receive up to $1 million in primary liability coverage.

Question 5

How is the cost of car sharing calculated and what fees should I expect?

Accepted Answer

The cost of car sharing usually depends on the type of vehicle you’re borrowing and the length of time you need it. Avail also charges a general insurance fee to manage our policy, which can be waived if you provide proof of having your own car insurance. There are also additional fees that may be incurred, such as if you smoke in the vehicle, drive with pets or exceed our mileage limit of 200 miles per day, which is charged at $0.50 for every additional mile.

Question 6

How do car sharing companies ensure the safety and cleanliness of their vehicles?

Accepted Answer

Avail inspects each vehicle after it is dropped off at our lot to ensure it meets our safety and cleanliness qualifications. We also make note of any current cosmetic issues. Once the vehicle is returned, we inspect and clean it to make sure it remains in the same condition as when it arrived at our lot.

Question 7

What is Avail and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

Avail simplifies access to car sharing. All cars are owned by real, local people, but we take care of the car exchange, cleaning, inspection and insurance process so it’s easier for the borrower and the owner of the car.

Avail makes it easy to borrow or share a car at any of our neighborhood locations across Chicago and Denver.

Question 8

Where do I pick up and drop off my vehicle?

Accepted Answer

Avail is located in neighborhoods throughout Chicago and Denver. Choose the sharing location most convenient for you — this is where you’ll pick up and drop off your car.

Question 9

What's required to drive an Avail car?

Accepted Answer

All drivers must be 21 or older and have a valid U.S. driver’s license (probationary and provisional licenses are not accepted), a clean driving record and a valid credit card to book a reservation (debit cards are not accepted).

Question 10

How close to my desired pick-up time can I book a car?

Accepted Answer

We require bookings and modifications to be made at least 4 hours in advance of pick-up. This helps give our staff time to prepare your vehicle.

Question 11

Is insurance provided?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all Avail drivers are offered Allstate insurance and access to roadside assistance and 24/7 customer support. This insurance is excess over any other insurance that a borrower may have. Additional fees may apply.

For questions about whether your personal auto policy or credit card policy may apply, please contact your insurance provider or a licensed insurance agent.

Question 12

Is there a daily mileage limit?

Accepted Answer

Total trip mileage is limited to 200 miles per day. That means a 3-day trip is allowed up to 600 total miles before incurring a fee of an extra $0.50 per mile. We calculate total mileage by looking at the odometer before and after your trip.

Question 13

Does Avail charge any extra fees?

Accepted Answer

Avail charges a general insurance fee. Avail doesn’t charge extra fees for drivers under 25 years old, adding a second driver or canceling your trip before the reservation start time.

You may be charged fees or fines if you break our Borrower Rules and Guidelines, including for smoking or vaping, bringing a pet (service animals are accepted), damaging the vehicle, unauthorized drivers, excessive wear and tear and returning the car with less gas than was provided at pick up.

Question 14

How does Avail make sure a car is safe?

Accepted Answer

Cars must be less than 10 years old and have fewer than 125,000 miles to be shared on Avail. To maintain our safety standards, we only accept vehicles that have an automatic transmission, no open recalls, no major cosmetic damage and no significant interior or exterior damage.

Question 15

Can I add a second driver to my reservation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. After your booking is confirmed, have them create an Avail account and upload their driver’s license, then contact our support team via chat or SMS. We will then add that person to your reservation. It’s free to add a second driver.

Question 16

How do I book a car with four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive?

Accepted Answer

We can’t guarantee a vehicle will have all-wheel drive, but since we only offer cars that are less than 10 years old, many of our SUVs come equipped. If you’d like to borrow a car with four-wheel drive, just reserve a midsize or large SUV and then chat Avail support with your preference. We will do our best to fulfill your request.

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