http://www.getaround.com/
This certainly sounds like a neat start-up idea and seems to already have a strong following in Silicon Valley and San Francisco.
I used my buddy's address to search for cars and there are over 10 cars within several miles that are potentially available for rent. So, the interest is definitely there.
You rent by the hour on terms negotiated between you and the vehicle owner, but getaround.com pays to insure the vehicle for the duration of the rental. Of course, the issue of minor damage during rental period and whether the vehicle will be used for illegal activities is going to be a concern. Obviously this type of service will require a lot of due diligence from both parties, but it could work.
Although it is unlikely that any BITOGer or car enthusiast will participate in this type of program, I can see this becoming a less expensive and more flexible alternative to traditional car rental programs in urban areas. More of the kinks need to be worked out but the idea is solid.
Person-to-Person Car Rentals-- A New Concept
- Thread starter The Critic
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JHZR2
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Too much hassle for the traveling renter.
Though the way that rental cars rip consumers off (only texting, medical and towing is worse), it would be good for some competition.
I don't let valets drive my vehicles, and only begrudgingly let the porters at the dealer drive my car.....this is not happening in my corner of the world. 
It's an interesting concept, but absolutely not something I would do with a vehicle I cared about or relied on.
It seems like the car owner can get a pretty decent return if the renter treats their car well. $40 or so in exchange for 4 hours of use is pretty good. However, a bad driver could easily cause $40 in wear and tear and possibly damage in that time frame. You don't know if they will redline it with the engine cold, use the pedals like an on/off switch, spin tires, etc. A lot of this might not be readily apparent when the car is returned. Pickups would be at a high risk of being overloaded or dinged/scratched. Like you said too, illegal activities could be a major concern. If the police end up impounding your car for something the renter did, you could have a big mess on your hands.
It could be good for regular sedans. Pretty risky with a pickup or sports car. It could be a good way to make extra money off a Craigslist beater before selling it.
There's times I'd have to pay the renter to drive my minivan.
Joel
And if you thought people who lease beat up their cars.....
Tesla Roadsters for $50-75/hr? Sure, why not. Might be kinda fun.
Originally Posted By: Norm Olt
How about "Rent Your Girlfriend for an Hour?"
ls1mike
$50 Site Donor 2023
Originally Posted By: dparm
Originally Posted By: Norm Olt
How about "Rent Your Girlfriend for an Hour?"
I'd use this to rent obscure cars from the past. Anyone got a 1984 50th anniversary 300ZX Turbo with digital interior?
Originally Posted By: opus1
I don't let valets drive my vehicles, and only begrudgingly let the porters at the dealer drive my car.....this is not happening in my corner of the world.
Miami Beach has zip car rental which is similar to getaround..Turns out the residents [that do own cars as parking is a pain in South Beach] use it more then the visitors. The visitors seem to just stick to using taxis.
In South Beach you can rent bikes at all convenient locations..You can also rent all types of scooters there also.
Of all the rentals around in Miami Beach the bicycle is by far the most popular rental.
$7 an hour to hand over a $20k machine to someone you don't know?
So what happens when they drink a handle of Vodka and wrap it around a school bus stop? Who is liable?
What if they drive it off road and put a hole in the oil pan and than throw you the keys and say sorry, sue me but I have nothing!
Heck with that, call Hertz.
Originally Posted By: CROWNVIC4LIFE
Miami Beach has zip car rental which is similar to getaround..T
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